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Featuring March's !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Lancashire Heeler
What is a Lancashire Heeler?
The Lancashire Heeler; also known as the Ormskirk Heeler, is hailed as the smallest breed of herding dog that was developed and implemented as, not only a herder, but a drover of its master's cattle. Uncharacteristic of most of its fellow herding breeds, this pint sized canine has an ancestry that infuses the joining of two polar opposites in the dog world; herder meets terrier, which aided in giving the breed that wily terrier grin and makes it a fairly versatile breed in function. Its uniqueness is enhanced by its rarity, with only an estimated 5,000 living individuals worldwide.History & Origin
Akin to many of the modern day herding breeds, the Lancashire's roots can be traced to a European heritage. The humble beginnings of this petite pooch can be traced back as far as the year 1797. Near the duration of the 18th century, the exportation of sheep via Ireland increased in necessity for their English neighbors. This in turn, boosted the use of the port in Liverpool, located in northwest England. It was from these voyages that the predecessors of the Lancashire Heeler came to English shores; their purpose, to aid in driving flocks of sheep off of the boats, nipping at their heels as they exited. These fore bearers of the breed brought about a new method of herding that separated them from other herding breeds that had been developed thus far. This new subcategory of herding dogs, the heelers; were bred to be a specialty herder whose instinct included nipping at the lower legs and heels of livestock and to corral their herbivorous quarry. In some cases, lead them to their master's slaughterhouses. The method behind nipping at the heels was to ensure as little damage as possible to the hides of the prey animals. As a result, not only were these varieties of dogs sought out by farmers, but also by industrial meat packagers.In regard to the Lancashire's family tree, one would almost instantly think of a corgi heritage given its short stubby legs and long low riding body. Yet, as with many dog breed origins, there are always a few naysayers that point to another source of ancestry. In one instance, there is a theory that there may have been a Norse influence in the breed correlating with an ancestry from the Swedish Vallhund. In her publication, Herding Dogs: Their Origins and Development in Britain, author Iris Combe's thoughts on the Lancashire's pedigree are as stated. "I feel the heeler is most likely a local variety of corgi or spitz dog which has been kept for generations within one particular district, in the same way as the Cardigan and Pembroke corgis." (Combe) In addition, the inclusion of local Manchester Terriers mingled with the herders which resulted in a dog that was a hybrid of two entirely different types of domestic dog. That being, having the intelligence and precision of a herder, but also possess the tenacity, ruthlessness, and ratting abilities of a terrier.
If one were to go back in time around sixty years ago, the Lancashire would be a prevalent breed to see in farmsteads throughout northwestern England. Thanks to their compact size and multi-functioning purpose as a herder and a ratter, these dogs found their niche and seemed quite comfortable in this highly agrarian environment. However, as farming practices began to radically change via industrial farming, droving fell out of practice, and more specialized herding breeds gained more interest, the Lancashire found itself adrift.
Fortunately, there were a handful of fanciers of the breed which worried about the decrease in population. Led by enthusiast Gwen Mackintosh of Norfolk, the remaining Lancashire Heeler breeders banned together and formed the Lancashire Heeler Club in 1978. Their hard work paid off when the little heelers were recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB) a few years later in 1981 and by the end of 1988; seven hundred fifty one Lancashire Heelers were recorded in the KCGB's registry. The breed also received recognition with the prestigious Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1995. Despite these major steps forward, the marginal population maintained was still in great jeopardy and by 2003; the Lancashire was added to the KCGB's list of vulnerable breeds.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Lancashire was accepted into the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in 2001. The first registered dog in the states also came into pruition the same year. Six years later in 2007, the United States Lancashire Heeler Club was born. According to statistics taken as recently as 2012, ninety two Lancashire Heelers were registered through the FSS, eighty seven of them had a three generation pedigree in their ancestry. Today, the Lancashire is recognized in other kennel clubs as well including the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), the American Canine Registry (ACR), and the North American Purebred Registry, Inc. (NAPR).
Appearance & Structure
Akin to its Corgi predecessors, the Lancashire Heeler is set low to the ground; as its legs are very short in relative proportion to the rest of its body. Large, widely set, erect ears sit atop its small skull; dropped ears being an incredible fault. The head is to be in proportion with the body with bright eyes set wide apart from one another. The eyes themselves, are almond in shape, medium in size, and must be have very dark colored irises. The only exception to this rule is only applicable in liver colored dogs. In that instance the eye color may be lighter in order to correspond with the lighter coat coloration.On the topic of the color of a dog's coat, the black and tan smooth coat seen today was first bred in Ormskrik and over the years became the preferred color combination for the breed. However, a liver and tan variation can be found among individuals as well. The topcoat is short, thick and weather resistant to all conditions. In addition, there is a fine undercoat that can be found underneath the thick exterior but should never be visible to the surface. The Lancashire’s coat changes as the seasons change; being that in the warm summer months, the coat is reduced in thickness and in the bitter winter the coat will thicken and a handsome neck ruff becomes an added characteristic to the dog’s exterior.
Looking at the body cavity of this breed, well sprung ribbing is an integral part of the dog's build, extending well back with close coupling. A firm, level topline is apparent, never to dip at the withers or fall at the croup. An individual's forequarters include well laid shoulders, elbows firmly placed at the ribs, and pasterns can allow the forefeet to turn slightly outwards, but not to the point of compromising a dog's movement or render them weak. Likewise, the hindquarters are also muscular with well turned stifles. From the rear, the hind legs should be parallel when in motion or standing still. The result being a natural and brisk gait. A dog's tail is set high and never should be docked. While it can be carried over the back in a slight curve, the tail should never form a complete ring.
Temperament
As with all herding dogs, the Lancashire has a hard wired instinct to do what it was born to accomplish. Early intervention to prevent unwanted ankle nipping is essential as well as having proper stimulation for a high energy breed. Obedience training is a staple for this strong willed breed and extensive exercises regarding self-control and redirecting of energy are critical if one is to have a mentally sound companion. The Lancashire, while not often used as a herding dog in present times, can still perform well if instructed by one who has an extensive history training dogs to herd. These pint sized canines can also perform well in agility, flyball, and even frisbee competitions. The key to keeping this breed happy is essentially the same as all herders; by providing immense stimulation, exercise, and a clear and devoted equal partnership.In the homestead, the Lancashire is an alert and friendly dog with its immediate family. However, it might be in the best interest of the dog that only older children with proper dog cohabitation skills share its residence. Younger children often show less restraint in respecting a dog's personal boundaries as they themselves discover their place in the world. As a result, a dog like the Lanchashire can either be frightened by the invasiveness of a toddler, or take advantage of their naiveté and herd them around one's home.
In the event an intruder makes an entrance, the Lancashire is innately wary of strangers and will alert their family immediately. With other animals, proper socialization at a tender age is always encouraged with any dog. In the case of the Lancashire, this is even more relevant given the breed's strong herding and prey drive. Future prospecting owners should keep this in mind if prey animals currently reside. While cases of dog to dog aggression seldom are reported in the breed, early socialization with other canine companions should always be encouraged. In the event an intruder makes an entrance, the Lancashire is innately wary of strangers and will alert their family immediately. With other animalskeep this in mind if prey animals currently reside. While cases of dog to dog aggression seldom are reported in the breed, early socialization with other canine companions should always be encouraged.
In the right setting, the Lancashire is a remarkable little firecracker which has warmed the hearts of those who have ever owned one. Despite its diminutive size, this rare gem of the herding world can be just as enjoyable for herding breed enthusiasts as its more popular contemporaries.
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