LANCASHIRE HEELER
Lancashire Heeler comes originally from England and is one of the breeds on the list of vulnerable native English breeds. The breed is small in number worldwide, and also in Norway. In the county of Lancashire, it has been known as the "farmer's dog" for several hundred years and was tasked with driving cows, as well as keeping farms free of rats and mice. Today's version of the breed was bred in the 1970s and in 1981 the breed was approved by the English Kennel Club.
The breed came to Norway in 1998 and the first heeler litter registered in Norway came the same year. The Heeler as a breed was temporarily recognized internationally by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2016, with breed number 360.
TRAITS
The Lanchashire Heeler is a small, strong, robustly built, alert and energetic working dog. This is a useful breed that is used today for everything from obedience to chanterelle search. A dog that is perfectly suited to be a family dog and is a devoted, happy and large dog in a small package.
The heeler has a sense of humor and a significant proportion of them ''talk'' and smile and invent funny things to entertain themselves and you. Heelers like to be with their pack, and you'll never be lonely with a heeler by your side.
TRAINING
Its eagerness and interest in "brain training" makes it great for obedience, rally obedience, track, field search, rounding, heeler work, freestyle, agility, etc.
WORKING HEELER
The Lancashire Heeler has historically been used as driving herding dogs. It ranges from driving cattle over longer distances to rounding up cattle and sheep from pasture to the farm.
EXHIBITION
Heeler is temporarily approved by the FCI with breed number 360, and can compete in group 1: Herding dogs.
LOYAL FRIEND
The heeler is fond of going for walks. It sticks around its owner, and is keen to keep the herd together, even on walks. It is independent and brave, and extremely loyal to what it considers to be its herd; characteristics it carries with it from its history as a cowherd.
Independent dogs can come up with work tasks on their own if they do not receive sufficient stimuli, so it may be a good idea to give them clear guidelines and tasks. The Heeler is easy to teach, but can be somewhat stubborn and have his own opinions. Positive reinforcement and consistent routines make for a safe and happy dog that knows what is expected of it.
