Meet the Newest AKC Dog Breed: Lancashire Heelers

Fans of the Lancashire heeler dog breed will be thrilled to hear that these lively little dogs are newly recognized as the 201st dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). If you’re not familiar with Lancashire heelers, there’s a lot to love about them. From their herding roots to their loyal personalities, these dogs are as fascinating as they are rare. Meet the new kids on the block and see if this breed is right for your family.

Lancashire heelers are small dogs that weigh between nine and 17 pounds when full-grown and stand about 10 to 12 inches high. Despite their small size, the Lancashire heeler isn’t like most other little breeds.

They’re powerful and sturdy, with a stocky body and legs that are fairly short relative to the rest of their body. This characteristic is reminiscent of the Lancashire’s cousin, the corgi.   

This new AKC breed is very intelligent. Because the Lancashire heeler is such a smart cookie, they’re often quick to learn commands and can easily pick up tricks. Other characteristics of the breed include a playful nature, curiosity, and an occasional stubborn streak.

The exact details of the Lancashire heeler’s origin are still a little fuzzy. We do know that the breed originated in Lancashire, England, and was believed to have been created by crossing Welsh corgis with Manchester terriers. Their general purpose was to be a farm dog, capable of both chasing vermin and herding cattle. 

Like most heelers, the Lancashire heeler creates very strong bonds with their people. They’re friendly, affectionate, and loyal – the epitome of a canine best friend.

That said, they can be a little aloof with strangers until they know them better. The Lancashire heeler isn’t known for being nippy like other heeler breeds, which makes them a good choice for families. 

RELATED: List of 30 Herding Dog Breeds (With Key Characteristics)

The Lancashire heeler is easily recognized by their coat color and markings. Their coat is a solid color with tan markings on the muzzle, cheeks, and above the eyes. These pups are found in only two color combinations:

• Black and tan
• Liver and tan

The Lancashire’s fine undercoat is covered by a short, weather-resistant topcoat. These dogs are moderate shedders who tend to drop their coats a couple of times a year with the changing seasons.

Grooming these cuties is pretty easy. A weekly brushing and occasional baths every few months or as needed should be plenty, although they may need more frequent brushing during shedding seasons.

Don’t let their size fool you: this breed is very active. Most need at least an hour of exercise every day through walks, jogs, hikes, or supervised playtime.

If a Lancashire heeler isn’t able to burn off enough energy, they can become destructive. Barking, digging, and chewing are all signs that your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation.

RELATED: 13 High-Energy Dog Breeds for Active Pet Parents

You might be surprised to learn that the Lancashire heeler is the first AKC dog breed with the term “heeler” in their name. If you’re wondering, “What about the Queensland heeler, red heeler, and blue heeler?” these are all alternate names for the same breed whose official name is actually Australian cattle dog. So, for now, the Lancashire is the lone heeler of the breed world!

Lancashire heelers live an average of 12 to 15 years. This breed is generally healthy, and there are only a few breed-related conditions you should need to discuss with the vet.

• Primary lens luxation (PLL)
• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
• Persistent pupillary membrane (PPM)
• Luxating patellas

Because the Lancashire heeler is still a very new AKC breed, there aren’t many established rescues that specialize in rehoming this breed. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt one.

Take a look at national platforms like Petfinder and search for Lancashire heelers and mixes, or reach out to your local shelters and ask if they have any dogs with the criteria you’re looking for. As many as 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred, so chances are, if you can’t find a Lancashire heeler, you can find another breed that you have your heart set on.

It’s very exciting that the Lancashire heeler has been named the newest AKC dog breed because this cutie is definitely special. They’re one of the smallest working and herding breeds out there but are loaded with energy. If you have an active lifestyle and the time to keep this little heeler out of trouble, they may be the perfect fit for you.