Welsh Sheepdog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed ComparisonBoth Lancashire Heeler and Welsh Sheepdog are originated from United Kingdom. Lancashire Heeler may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Welsh Sheepdog. Lancashire Heeler may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Welsh Sheepdog. Both Lancashire Heeler and Welsh Sheepdog has almost same life span. Lancashire Heeler may have less litter size than Welsh Sheepdog. Both Lancashire Heeler and Welsh Sheepdog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
25 - 31 cm
9 - 13 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
25 - 31 cm
9 - 13 inches
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier
welsh collie
Colors Available:
Black, liver-colored with tan markings
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
Coat:
Short and coarse
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

lancashire heelerThe Lancashire Heeler, known also as the Ormskirk Heeler or Ormskirk Terrier, hails from England and is looked upon as a vulnerable breed by the Kennel Club in the 21st century.

He was developed to be a cattle drover, but is essentially a companion dog today. Exact details of the origin of the Lancashire are unknown, but it is generally accepted that Welsh Corgis were used as well as a kind of black and tan terrier known as the Manchester Terrier.

In England, he has been known as a general working dog for more than a century.Gwen Mackintosh began breeding these dogs in the 1960s and the Lancashire Heeler Club was established in 1978. The dog was also placed on the Endangered Breeds in 2003.

welsh sheepdogThe Welsh Sheepdog is sometimes referred to as the Welsh Collie, but it is not a collie in anyway. It is the cross between the Border Collie and Welsh Sheepdog that is actually the Welsh Collie. The sheepdog was bred for herding not appearance and they are not all consistent in looks and size. They are a collie type but do not have recent collie ancestors. In fact the Border Collie has basically replaced the Welsh Sheepdog in herding sheep in Wales. The Welsh Sheepdog is still being bred as an indigenous breed. They are still prized for their ability to work independently and herding cattle, pigs, horses and goats as well as sheep. They were originally drovers.

In the 18th century there were many different Welsh herding dogs and one drover might have 4-6 different types of sheepdogs as guard dogs, herders and hunters. Most of these breeds were taller than the Welsh Sheepdog. By 1940 there aere only a couple of breeds doing these jobs in Wales. The purebred Welsh Hillman and Black and Tan Sheepdog were on the verge of extinction at that point.

At that time the most common dogs were descendants of the Black and Tan Sheepdog and the Border Collie. The Welsh Sheepdog was still working in central Wales and in the north country. They were purely a working breed and not a show breed in any way. They remain that today.

They are a landrace and very rare today. They have been around for more than 800 years with no effort at standardization for this working dog. They are only registered with the WSS or Welsh Sheepdog Society and the DRA Dog Registry of America.

Description

lancashire heeler puppy - descriptionAs a small breed dog, the Lancashire Heeler stands at 25 – 31cm in height, both male and female, and the dog weighs in the region of 2 to 6kg.

Looking quite similar to a Corgi or a German Shepherd with short legs, the Heeler’s legs are meant to be fairly straight and not bandy-legged. He has a short, weather-proof coarse coat that can be black or liver-colored, with tan markings. The coat is regarded as low maintenance. The hair is slightly longer around his neck.

The ears are erect, the eyes brown and bright and the tail these days is left long with a slight curl.

Temperament:

Intelligent, stubborn, strong willed, playful and friendly, the Lancashire Heeler is capable of making you an excellent pet and companion.

This dog is smart and learns quickly. He is energetic and playful, strong and robust and more than willing to take part in all the activities that you’re taking part in.

With training and socialization he makes a splendid pet, but he doesn’t put up well to abuse and disrespect from younger children. He is willing to get along with other pets in the home too.

welsh sheepdog puppy - descriptionBred for their herding abilities not their appearance, the Welsh Sheepdog can vary in color, build and size. They have long legs, broad chests and wide muzzles. They are all around bigger than the Border Collie. They come in black and white, tricolor, red and white and merle. The coat can be short or long and the ears pricked and folded at the top.

They look most like the Border Collie with a taller, broader, more solid build. They typically are stronger than the Border. Their head is distinctly collie shaped, flat and broad with the wide muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and brown. The merles can have striking blue eyes.

This is an athletic dog and you can tell by looking at her. Well muscled, broad back and neck with a long upward tail. Their tough paws are perfect for the rough terrain and Wales mountainsides.

Characteristics

lancashire heeler dog - characteristicsAs with any dog breed, there are wide variations in temperament. A dog essentially turns out the way it was brought up, similar to a child. Angry, harsh, aggressive, uncaring dog owners produce a dog that is both timid and aggressive, unsure, frustrated and with behavioral problems.

Make your dog part of your family, provide him with good food, exercise and love and he will make an awesome pet.

The Lancashire Heeler is such an amicable, social dog at heart, and treated well, he will turn out like is inherent characteristics. He is an outgoing, friendly dog, more so when he has been trained and socialized. He will adapt to city- or country life, so long as he is exercised each day.

The Heeler has a good, balanced temperament, and counted in as a loved family member, you’ll make sure he stays that way.

Characteristics

welsh sheepdog dog - characteristics1Children friendliness not really – aloof and concerned with job- all this dog wants to do is work.

2.Special talents -independent worker

3.Adaptability – Not an inside dog in any way. They need several hours of exercise per day.

4.Learning ability Highly intelligent but stubborn, independent

Health Problems

lancashire heeler puppies - health problemsYour Heeler can live to be 14, 15 or 16 years of age and live even longer than this with the right care. He is such a healthy breed, but one of the common dog illnesses to look out for are eye diseases.

Lens Luxation:

This is where the ligaments of the eye are weakened so that the lens actually loosened and then displaced, causing pain for the dog. This displacement can obstruct fluid drainage from the eye too and your vet may need to perform surgery.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

The shock-absorbing intervertebral discs can have spinal compression and contribute to significant pain for your pet. Early signs will see your Lancashire Heeler being reluctant to jump on his chair like he may once have done. Preventing obesity is important for reducing pressure on the dog’s spine.

welsh sheepdog puppies - health problemsUsually an indigenous rare breed does not have a lot of genetic or hereditary health concerns. This is a little different with the Welsh Sheepdog can suffer from any of these conditions.

• Epilepsy – Most respond well to medication and others might not even need medication.

• Collie Eye Anomaly – This is common in collie breeds like the rough coated collie. The development of the Choroid is impaired resulting in harm to the circulation of blood to the eye.

  • Hip Dysplasia – Can lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Atopic Dermatitis – Allergic skin disorder irritating paws, ears, and perineum.

• PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy - deterioration of the retina can lead to blindness. Inherited.

  • Diabetes Mellitus – Damages pancreas, high blood sugar. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

lancashire heeler dogs - caringKnown as a low maintenance dog, the Lancashire Heeler’s short coat will require little grooming, just a good brush twice a week.

If your Heeler doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, they will need to be clipped as part of the grooming process. Ears should also be checked regularly. Excess wax and dirt can build up which can lead to an ear infection. This can drive your dog mad with frustration. Teeth also need to be brushed regularly.

Remember, if you feel guilty for not getting to grooming your pet, there are professional groomers at your local vet or who work independently and they will do all of this for you.

Exercise:

Your Lancashire Heeler is such a social, active little dog who is always willing to be counted in to all your fun and games. If you’re lucky to have a fair sized garden, involve him in some ball games, or use a rope for him to tug on while you pull the other side. Whenever you go for a walk, he will be thrilled to join you as he loves picking up all those new scents outside his garden.

Diet:

Nutritious food is important for longevity and health in a dog. Every dog has different dietary needs throughout their lives – when they’re puppies, when the female is pregnant, after they’ve been spayed or neutered, as a working dog, when they’re sick, when they’re old and so on.

There are some good dog brand foods to use, but you want to choose the best ones to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals needed as opposed to those that are packed with colorants, preservatives and fillers.

Home-made food is important too and some cooked chicken, cooked rice and raw or cooked vegetables can be added to his dry kibble from time to time. Don’t complicate your dog’s diet – just feed him plain, wholesome food like this with a little bit of raw meat added in occasionally. Simple, nutritious food will ensure he is energetic, bright eyed and happy. Make sure he always has fresh, cool water.

Caring for Dog

welsh sheepdog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active dog feed high quality high protein food. 3-4 x day 1-2 cups

2.Feeding the adult Active dog feed high quality high protein 2x day 2 cups a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and intelligence

4. Games and Exercises This is an extremely active breed that needs a job. They are not the best pets they are working dogs. They need a lot of exercise. They are not good at living indoors. At least 2 hours of exercise daily is a must.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Lancashire Heeler vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Lancashire Heeler vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Lancashire Heeler vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Lancashire Heeler vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Lancashire Heeler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Lancashire Heeler vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Lancashire Heeler vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Lancashire Heeler vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Lancashire Heeler vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Lancashire Heeler vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Lancashire Heeler vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Lancashire Heeler vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Lancashire Heeler vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Lancashire Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Lancashire Heeler vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Lancashire Heeler vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Lancashire Heeler vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Lancashire Heeler vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Lancashire Heeler vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Lancashire Heeler vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Lancashire Heeler vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Lancashire Heeler vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Lancashire Heeler vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Lancashire Heeler vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Lancashire Heeler vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison