We’ve barely started the new year, so there’s much to celebrate! The latest celebration is welcoming a new breed, recently made official by the American Kennel Club, which joins the adorable Herding group.
On January 1, 2024, Lancashire Heelers, now recognized as a breed, are officially eligible to start competition. Here’s what you need to know!
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According to a press release from The American Kennel Club, the organization has named its 201st recognized breed, announced by the President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club, Sheryl Bradbury.
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The club welcomes the Lancashire Heelers
On January 3, the official Instagram profile for the American Kennel Club shared that these special Heelers would be joining in the fun.
“New year, new AKC-recognized breed,” they wrote, along with a video showing a cute Lancashire Heeler being presented at a competition.
“Help us welcome the Lancashire Heeler to the Herding Group,” the caption continued.
In the company’s press release, we learn more about how to get to this point and why this Heeler pup is so special.
“Getting officially recognized as a member of the Herding Group required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree,” the company shared in its article announcing the newly recognized breed.
They estimate there are approximately 400 Lancashire Heelers in the country, and their popularity is likely to only rise from here.
What is so special about the Lancashire Heelers?
Since this breed hasn’t been recognized for very long, most people aren’t familiar with the Lancashire Heelers, but they sound like a breed of dogs with fun personalities.
They’ve been described as”smart, fast, sweet, loving, clever, mischievous, intelligent, energetic, loyal, attached, versatile, tenacious, robust, affectionate, and alert.”
But what makes this breed special or interesting is that their unique look draws interest, even at dog shows, because of their unique mix of personality and appearance.
“Small, powerful, sturdily built, alert and an energetic worker, the Lancashire Heeler works cattle but has terrier instincts when rabbiting and ratting,” the American Kennel Club shares.
“The breed is different, but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of the Judges’ Education Committee, who spoke with the American Kennel Club.
Adding: “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed, it is extremely intelligent — it definitely needs a job to do.”
While these dogs might look like they’re just small and cute, they’re not afraid of working hard. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night,” Bradbury shared.
But she warns that people often underestimate this dog breed, and they shouldn’t be fooled. “I always caution buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you,” Bradbury continued. “The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”
Other dog breeds considered to be in the herding group along with the Lancashire Heeler include the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, German Shepherd, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, among others.
