The Boerboel Lancashire Heeler Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Boerboel and the Lancashire Heeler. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Boerboel is known for being confident, dominant, and territorial. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Boerboel or the Lancashire Heeler? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boerboel Lancashire Heeler Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boerboel Lancashire Heeler Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Boerboel Lancashire Heeler Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Boerboel History
The Boerboel is a farm dog, native to South Africa, who does well guarding livestock and even cats. The word “boer” is Dutch/Afrikaans for “farmer.” She is also called the South African Mastiff or the South African Boerboel dog. She is a fierce protectors and is almost always aware of the presence of wild, predatory animals and prepared to defend her family. There have been a number of attacks associated with them, but attacks shouldn’t worry the average person. A well socialized dog is usually pretty good with all people. A Boerboel is a loving creature who, when properly socialized, comes to enjoy the family, its children, and even meeting new people. When properly socialized and trained she can have a nice temperament. Introducing her to strangers is a good way to socialize you Boerboel. Experts recommend that the entire family participate in the Boerboel’s training, so she comes to recognize that the children rate higher than the dog in the family hierarchy. It is not a real common breed, but there are breeders out there that will have south african purebred boerboel puppies for sale. However, we recommend that you look and find a boerboel rescue in your area. The rescue might even have black or brindle boerboel puppies, you never know. To my knowledge, there isn’t a miniature boerboel, there are just puppies. Boerboels are considered rare in the U.S. and parts of the world other than South Africa. Legend has it that after the conquest of Egypt, Assyrian dogs spread to the rest of Africa and to other parts of the world. Two new breeds resulted: the hound and the mastiff. The Boerboel -- hardy, athletic and muscular, with a protective instinct -- fell into the mastiff offshoot of the ancient African breed.
The Boerboel was developed to work. In 1938, the De Beers family brought several of the Bull Mastiff type dogs to South Africa to guard their diamond mines, a task they were more than suited for.
In the early 1980s in South Africa, a pair of researchers covered 5,500 kilometers in search of an example the “original” Boer dog. Of these, just 72 dogs were considered close to the ancient dog and were registered for breeding. The breed remains rare, but in 2015 she was accepted to compete in the AKC’s Working group. There are many different types and colors, the white, brindle, black, blue among others.
Lancashire Heeler History
Lancashire Heeler, also known as a Ormskirk Heeler or a Ormskirk Terrier, originated in England. This breed has been documented in England for more than one hundred and fifty years. This breed was mostly used for herding cattle, and its main purpose was as a farm dog. Although Lancashire Heelers are still known for being a working dog, they are mostly companion dogs.
Being a close ancestor to a Corgi, Lancashire Heelers are longer than they are tall. Their bodies add to the distinctive look of a Lancashire Heeler. Add to that the pointed ears, and many lovers of Lancashire Heelers enjoy the small statue and look of this intelligent breed.
They are a happy, positive breed that brings energy and companionship to any family. They are good with children and have no problems being trained, being a compassionate and intelligent breed. As a whole, this intelligent dog has made its way into the hearts of many families.
The origin of a Lancashire Heeler is still mostly unknown, although a widely accepted fact is that a Welsh Corgi was believed to be one of the ancestors of the Lancashire Heeler. Following that, another black and tan terrier called a Manchester Terrier was introduced to the genetic pool, and we now have the modern-day Lancashire Heeler. Originally the Lancashire Heeler was bred to be a drover as well as a herder of cattle.
In the early 1960s, Gwen Mackintosh started breeding Lancashire Heelers. In 1978, the Lancashire Heeler Club was formed by Gwen and other lovers of Lancashire Heelers. This is when the breed standard was created and registered. Soon after in 1981, The Kennel Club Recognized the breed as well. The Lancashire Heeler is recognized and labeled as a “vulnerable” breed. The reason for this label is because the annual registration in the Kennel Club is 300 or less.
Boerboel
Height: 23 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 90 - 180 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
Lancashire Heeler
Height: 10 - 12 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 13 - 18 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
The Boerboel and the Lancashire Heeler might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Boerboel mixed with the Lancashire Heeler might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, ectropion, entropion, among others.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."