Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix

The Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Labrador Retriever and the Lancashire Heeler. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Lab is known for being intelligent, kind, and outgoing. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix History

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.

Labrador Retriever History

Labrador Retriever, also called a Lab, is a retriever-gun dog—hence the name. The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in not only the United States but in the United Kingdom as well. This breed is also frequently trained as a disability assistance animal and are still prized as a sporting and hunting dog to this day.

Known for being a loving, loyal and smart breed, the Labrador Retriever is a strong choice among families for the types of dog to bring home. They are great with kids and love to play as much as they can, so going on family adventures is just as exciting for them as it is for the family.

The origin of the Labrador Retriever comes from Canada as well as the United Kingdom. The ancestors of the Labrador Retriever—a St. John’s water dog—were in England. At the same time, over in Canada, the St. John’s water dog started to lose its numbers due to rabies quarantine issues.

In the 1830s, many ancestors of the breed were imported from Newfoundland to Europe to be used for gundogs. Moving forward to 1880s, the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and the 12th Earl of Home came together to breed what is now the modern Labrador Retriever.

In terms of the history of the subtypes of the Labrador Retriever, there is a Yellow and a Chocolate option for this breed. The first Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in 1899 while the first Chocolate Labrador Retrievers were established in the 1930s. There is also a black Labrador Retriever.

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.

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix Size and Weight

Labrador Retriever
Height: 21 - 23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 80 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Lancashire Heeler
Height: 10 - 12 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 13 - 18 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix Personality

The Labrador Retriever and the Lancashire Heeler are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix Health

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 Labrador Retriever mixed with the Lancashire Heeler might be prone to joint dysplasia, patellar luxation, OCD, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix Care

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.

Labrador Retriever Lancashire Heeler Mix Feeding

"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."

Labrador Retriever Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in