American Kennel Club Announces New Dog Breed, the 'Small' but 'Powerful' Lancashire Heeler

The spirited herding dog's history dates back to the 17th century in the United Kingdom, according to the organization

The American Kennel Club has a new addition!

On Wednesday, the organization, which officiates the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, announced that the small-but-mighty Lancashire Heeler has received full recognition, becoming AKC's 201st breed.

The rare herding breed, described as affectionate, energetic, and hard-working, is now eligible to compete in AKC dog shows nationwide.

"A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," Gina DiNardo, AKC's executive secretary, said in a news release.

The Lancashire Heeler's history dates back to the 17th century in the United Kingdom. While their exact origin is unknown, the breed is widely believed to be "the outgrowth of crossbreeding of livestock-herding Welsh Corgis in a Northern Wales meat market, with the later infusion of the Manchester Terrier," according to AKC.

The U.K. Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1981 and listed it as a "vulnerable breed" in 2006.

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The sturdy Lancashire Heeler — bred to help farmers herd cattle and rout out rats — has a long body and dense, short-haired coat that is typically black and tan or liver and tan. The breed is about 1 foot tall and weighs 9 and 17 pounds. The dogs usually live 12 to 15 years.

The Lancashire Heeler enjoys exercise, mental stimulation, and human companionship, which makes them good pets and family dogs.

"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," Sheryl Bradbury, president of the U.S. Lancashire Heelers Club, told AKC.

Bradbury estimates that there are about 400 Lancashire Heelers in the U.S.

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Prior to the Lancashire Heeler, the latest breeds to be recognized by the AKC were the Mudi, Bracco Italiano, and Russian Toy, all of which received full recognition in 2022.

To receive recognition by the AKC, a breed must count at least 300 dogs with a third-generation pedigree and be geographically distributed through at least 20 states. In addition, AKC staff must approve the breed standard.

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