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The origins of the Lancashire Heeler are unclear, but it is believed that the breed originated when the Welsh Corgi, used to drive cattle and sheep from Wales to markets in Northwestern England, was bred with the Manchester Terrier, locally known as the English Black and Tan Terrier. The resulting black and tan dog did work similar to the Corgi, driving cattle and sheep to market by nipping at their heels, and also retained the natural ratting instincts of the terrier. They were found to be energetic, alert, and tireless, and became popular working dogs on Lancashire farms. The Lancashire Heeler, also known as the Ormskirk Heeler, has been used on farms in the Lancashire area for hundreds of years and today can still be found working herds on area farms.
The 1960s brought about a resurgence of interest in this ancient breed, leading to the formation in the UK of the Lancashire Heeler Club in 1981. The breed was placed on The Kennel Club, UK Rare Breed Register and gained full recognition in 1982. In 1999 the breed was granted Champion Certification status and became the smallest member of the Pastoral Group. Today's breed, identical in color and size to its ancient counterpart, is mostly a companion dog, although many of the breed can still be found working cattle and sheep on farms in northwestern England where it has remained popular with a loyal, if small, following.
The Lancashire Heeler is also gaining popularity in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands where it remains virtually unchanged from its British foundations. In 2001, the first Lancashire Heeler was registered in the United States with the AKC Foundation Stock Service.
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