New Lancashire Heeler Dog Breed Officially Recognized

American Kennel Club recognizes new dog breed, the Lancashire Heeler, known for its energy, loyalty, and intelligence. Eligible for AKC competitions.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) made an exciting announcement on Wednesday, revealing that the organization has officially recognized a new dog breed: The Lancashire Heeler. These "small-but-sturdy" dogs are known for their black, brown, and tan to beige-colored furs and are anything but lazy. While they love to play, they also enjoy curling up at your side to watch the TV news at night.

When asked to describe the Lancashire Heeler, breeders used a variety of adjectives, including "smart, fast, sweet, loving, clever, mischievous, intelligent, energetic, loyal, attached, versatile, tenacious, robust, affectionate, and alert." This diverse range of qualities makes them a unique and fascinating addition to the AKC's recognized breed list, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 201.

With this new recognition, Lancashire Heelers will be eligible to compete in AKC competitions starting in 2024. Audiences can expect to see these dogs participating in a wide range of events, including herding, agility, obedience, rally, fast CAT, barn hunt, dock diving, disc dog, tracking, and therapy endeavors.

The road to official recognition has been a long one, with decades of misidentification by both AKC show attendees and judges. Lancashire Heelers have been mistaken for other breeds, including mini Dobermans, Manchester Terrier mixes, and even some sort of Corgi. The AKC's decision to officially recognize the breed aims to put an end to this confusion and ensure that Lancashire Heelers receive the recognition they deserve.

While the AKC's recognition is a significant milestone for Lancashire Heelers in the United States, it's worth noting that these dogs have been recognized by the original The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom since 1981. This dual recognition underscores the unique and special nature of the Lancashire Heeler, making them a breed to watch in the world of dog competitions and beyond.