The American Kennel Club made an announcement on January 3, 2024, introducing the Lancashire heeler as the latest breed to gain recognition from the club, marking it as the 201st breed acknowledged by the AKC. These heelers, now classified under the Herding Group, are eligible to participate in AKC-sanctioned events such as dog shows and sports competitions.
In a press release, Gina DiNardo, the Executive Secretary of the AKC, expressed excitement about the Lancashire Heeler’s addition to the registry, highlighting its characteristics as a small yet robust herding dog that thrives on human interaction. DiNardo emphasized the breed’s suitability as a companion for active families capable of providing ample love and attention, advising prospective dog owners to conduct thorough research to find the most suitable breed for their lifestyle.
The Lancashire heelers mark the first breed to achieve recognition since the Bracco Italiano was acknowledged in 2022. While their precise origins remain uncertain, the AKC suggests Lancashire heelers trace back to the 17th century, believed to be the outcome of crossing a type of Welsh corgi with the Manchester terrier. Notably, the breed is distinguished by its unique “Heeler smile,” characterized by a lip-drawing gesture that resembles a human smile.
The Lancashire heeler received recognition from The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom in 1981 and was included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2001. The formation of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club in 2007 marked the beginning of efforts to attain full AKC recognition for this small breed. For a breed to earn AKC recognition, it requires an active interest and following in the United States, an established breed club, and a sufficiently distributed population of dogs across the country.
