The Lancashire Heeler is a native breed of the United Kingdom originating in the County of Lancashire hence the name he is the smallest dog in the Pastoral Group, this group comprises of dogs who were used to herd cattle and sheep since the early days of mans close association with dogs.

Not only have they been used to herd sheep, cattle and other cloven hoofed animals, dogs were used to guard their owners from predators.  All over the world dogs can be seen working with other animals, from the hottest climates of Africa and Australia to the very cold temperatures of the Arctic Circle, dogs are used to herd and guard other animals.  There is a vast terrain difference where the herding dogs are used, from arid deserts to lowland plains to bleak snow capped mountains.  Most dogs have a natural instinct to chase anything which runs and to protect their territory and other pack members from attack.  We have capitalised on these natural instincts and trained many dog breeds to be natural herders, the Lancashire Heeler being one of these.  As time moved on this development was advantageous to both man and dog.  The dog's skills of herding and guarding were valuable to man, the dogs benefitted by being looked after and well fed.

When man began to settle into larger communities, settlements and villages, they surrounded the villages etc with herds of animals, which was the start of a form of a farming system, the herds of different animals provided the settlers with food, drinks and clothing.  These herds had to be protected from predators, they were kept in close proximity to the villages, these herds were highly valued by the communities as also were the dogs who were used to guard both flocks and homes.  The dogs helped to keep the flock in close proximity to the community.