Breed Comparison: Border Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler

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Border Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Border Terrier and for the Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Terrier to the Lancashire Heeler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Border Terrier Lancashire Heeler
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 11 to 15 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1400 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
    		•
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lancashire Heeler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Border Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lancashire Heeler is a better pet than the Border Terrier. So, you should get the Lancashire Heeler!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    Below is a list of where the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:

    • Border Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lancashire Heelers are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Border Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Lancashire Heelers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    The Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:

    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

    Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Border Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Health Problems of Border Terrier versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Border Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Terrier than for the Lancashire Heeler.

    5 health tests are recommended for Border Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Terriers and in Lancashire Heelers.

    Border Terrier Health Problems

    Border Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Border Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Border Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Terriers here.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Border Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Border Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Border Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Border Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Border Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Border Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Border Terriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Border Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Border Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Border Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Border Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Border Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.