Which is Better between the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler? A Very Detailed Review.

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Harrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Harrier Lancashire Heeler
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 14 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Price Range No Data $200 – $200
Average Price No Data $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Harriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lancashire Heelers are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.

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

    Lancashire Heelers live longer than Harriers.

    Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Lancashire Heeler is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

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

    Harrier Health Problems

    Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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: Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Harriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Harriers 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 Harriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lancashire Heeler:

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Harrier versus Chinook     Harrier versus Bolognese     Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Harrier versus Labrador Retriever     Harrier versus Japanese Chin     Harrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Harrier versus Bulldog     Harrier versus Bracco Italiano     Harrier versus Cavachon     Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Harrier versus Australian Kelpie     Harrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Harrier versus Skye Terrier     Harrier versus Aussiedoodle     Harrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Harrier versus Irish Terrier     Harrier versus Afghan Hound     Harrier versus Goldendoodle     Harrier versus Shichon     Harrier versus Irish Terrier     Harrier versus Australian Shepherd     Harrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Harrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Carolina Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Shihpoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Cockalier     Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Bedlington Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Afador     Lancashire Heeler versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Chinook     Lancashire Heeler versus Skye Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus American Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Afghan Hound     Lancashire Heeler versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Miniature Pinscher     Lancashire Heeler versus Dalmatian     Lancashire Heeler versus Cavapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Cesky Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Briard     Lancashire Heeler versus Pekingese     Lancashire Heeler versus Great Dane     Lancashire Heeler versus Lowchen     Lancashire Heeler versus Briard     Lancashire Heeler versus English Toy Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Australian Cattle Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Briard     

    Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.