Is the Irish Terrier Better than the Lancashire Heeler as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Irish Terrier Lancashire Heeler
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1280 $200
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Terrier is 78 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 not better or worse than the Irish Terrier. So, you can get the Lancashire Heeler or the Irish Terrier!

    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 Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Irish Terrier Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $1280 $200
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $200 to $200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier puppy or the Lancashire Heeler puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Terriers 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.

    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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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 Irish Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Terrier versus Hovawart     Irish Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Irish Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Irish Terrier versus Basenji     Irish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Komondor     Irish Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Irish Terrier versus Cockalier     Irish Terrier versus Keeshond     Irish Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Irish Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Irish Terrier versus French Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Irish Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Schnoodle     Irish Terrier versus Cavachon     Irish Terrier versus Lowchen     Irish Terrier versus Borzoi     Irish Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Irish Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Toy Poodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Lancashire Heeler versus Cavapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Bouvier des Flandres     Lancashire Heeler versus Swedish Vallhund     Lancashire Heeler versus Schnoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lancashire Heeler versus Akita Chow     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Afghan Hound     Lancashire Heeler versus Bich Poo     Lancashire Heeler versus Saluki     Lancashire Heeler versus Yorkipoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Miniature Schnauzer     Lancashire Heeler versus Chorkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Kuvasz     Lancashire Heeler versus King Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Affenhuahua     Lancashire Heeler versus Irish Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Vizsla     Lancashire Heeler versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Puli     Lancashire Heeler versus Mountain Cur     

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