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

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Lancashire Heeler Versus Puli: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli 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 Lancashire Heeler and for the Puli. 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Puli.

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

Lancashire Heeler versus Puli: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are Herding Dogs. This means both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli 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.

Lancashire Heeler versus Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler to the Puli 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Puli

Factor Lancashire Heeler Puli
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 10 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $200 $2250
Price Range $200 – $200 $1875 – $2750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lancashire Heeler 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 Puli. 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 Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Puli is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lancashire Heeler is a better pet than the Puli. 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli

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

  • Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom. However, Pulis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Puli are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Puli

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

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

    On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lancashire Heeler versus Puli

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

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Pulis live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Puli

    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 a Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Puli is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Puli
    Average Price $200 $2250
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1875 to $2750

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lancashire Heeler puppy or the Puli 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.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler versus Health Problems of Puli

    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 Lancashire Heeler and the Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.

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

    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.

    Puli Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Puli

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

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Pulis?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Puli

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Pulis 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.

    Do Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?

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

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

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

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Puli

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

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

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Pulis?

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

    Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lancashire Heelers and Pulis?

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

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

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

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

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Puli vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Hovawart.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Lancashire Heeler versus Bearded Collie     Lancashire Heeler versus Papillon     Lancashire Heeler versus Italian Greyhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Border Collie     Lancashire Heeler versus Sloughi     Lancashire Heeler versus Briard     Lancashire Heeler versus Yorkipoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Akbash     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Standard Schnauzer     Lancashire Heeler versus Aussiedoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Japanese Chin     Lancashire Heeler versus Labrador Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Shih Tzu     Lancashire Heeler versus Plott     Lancashire Heeler versus American Foxhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Norfolk Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Lhasa Apso     Lancashire Heeler versus Field Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Puli versus Kai Ken     Puli versus Chihuahua     Puli versus Afghan Hound     Puli versus Chorkie     Puli versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Puli versus Silky Terrier     Puli versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Puli versus Irish Wolfhound     Puli versus Japanese Chin     Puli versus Maltese     Puli versus Field Spaniel     Puli versus Brussels Griffon     Puli versus Bedlington Terrier     Puli versus Kuvasz     Puli versus Bluetick Coonhound     Puli versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Puli versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Puli versus Korean Jindo Dog     Puli versus Black Mouth Cur     Puli versus Goldendoodle     Puli versus American Bulldog     Puli versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Puli versus Irish Water Spaniel     

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