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

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Lancashire Heeler Versus Rottweiler: Introduction

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

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

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 Rottweiler.

Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Rottweiler belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler to the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler

Factor Lancashire Heeler Rottweiler
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 85 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
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 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 8 to 11 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 9.5 years
Average Price $200 $1740
Price Range $200 – $200 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • 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 Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lancashire Heeler is a better pet than the Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler

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

  • Lancashire Heelers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler

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

    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, Rottweilers weigh 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Rottweilers are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler

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

    The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.

    Lancashire Heelers live longer than Rottweilers.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Rottweiler

    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 Rottweiler puppy is $1740. The price of the Rottweiler typically ranges from $1300 – $2000. However, the price of the Rottweiler can be as low as $100 and as high as $4650. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 365 Rottweiler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Rottweiler is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Rottweiler
    Average Price $200 $1740
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1300 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lancashire Heeler and Rottweiler. For different price points, the charts show how many Lancashire Heeler puppies or how many Rottweiler 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 Rottweilers

    A breakdown of the prices of Rottweilers

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

    Adopting the Lancashire Heeler versus Adopting the Rottweiler

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lancashire Heelers and many Rottweilers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler named Badger that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lancashire Heelers like Badger on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Lancashire Heelers, Rottweilers are also available for adoption. For example, Max Jr is a Male Rottweiler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Rottweilers like Max Jr that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lancashire Heeler and the Rottweiler can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Harvey is the name of another Lancashire Heeler (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Lancashire Heelers and Rottweilers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler versus Health Problems of Rottweiler

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Rottweiler Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rottweilers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler

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

    Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Rottweilers?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Rottweiler

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Rottweilers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers?

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

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

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

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Rottweiler

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

    Rottweilers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler?

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Lancashire Heelers and Rottweilers?

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

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

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Rottweilers are very easy to train.

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

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Boxer (75 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Boxer.
  • Portuguese Pointer (74 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Stabyhoun     Lancashire Heeler versus Bichon Frise     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomchi     Lancashire Heeler versus Boxerdoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Goldador     Lancashire Heeler versus Papipoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Cane Corso     Lancashire Heeler versus Field Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus American Foxhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Chinook     Lancashire Heeler versus Goldendoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Boerboel     Lancashire Heeler versus Sheepadoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Pekingese     Lancashire Heeler versus Kai Ken     Lancashire Heeler versus Xoloitzcuintli     Lancashire Heeler versus Sealyham Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lancashire Heeler versus Pekingese     Lancashire Heeler versus Sussex Spaniel     

    Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rottweiler versus Portuguese Pointer     Rottweiler versus Bluetick Coonhound     Rottweiler versus Chinese Crested     Rottweiler versus Doberman Pinscher     Rottweiler versus Lowchen     Rottweiler versus American Eskimo Dog     Rottweiler versus Saint Bernard     Rottweiler versus Keeshond     Rottweiler versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Rottweiler versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Rottweiler versus Coton de Tulear     Rottweiler versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Rottweiler versus Spinone Italiano     Rottweiler versus Spinone Italiano     Rottweiler versus Catahoula Bulldog     Rottweiler versus Beaglier     Rottweiler versus Papillon     Rottweiler versus German Longhaired Pointer     Rottweiler versus Miniature Poodle     Rottweiler versus Portuguese Pointer     Rottweiler versus Bordoodle     Rottweiler versus Miniature Pinscher     Rottweiler versus Bullmastiff     Rottweiler versus Alaskan Malamute     Rottweiler versus Bordoodle     

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