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

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Lancashire Heeler Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Overview

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

Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Factor Lancashire Heeler Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 24 to 38 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
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 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $200 $1890
Price Range $200 – $200 $1000 – $2425
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lancashire Heeler is a better pet than the Staffordshire Bull 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

  • Lancashire Heelers are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    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, Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh 24 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $2425. However, the price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 56 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    Average Price $200 $1890
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1000 to $2425

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lancashire Heeler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Lancashire Heeler puppies or how many Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

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

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lancashire Heelers and many Staffordshire Bull Terriers 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 Harvey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lancashire Heelers like Harvey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Lancashire Heelers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Hercules is a Male Staffordshire Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Staffordshire Bull Terriers like Hercules that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lancashire Heeler and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Also, Warlock is an adorable Male Staffordshire Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Lancashire Heelers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Lancashire Heelers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler versus Health Problems of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 7 tests are recommended for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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

    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.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Staffordshire Bull Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers drool moderately.

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

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Staffordshire Bull 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.

    Do Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lancashire Heelers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Better for Apartment Owners than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Boxer (71 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Boxer.
  • Schipperke (72 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Bich Poo     Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler     Lancashire Heeler versus Bernedoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Pharaoh Hound     Lancashire Heeler versus Welsh Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lancashire Heeler versus Peek A Poo     Lancashire Heeler versus Bouvier des Flandres     Lancashire Heeler versus Finnish Spitz     Lancashire Heeler versus Pug     Lancashire Heeler versus Cesky Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Bich Poo     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Akbash     Lancashire Heeler versus Canaan Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Standard Schnauzer     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lancashire Heeler versus Gordon Setter     Lancashire Heeler versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Bearded Collie     Lancashire Heeler versus American Water Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Valley Bulldog     

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Papillon     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Keeshond     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Labradoodle     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Shichon     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Hovawart     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Maltipoo     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo     

    Conclusion: Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.