Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Lancashire Heeler
The Lancashire Heeler is a small, low-set cattle dog from north-west England that also caught rats. It is lively, clever and very attached to its people.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Lancashire Heeler by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 5 DNA tests
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ITPR3: XM_038553756.1:c.5002C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Lancashire Heeler, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT), Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), Patellar luxation (PT), Primary lens luxation (PLL), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Lancashire Heeler needs daily walks, play and some mental challenge. Its short coat is easy to care for.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
Its herding instinct can make it nip at heels, and it likes to bark. Early socialisation and consistent, kind training are important.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
