Lancashire Heeler vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Lancashire Heeler vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonLancashire Heeler is originated from United Kingdom but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Lancashire Heeler may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Lancashire Heeler may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Lancashire Heeler and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Lancashire Heeler and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Lancashire Heeler requires Low maintenance. But Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

lancashire heeler - historyThe Lancashire Heeler, known also as the Ormskirk Heeler or Ormskirk Terrier, hails from England and is looked upon as a vulnerable breed by the Kennel Club in the 21st century.

He was developed to be a cattle drover, but is essentially a companion dog today. Exact details of the origin of the Lancashire are unknown, but it is generally accepted that Welsh Corgis were used as well as a kind of black and tan terrier known as the Manchester Terrier.

In England, he has been known as a general working dog for more than a century.Gwen Mackintosh began breeding these dogs in the 1960s and the Lancashire Heeler Club was established in 1978. The dog was also placed on the Endangered Breeds in 2003.

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

lancashire heeler puppy - descriptionAs a small breed dog, the Lancashire Heeler stands at 25 – 31cm in height, both male and female, and the dog weighs in the region of 2 to 6kg.

Looking quite similar to a Corgi or a German Shepherd with short legs, the Heeler’s legs are meant to be fairly straight and not bandy-legged. He has a short, weather-proof coarse coat that can be black or liver-colored, with tan markings. The coat is regarded as low maintenance. The hair is slightly longer around his neck.

The ears are erect, the eyes brown and bright and the tail these days is left long with a slight curl.

Temperament:

Intelligent, stubborn, strong willed, playful and friendly, the Lancashire Heeler is capable of making you an excellent pet and companion.

This dog is smart and learns quickly. He is energetic and playful, strong and robust and more than willing to take part in all the activities that you’re taking part in.

With training and socialization he makes a splendid pet, but he doesn’t put up well to abuse and disrespect from younger children. He is willing to get along with other pets in the home too.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

lancashire heeler dog - characteristicsAs with any dog breed, there are wide variations in temperament. A dog essentially turns out the way it was brought up, similar to a child. Angry, harsh, aggressive, uncaring dog owners produce a dog that is both timid and aggressive, unsure, frustrated and with behavioral problems.

Make your dog part of your family, provide him with good food, exercise and love and he will make an awesome pet.

The Lancashire Heeler is such an amicable, social dog at heart, and treated well, he will turn out like is inherent characteristics. He is an outgoing, friendly dog, more so when he has been trained and socialized. He will adapt to city- or country life, so long as he is exercised each day.

The Heeler has a good, balanced temperament, and counted in as a loved family member, you’ll make sure he stays that way.

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

lancashire heeler puppies - health problemsYour Heeler can live to be 14, 15 or 16 years of age and live even longer than this with the right care. He is such a healthy breed, but one of the common dog illnesses to look out for are eye diseases.

Lens Luxation:

This is where the ligaments of the eye are weakened so that the lens actually loosened and then displaced, causing pain for the dog. This displacement can obstruct fluid drainage from the eye too and your vet may need to perform surgery.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

The shock-absorbing intervertebral discs can have spinal compression and contribute to significant pain for your pet. Early signs will see your Lancashire Heeler being reluctant to jump on his chair like he may once have done. Preventing obesity is important for reducing pressure on the dog’s spine.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

lancashire heeler dogs - caringKnown as a low maintenance dog, the Lancashire Heeler’s short coat will require little grooming, just a good brush twice a week.

If your Heeler doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, they will need to be clipped as part of the grooming process. Ears should also be checked regularly. Excess wax and dirt can build up which can lead to an ear infection. This can drive your dog mad with frustration. Teeth also need to be brushed regularly.

Remember, if you feel guilty for not getting to grooming your pet, there are professional groomers at your local vet or who work independently and they will do all of this for you.

Exercise:

Your Lancashire Heeler is such a social, active little dog who is always willing to be counted in to all your fun and games. If you’re lucky to have a fair sized garden, involve him in some ball games, or use a rope for him to tug on while you pull the other side. Whenever you go for a walk, he will be thrilled to join you as he loves picking up all those new scents outside his garden.

Diet:

Nutritious food is important for longevity and health in a dog. Every dog has different dietary needs throughout their lives – when they’re puppies, when the female is pregnant, after they’ve been spayed or neutered, as a working dog, when they’re sick, when they’re old and so on.

There are some good dog brand foods to use, but you want to choose the best ones to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals needed as opposed to those that are packed with colorants, preservatives and fillers.

Home-made food is important too and some cooked chicken, cooked rice and raw or cooked vegetables can be added to his dry kibble from time to time. Don’t complicate your dog’s diet – just feed him plain, wholesome food like this with a little bit of raw meat added in occasionally. Simple, nutritious food will ensure he is energetic, bright eyed and happy. Make sure he always has fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Slovenia
Height Male:
25 - 31 cm
9 - 13 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
25 - 31 cm
9 - 13 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
3 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Black, liver-colored with tan markings
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
Short and coarse
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Lancashire Heeler vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  2. Lancashire Heeler vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  3. Lancashire Heeler vs Danish Swedish Farmdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Telomian vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Pomeranian vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Maltese vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. Pug vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Maltipoo vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Schnauzer vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Mal-Shi vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Papillon vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature English Bulldog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Dachshund vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Lhasa Apso vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Poodle vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. Rat Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Malti-Pom vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. PekePoo vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Patterdale Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Norwich Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. Norfolk Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds