My Vision for the Lancashire Heeler breed
- True working ability
- Happy temperament
- Robust health
- Sound conformation
- Diverse genetics
Vision for true working ability
I have long favored working breeds and particularly herding dogs. I love their intelligence and physical competence. My Lancashire Heelers are the equal of any dogs I have ever owned or known. This breed deserves to become more popular, and my vision is of a world where the descendants of our little dogs are no longer rare.
Vision for a happy temperament
The best Lancashire Heelers are happy and get along with people. My vision is for a world that enjoys more Heelers like that.
I want Lancashire Heelers to retain their heritage as versatile farm dogs. I see a strong role for sports competition for our breed, including actual droving of livestock, and scent work.
Hopes for sound conformation
I envision the configuration of the breed to suit the kind of farm work they were created to do. I envision a world of compact, well-formed, muscular dogs that do not suffer from skeletal problems that would impede their work.
Goal for robust health
There are many reasons to use clinical exams and genetic testing to screen the health of dogs and puppies. The first is to make sure that they are healthy and free of disorders that can be passed down. Another purpose for screening is to guide the choice of sire and dam for breeding. By breeding away from known genetic disorders, we can reduce the risks of features or conditions that impair the quality of life or the physical or mental welfare of the dogs.
I see a world in which all Lancashire Heelers receive appropriate screening routinely and at key transitions in their lives. In this manner, we can reduce the risks to the individual dogs and to the population.
Vision for diverse genetics
One of the many attractive things about Lancashire Heelers is that we are currently working from a small population. As a result, we have a wonderful opportunity to reduce the presence of genetic disorders in our breed.
In the US, creating adequate genetic diversity is a challenge because too many of our dogs are related to one another. I envision the USLHC providing leadership to reduce the inbreeding of our existing dogs. In the future, I also foresee a time when our club works closely with clubs overseas to bring in sound, unrelated stock.
I envision a world in which no Lancashire Heelers end up in animal shelters because we encourage all breeders to take lifelong responsibility for the placement of dogs from their kennels. Further, it is my hope that we will create a nationwide network to rescue all who lose their homes.