Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

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

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

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Yorkshire Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are similar in size. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, 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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

FactorYorkshire TerrierLancashire Heeler
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years9 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Easy To Train3/53/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds13 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/52/5
Easygoing1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$2420$420
Price Range$1600 – $2950$200 – $500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Lancashire Heeler, we still believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Yorkshire Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler weighs 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. The Lancashire Heeler is 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Lancashire Heeler

    Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    Yorkshire Terrier Colors

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Bicolor
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Golden
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • White / Cream
    • Sable

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Sable
    • Bicolor

    Lancashire Heeler Colors

    The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Black
    • Apricot / Beige

    The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $420. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $500. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

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    Yorkshire Terrier Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $2420 $420
    Price Range $1600 to $2950 $200 to $500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Yorkshire Terrier and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Yorkshire Terrier puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

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

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Yorkshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

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

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

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers here.

    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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Yorkshire 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.

    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.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Lancashire Heeler. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kuvasz     Yorkshire Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Yorkshire Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Yorkshire Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Yorkshire Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Yorkshire Terrier versus English Setter     Yorkshire Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash     Yorkshire Terrier versus Whippet     Yorkshire Terrier versus Havanese     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.