[3] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 15.4 years —the highest in the study— for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[4] The three most common serious conditions that can affect Heelers are Collie eye anomaly, primary lens luxation and persistent pupillary membranes.

[6] The Lancashire Heeler is one of the more commonly affected breeds for primary lens luxation which is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation of the ADAMTS17 gene.

[2][8] The breed has been known in its home county for over one hundred and fifty years as a general-purpose farm dog, capable of both ratting and herding cattle.

[11] The Lancashire Heeler was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2024,[1] and made its first appearance at the AKC's National Dog Show that year.