There is little known about the origin of this breed.  It is printed in many publications that the Lancashire Heeler is a cross between the Manchester Terrier and the Welsh Corgi.

The breed is said to have originated when Welsh Farmers used the services of Drovers to drive cattle to the northern cattle markets the two breeds met and the Lancashire Heeler was born. The farmers liked these small black and tan dogs, as when used to bring wayward sheep and cattle back to the herd they did not injure the animals they controlled them by a sharp nip to the back of the heel.

The Lancashire Heeler is also known as the Ormskirk Heeler and they have been used as working dogs on farms in the Lancashire area for hundreds of years and though a little known breed they are still working on farms today.

The Lancashire Heeler was first recognised by the British Kennel Club in 1981.  The breed was then placed on the rare breeds register.

The Lancashire Heeler is the Smallest of all the Working and Herding Breeds.

1999 brought big changes for the breed in the show ring, the breed was moved into the newly formed Pastoral Group and was awarded C.C's for the first time. Also the Brown (Liver and Tan) Heeler received Kennel Club approval to be included in the Breed Standard.