Drever vs Lancashire Heeler
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Drevers are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Drevers require less grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Drevers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers adapt better to apartment living, while Drevers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Drever and Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Drever | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 15-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Drever | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Drever | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Drever | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Drever Temperament
The Drever is known for being loyal, even-tempered, determined, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Drever and Lancashire Heeler, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Drever
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Drevers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lancashire Heelers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Drever and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.