The Blue Lacy dog is a breed of working dog. It is very beautiful and active breed and very good for herding livestock, blood trailing or tracking, running trap lines and hunting wild hogs. It is also known by some other names such as Lacy Dog, Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy, Lacy Hog Dog, Lacy Cur and Lacy Blue Dog.
The Blue Lacy dog breed was originated from Texas, United States in the mid-19th Century. The breed was first recognized by the Texas Senate in 2001. In Senate Resolution No. 436, the 77th Legislature honored the Lacy as ‘a true Texas breed’.
In June 2005, Governor Rick Perry signed the legislation adopting the Blue Lacy as “the official State Dog Breed of Texas”. As expected, the vast majority of Lacy dogs are found in Texas. However, as the breed becomes more well recognized, there are breeding populations being established across the United States, Canada, and most recently in Europe.[1]
The Blue Lacy dog was named after the Lacy brothers (Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry Lacy) who moved from Kentucky to Texas in 1858, settling in Burnet County, Texas. The dog, according to the Lacy family, was a mixture of English Shepherd (or perhaps coyote), greyhound, and wolf.
Texas House Concurrent Resolution No. 108 also mentions scenthound. The brothers originally developed the dog’s natural herding instincts to work the family’s free-roaming hogs. Currently, the Blue Lacy dog is not recognized by any major kennel club.
Blue Lacy Dog Characteristics
The Blue Lacy dogs are medium-sized, very beautiful, strong and fast animals. They are lightly built but proportional within the height-to-weight ratio.
Their coat should be short, smooth and tight. An excessively long or rough coat is a disqualification. Lacys shed, but require minimal grooming.
Though they are often called ‘blue’ Lacys, there are three permissible color varieties of the Lacy. ‘Blues’ are any shade of gray from light silver to dark charcoal. ‘Reds’ range from light cream to rust. And the ‘Tri’ combines a blue base with distinct red markings as appropriate for trim, and white which may appear on the brisklet and stretch from chin to groin.
White may also be present on one or more paws. Excessive white is discouraged, and markings on the face or above mid-line are a disqualifying fault. Their eyes are sharp and alert, ranging in color from bright yellow to rich amber,or to a light brown.
As a medium-sized breed, average height of the Blue Lacy dog is between 18 and 21 inches at the withers. Average live body weight of the mature dog is between 11 and 20 kg for females and between 16 and 23 kg for the males.
Temperament
The Blue Lacy dogs are generally intelligent, intense, active and alert. They were developed to be both hunting and herding dogs. They display great drive and determination to work with big game and control difficult livestock. The young Blue Lacy dogs may have too much energy and drive for small children. They are easy to train, learning new skills quickly.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Blue Lacy dog is between 12 and 16 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Blue Lacy dogs are medium-sized and are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high exercise needs. You can also consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Blue Lacy dogs. Caring for these dogs is fairly standard. Trim their nails on a monthly basis or as needed for preventing overgrowth.
Brush their teeth regularly, and ask your vet about dental care for your individual dog. Check their ears often for debris, ticks, parasites or signs of illness and clean as needed.
Health
The Blue Lacy dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include hip or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and food allergies. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Blue Lacy |
| Other Names | Also known as Lacy Dog, Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy, Lacy Hog Dog, Lacy Cur and Lacy Blue Dog |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | Between 18 and 21 inches at the withers |
| Weight | Between 11 and 20 kg for females and between 16 and 23 kg for the males |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Blue, red, tricolored |
| Lifespan | Between 12 and 16 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | United States |
