Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy is a dog breed of working dog that originated in Texas in the mid 1800s, the only dog breed to have originated in that state. The Lacy was first recognized in 2001 by the Texas Senate. 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".

Blue Lacy Appearance

Blue Lacy dogs are strong and fast, lightly built but proportional within the height-to-weight ratio. Height at the withers is between 18 and 21 inches. Dependent on height and working condition, weight should be approximately 30 to 45 pounds for females and 35 to 50 pounds for males. The standards listed in the Texas House Concurrent Resolution No. 108 are slightly different: height between 18 and 25 inches, weight between 30 and 50 pounds.

Blue Lacy Color

Though they are often called Blue Lacys, the dogs are three permissible color varieties. Blues are any shade of gray from light silver to dark charcoal. Reds range from light cream to rust. The tri combines these colors with a blue base and distinct red markings as appropriate for trim. Blue shading or trim on red dogs is not permitted. White should appear on the brisket and may stretch from chin to groin. White should 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 brown.

Blue Lacy Coat

The blue lacy coat should be short, smooth and tight. Excessively long or rough coat is a disqualification. Lacys require minimal grooming.

Blue Lacy Temperament

Blue Lacys are intelligent, intense, active, and alert. Developed to be both hunting and herding dogs, they display great drive and determination to work with big game and control difficult livestock. Lacys are naturally protective and may be wary of strangers. Young dogs may have too much energy and drive for small children. They are easy to train, learning new skills quickly.

Blue Lacy Activities

The Blue Lacy is a working dog breed and most need a job. Work they excel at includes herding livestock, blood trailing, treeing game, running trap lines, and hunting wild hogs. Modern activities like agility that stress intelligence, passion, speed and nimbleness may be appropriate substitutes for traditional work.

Blue Lacy Health

Blue Lacys are very healthy dogs. Developed for generations to meet the standards of professional Texas ranchers and hunters, they are sturdy enough to withstand tough terrain and difficult working conditions. However skin problems and food allergies can occur. Color dilution alopecia is very rare but has occurred in Lacys.