Blue Lacy

		Blue Lacy
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Blue Lacy Game Dog Texas Blue Lacy Texas Game Dog

A brief presentation of the Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy, also known as the Lacy Dog, is an energetic, intelligent and trainable breed that likes to have a job to do and plenty of free space to run around. Although the breed has the name "blue", Blue Lacy dogs can also have a red or tricolor coat, although they all carry the blue gene. The name "Lacy" in the breed name doesn't refer to the dog's appearance at all, but rather comes from the name of the family that created the breed. The Blue Lacy was developed in the 1800s to help breeders, hunters and ranchers in Texas. These dogs are hardy, adaptable and able to learn quickly, although their intensity and energy levels make them ill-suited to apartment living or novice owners. Blue Lacys can make great family dogs and well-trained expert watchdogs, but they are sensitive and don't respond well to punishment. Socialization should start early, as Blue Lacys are naturally territorial, don't trust strangers too much and have a strong prey drive that can lead them to attack smaller animals and pets if not socialized.

History of the Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy breed takes its name from Frank, George, Ewin and Harry Lacy, two brothers who moved from Kentucky to Texas in the mid-19th century. They needed a versatile working dog that could help round up stray hogs and cattle, small game athletics and trees, hunt wild deer and hogs, and guard the farm. The dog had to be fast, hard-working, able to train and withstand Texas weather. According to the Lacy family, the brothers created the Blue Lacy breed to meet these needs by mixing wolf, Greyhound, English Shepherd, and eventually coyote and another thistle. They worked to develop the breed's natural guarding instinct to drive their cattle to market. Since then, the Blue Lacy has remained a true Texas breed and is rare outside the state. In 2005, it was designated the official dog breed of Texas.

Appearance of the Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy can come in three color varieties, despite their name. Blues range from gray to almost black. Reds can be anywhere from light cream to brownish rust. Tris are tricolored and have a blue base coat with red and white markings along the belly, chin or legs. Their coat color tends to bring out their yellow or amber eyes beautifully.

Temperament of the Blue Lacy

The combination of intelligence and high energy that characterizes the Blue Lacy dog breed can lead them to be well-trained working dogs or destructive forces of nature, depending on the degree of mental and physical stimulation they receive. Blue Lacys can't be cooped up for very long, and when they get bored, they'll play as they please, even if that means chewing or digging things they're not supposed to. They'll need long runs every day and probably some extra exercise. Training is very useful and Blue Lacys responds very well to firm, positive training, although she is sensitive and doesn't respond well to howling or punishment. Training is essential for Blue Lacys and socialization must start early to overcome their natural prey drive and territorial nature. If not socialized early, Blue Lacys can be indifferent to strangers and downright aggressive towards other animals and pets. However, they are very kind and protective of their families, even children, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better watchdog. Because they've been bred to help with hunting and small game, they tend to bark, and it can take some time to get them to calm down once they've gone. They should not be left alone for long periods. When properly exercised and trained, the Blue Lacy makes an excellent, very loyal and affectionate family companion. They do best when they have a job where they can expend their physical and mental energy. When they have something to do that presents them with a suitable challenge, Blue Lacys are calm, gentle members of the family.

Needs and activities of the Blue Lacy

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is high energy. That's why they need several long runs and walks every day to consume all that energy. They often need work, hunting, herding, agility training, or acting as a watchdog, otherwise they risk becoming bored and acting out, as is the case with many intelligent, energetic dog breeds. Physical and mental stimulation is essential every day for the Blue Lacy. If you live in an apartment or don't have a task in mind for these dogs, you may want to look for another breed. Although the Blue Lacy is a loving family dog, it's not for novice owners, or families with small pets or very young children, as they have a strong prey drive and intensity. They need early socialization and competent training, although they are very sensitive and do not respond well to howling, harsh criticism or punishment. Highly territorial, somewhat wary of strangers and eager to chase anything that moves, Blue Lacys make excellent guard dogs, although socialization training is absolutely necessary so they know when to be on guard and when to be friendly with other animals and people. Blue Lacy will work as hard and tirelessly as you ask them to. They're perfectly suited to the farm and hunting work they've been bred for, as well as agility training or even search and rescue. If you know what you're doing, you'll have a well-trained, intelligent and adaptable companion who will do just about anything for you.

Maintenance of the Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy's coat is short and smooth. There is little, if any, undercoat. Blue Lacys shed an average amount, although shedding is heavier seasonally. They require little grooming. A weekly brushing should suffice, and they should be bathed as needed. The Blue Lacy is generally a healthy, robust breed, although they are sometimes genetically predisposed to a few health problems. Blue Lacys sometimes suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and food allergies. They can also develop skin conditions and, although rare, some may be born with color-dilution alopecia, a condition that can lead to hair loss in patches or all over the body. Care for Blue Lacys is fairly standard. Their nails should be trimmed monthly or as needed to prevent overgrowth. Their teeth need to be brushed regularly, and you should ask your vet about dental care for your dog. Their ears should be checked often for debris, ticks, parasites or signs of disease, and cleaned if necessary.