Blue Lacy Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

What is the origin of the Blue Lacy?

The Blue Lacy originated in Burnet County, which is located in the state of Texas in the United States of America. The four brothers Frank, George, Ewin and Harry Lacy moved from Kentucky to Texas in 1858. Since they needed working dogs for their farm that could help them hunt wild boar as well as work with cattle, they decided to create a new breed that would meet their needs. For their breeding, they first crossed English Shepherds with Greyhounds and then added running dogs to the cross. The resulting puppies are considered to be the origin of the new breed, which was named "Blue Lacy" because of its frequent blue coloring and the breeders' last name. In some historical sources there is also talk of additional wolves or coyotes being crossed in, but this is very controversial.

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Alternate Name	Texas Blue Lacy
Origin	USA
Life expectancy	10 - 12 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	high
FCI group	not recognised
AKC group	not recognised
KC group	not recognised

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

What are the typical characteristics of the Blue Lacy?

Originally, the Blue Lacy was bred to help its owners hunt wild boar. In particular, he is used for driving cattle and herding livestock. When hunting, he is generally a silent companion, only making a sound after placing the game. Blue Lacy are highly energetic animals that need a high amount of exercise every day, but also mental stimulation. Often even extended walks are not enough to satisfy the active dog's need for exercise. Blue Lacy are great for dog sports like agility or flyball. The self-confident, courageous dogs need an experienced owner who treats them with confidence and consistency. Provided a clear line is followed in training and commands are given quietly but strictly, the pretty four-legged friend is easy to train. If the intelligent dog is used to its full capacity, it can be kept as a family dog. He basically gets along with children, as long as he is used to them from an early age. However, due to his uncontrollable temperament, he should never be left to play with the little ones unsupervised.

Character

active
dedicated
intelligent
concentrated
brave
fearless

Usage

Herding Dog
Working Dog
Hunting Dog
Sheepdog

Health and breeding information

What are typical diseases of the Blue Lacy?

The Blue Lacy is prone to skin diseases.

Breeding of the Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy is still mainly bred in the United States. Most breeders give their animals exclusively to hunting or ranch houses. Therefore it is very difficult to get a Blue Lacy in Germany.

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What are the breed characteristics of the Blue Lacy?

The Blue Lacy is an American dog breed that is not recognized by the FCI. However, in 2005, the Blue Lacy was recognized as the official "State Dog" of Texas by resolution of the Texas House of Representatives. The medium-sized dog is powerfully built, yet exudes lightness. Overall, the build is rather square, with a straight back. Medium-length, thin ears hang down from the strong head. The tail reaches approximately to the hock and is carried high. The round eyes are yellow to dark brown. Typical for the Blue Lacy is the so-called dilute gene, which all animals of the breed carry. In the dominant form it leads to the special blue coloring and generally to a lightening of the coat colors of the intelligent dog. The dog is often set similar with Weimaraner or even with the Labrador Retriever in silver, although this would only be visually permissible as a comparison.