Blue Lacy: Dog Breed Guide, Care and Characteristics

Are you interested in owning a Blue Lacy? Blue Lacy dogs are hardworking pets and companions, which make them a great addition to any family.

We’ve compiled our Blue Lacy Breed Guide to give you everything you need to know about these pups including their history, temperament, activities, health and more.

Let’s dig in!

Blue Lacy History

Blue Lacy dogs or Lacy Dogs first originated in Texas during the mid-19th century.

The Blue Lacy breed is named after Frank, George, Ewin and Harry Lacy, brothers who moved from Kentucky to Texas in the mid 1800s.

They needed a working dog to help herd hogs and cattle and wanted a dog that would be hardworking, easy to train and could survive in the Texas weather.

“According to the Lacy family, the brothers created the Blue Lacy breed by mixing wolf, Greyhound, English Shepherd and possibly coyote and another scent hound.”

“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 2005, in House Concurrent Resolution No. 108, the 79th Legislature called the Lacy ‘a Texas original; the only dog breed to have originated in this state.’”

And, in June 2005, the Blue Lacy was signed into legislation as the “Official State Dog Breed of Texas.”

Now, the Blue Lacy breed has grown outside of Texas and populations can be found across the United States, Canada and in some parts of Europe.

Appearance & Color

The Blue Lacy is a medium sized dog and has a height of 18-23 inches and a weight of 30-50 pounds.

They are short haired dogs and their coats are smooth. They require low maintenance grooming and due to their short hair they will have low amounts of shedding. You can brush their coats once or twice per week.

The color of their coats are blue, red or tri-colored. They are not considered a hypoallergenic pet.

Temperament

Blue Lacy dogs are hardworking, intelligent, bold, active and alert. They are energetic and thrive when they have a job to do.

In addition to their high energy levels, Blue Lacy dogs need to be exercised regularly. They are easy to train as they are highly intelligent animals. If you’re looking to add a Blue Lacy dog to your family, they are kid friendly and playful creatures.

Although friendly with children, Blue Lacy dogs can be territorial and unfriendly when around new, unfamilar dogs. You’ll need to instill proper social behaviors and introduce new dogs slowly to your Blue Lacy.

Activities & Care

Historically, Blue Lacy dogs were bred to work with livestock and cattle. Therefore, they are great working dogs that would be the perfect pet for farmers and hunters. They are also trusted watchdogs that excel at herding animals.

As their owner, you will need to be assertive and dominant in order to properly train them. You must also be willing to provide consistent daily activity especially physical activity and exercise. Blue Lacy Dogs need space to roam, therefore it's best if you live in an area with ample space and yard for them to stretch their legs.

For a Blue Lacy, exercise is very important and they will need daily walks as the minimum for physical stimulation. To allow your Blue Lacy to reach their full physical potential, consider engaging them in activities such as herding, hunting and agility.

Health

Blue Lacy dogs have a life span of 12 to 16 years. Since they are very active dogs, they will need the proper fuel to engage in activities and you’ll need to ensure that they are fed a high quality and nutritious diet.

While Blue Lacys are typically healthy dogs, some common health problems for this breed includes:

• Color Dilution Alopecia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Food Allergies

Where To Adopt or Buy a Blue Lacy Dog

Blue Lacy dogs are bred by reputable breeders who understand the history and strengths of these dogs. Therefore, many breeders prefer to place Blue Lacy dogs in the homes of those who farm and hunt in order to give these pups the best level of activity and quality of life.

It is rare, but not impossible, to find a Blue Lacy dog at a shelter or rescue group. Therefore, a breeder is your best choice and many can be found in Texas since the prevalence of the breed is situated in that region.

Protect Your Blue Lacy Dog With Pet Insurance

As you can see, Blue Lacy dogs are an intelligent, active and loyal breed. They make great pets for those who own farms, ranches or hunt regularly as Blue Lacys thrive in a working environment.

If you’re considering bringing a Blue Lacy dog home, you’ll want to make sure they are protected no matter what. With their increased level of activity, accidents can happen. That’s why a pet insurance plan is so important to help you take care of your Blue Lacy and give them the proper health care they need.

Learn more about protecting your pet with a Fursure Insurance plan, here.