Blue Lacy

Infobox Dogbreed
name= Blue Lacy


image_caption= A Blue Lacy
altname= Lacy Dog
Lacy Game Dog
Texas Blue Lacy
Lacy Hog Dog
nickname= Lacy
country= United States |

The Blue Lacy is a breed of working dog that originated in Texas in the mid 1800s. The Lacy was first recognized by the State of Texas in 2001 by the Texas Senate. In Senate Resolution No. 436, the 77th Legislature honored the Lacy as "a true Texas breed".

Description

Appearance

Lacy dogs should appear strong, balanced and built for speed, agility and endurance. They are 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.

Color

Though they are often called Blue Lacys, there 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.

Coat

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

Temperament

Lacys are intelligent, intense, active and always alert. Developed to be both hunting and herding dogs, they display an incredible drive and determination to work. Bold and tough with tremendous heart, they have enough grit to stop big game and control difficult livestock. Lacys are also devoted to their family, are naturally protective and may be wary of strangers. Young dogs may have too much energy and drive for small children. Being extremely smart, they are easy to train, learning new skills quickly.

Activities

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

Health

Blue Lacys are very healthy dogs. Developed for generations to meet the high 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.

History

mixture. The brothers originally developed their natural herding instincts to work feral pigs.

On March 15, 2005, in the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, Representative Joaquin Castro filed House Concurrent Resolution No. 108 proposing the Blue Lacy as state dog of Texas. This legislation was proposed to recognize the original breeders and their contribution to the State of Texas as well as to honor the Lacy as a Texas original. House Concurrent Resolution No. 108 was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 15, 2005, and by the Senate ten days later on May 25, 2005. Governor Rick Perry signed the legislation adopting the Lacy as "the official State Dog Breed of Texas" on June 18, 2005.

The Lacy Game Dog is officially recognized by the National Kennel Club (NKC).

External links

* [http://www.bluelacydogs.org/breed.htm Lacy Game Dog Registry]
* [http://www.lacydog.com/ Texas Lacy Game Dog Association]
* [http://dogbreedinfo.org/bluelacy.htm Blue Lacy] at Dog Breed Info

References