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Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy is the state dog of Texas, developed there in the mid-nineteenth century by the Lacy brothers as an all-purpose working ranch dog — herding cattle and hogs, hunting, and trailing wounded game.

The blue of its name refers to the dilute grey coat, though red and tricolour dogs occur.

It stands 43 to 53 centimetres, weighs 11 to 25 kilograms and lives twelve to sixteen years, with a short tight coat. It is bred entirely for work and has never been shaped for appearance, which shows in both its soundness and its temperament: an intense, driven, highly energetic dog that is unhappy and difficult without a serious job.

Origin
Texas, United States, mid-19th century
Size
43–53 cm; 11–25 kg
Lifespan
12–16 years
Coat
Short and tight; blue, red or tricolour
Temperament
Intense and highly driven; a working ranch dog
Health
Robust; colour dilution alopecia in some blue dogs

Related: Alapaha blue blood bulldog

2 blue lacy photos, newest first

Blue Lacy feed
  • Mistral III, a blue lacy

    Mistral III

    Mistral III was promoted to film director frustrated with a toy clapperboard; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Mistral III, a blue lacy

    Mistral III

    Two minutes after this, Mistral III was asleep.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a blue lacy

This dog needs a job. Blue Lacys are bred for hard ranch work and have drive far beyond what a walk satisfies — herding, hunting, tracking or serious dog sport. Without it they are anxious, destructive and mouthy.

Colour dilution alopecia affects some blue-coated dogs: patchy hair loss and dry flaky skin, usually starting in the first couple of years. It is cosmetic rather than dangerous but needs skin management.

They are sensitive despite the drive and respond badly to harsh handling.

They are wary of strangers and need early socialisation.

Health is otherwise very good, being a working breed. The short coat needs almost nothing.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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