Blue Lacy facts for kids
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| Other names | Lacy Dog Lacy Game Dog Texas Blue Lacy Lacy Hog Dog Lacy Cur |
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| Origin | United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Breed status | Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Notes | State dog of Texas | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The Lacy Dog or Blue Lacy Dog is a special dog breed that started in Texas, United States, around the mid-1800s. These dogs are known for being great working dogs.
In 2001, the Texas government officially recognized the Lacy dog. Then, in 2005, the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, signed a law making the Blue Lacy the official State Dog Breed of Texas. Most Lacy dogs live in Texas, but people are now raising them in other parts of the United States, Canada, and even Europe.
Contents
About the Blue Lacy Dog
What They Look Like
Lacy dogs are strong and quick. They are built in a way that matches their height and weight. They usually stand between 43 to 56 cm (17 to 22 in) tall at the shoulder. Female Lacy dogs typically weigh about 11 to 20 kg (25 to 45 lb). Males are a bit heavier, usually weighing 16 to 25 kg (35 to 55 lb).
Colors of Lacy Dogs
Even though they are often called "blue" Lacys, these dogs come in three main colors. "Blues" can be any shade of gray, from light silver to dark charcoal. "Reds" can be light cream or a rusty color. The "Tri" color is a mix: they have a blue base with red markings, usually on their face and legs. They might also have some white on their chest or paws. Their eyes are bright and alert, and can be yellow or a rich amber color.
Their Coat
Lacy dogs have a short, smooth, and tight coat. This type of coat is easy to care for and doesn't need much grooming. They do shed some hair, but it's usually not a lot.
How They Act
Blue Lacy Dogs are very smart, energetic, and always aware of what's happening around them. They were bred to be both hunting and herding dogs. This means they are very driven and determined when working with large animals or difficult livestock. Young Lacy dogs can have a lot of energy, so they might be a bit much for very small children. However, they are quick learners and easy to train.
What Blue Lacys Do
The Lacy is a working dog breed. They are happiest when they have a job to do, which helps them use up their extra energy. They are excellent at several tasks. These include herding farm animals, tracking lost animals, and helping hunters find game. They are also used by trappers to help with their work.
Lacy dogs can also do well in modern dog sports. Activities like agility competitions are great for them. These sports use their intelligence, speed, and quickness. Lacys often show strong herding instincts and can be trained for competitions that test these skills.
Health of Lacy Dogs
Lacy dogs are generally very healthy. They were developed over many years to be tough and strong. This means they can handle different types of land, tough working conditions, and both hot and cold weather in Texas. However, like many dogs, they can sometimes have skin problems or food allergies. A very rare skin condition called color dilution alopecia has also been seen in some Lacys.
History of the Breed
The Lacy dog breed is named after the Lacy brothers: Ewin, Frank, Harry, and George. They moved from Kentucky to Texas in 1858. The brothers created this dog breed by mixing different types of dogs, possibly including English Shepherds and Greyhounds. They first developed these dogs to help them manage their free-roaming hogs on their family farm.
In 2005, a Texas politician named Joaquin Castro asked the Texas government to make the Blue Lacy the official state dog. This was done to honor the Lacy brothers and their contribution to Texas. The Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate both agreed. On June 18, 2005, Governor Rick Perry signed the law, making the Lacy the "official State Dog Breed of Texas."
In 2008, some people suggested that a Lacy dog should become the mascot for Texas A&M University. However, the university decided to stick with its tradition and chose a collie instead.
- Blue Lacy at Curlie
