Blue Lacy

The Blue Lacy is a medium sized dog with a light yet powerful build. These dogs are capable of great speed, grace, strength and agility. They have short and sleek coats which are found in three acceptable colors. Blues can be any shade of gray, from light silver to dark charcoal. Reds can range from cream to rust. There is also a tri-colored variety which combines these colors with a blue base and red markings. White markings can be found on the chest, paws and stomach. The blue color gene that is found in them is responsible for both the red and tri-colored Lacys being called Blue Lacy. These dogs have very bright eyes which have a distinctive orange or yellow color. This makes their appearance rather unique. These dogs are well proportioned in their height-weight ratio. They can grow to a height of about 18-21 inches and can weigh about 30-45 pounds.

These dogs are intelligent, active and alert. They were originally created to work feral hogs. Gradually these dogs began to be used to an all round working breed for ranchers, cowboys, hunters and trappers. They are well known for their drive and determination. They are bold, brave and excel at herding cattle and hunting wild boar. They are fiercely protective and territorial and will go to great lengths to protect their property. They also make excellent companions. However, they are not well suited for passive owners or first time dog owners. These dogs are best suited to owners who are able to assert their leadership over the animal without being harsh or rough. Because of their intelligence, these dogs respond quickly to positive training and can be trained to perform many tasks.

These dogs are generally very healthy. However, due to their diluted genes, they may develop disorders like Color Dilution Alopecia and other skin or coat problems. These dogs adapt well to most living conditions. They can be kept indoors but enjoy being outside as well. They can become destructive if left indoors for long periods of time with nothing to do. They may not be good pets for an apartment because they need some room for exercise. It is a good idea to take these dogs out for daily walks. However, only walking might not be enough exercise. They were created to be working dogs and need plenty of exercise and work on a regular basis. It is recommended that these dogs be kept busy with challenging tasks like herding, playing flyball and other agility activities.

Lucys were developed in the Texas hill country by four brothers, Frank, Edwin, George and Harry, who immigrated from Kentucky to Bernet County, Texas in 1858. It is said that Lucys were created by cross breeding Greyhounds, scent hounds and coyotes. The declining ranching industry as well as improved farming technology such as all-terrain vehicles nearly pushed the Lucys to extinction. However, the rediscovery of Lucys as good hunting companion dogs has radically increased the demand for these dogs.