Quick Facts
- Weight: 25 to 50 pounds
- Height: 18 to 25 inches
The Look of a Texas Blue Lacy
The distinctive gray-blue color of the Texas Blue Lacy makes it stand out among other breeds. Not all of them are blue — they can also be blue with red markings, solid red, or solid cream. They all tend to have white markings on their paws.
Most Texas Blue Lacy aficionados believe that all colors carry a diluted gene that creates the gray-blue coat and thus call them all Blue Lacys despite their color. However, some feel that there is no specific blue gene and call the breed simply the Lacy.
The Texas Blue Lacy has a tight coat for a hound, with smooth fur and a powerful, graceful, and sleek appearance. The tail is long and curves naturally. The head is long and narrow but wide between the ears, which can give the impression that the breed has some bully dog, although this is not substantiated.
Traits
- Gray-blue coat (also in red or cream)
- Fascinating orange/yellow eyes
- Ability to hunt wild boar
- Laid-back demeanor
- Lifespan: Around 14 years; some are still working at 16
Ideal Human Companion
- Country dwellers
- Hunters or ranchers
- Families
- Active owners
What They Are Like to Live With
The Texas Blue Lacy is a true Texan — it loves open spaces and dust in the nose. This is an energetic, intelligent dog, bred to work long hours hunting and corralling cattle. They are easy-going when not working, just like the perception of cowboys lolling on the porch with their hats tilted over their eyes. This laid-back nature makes the Texas Blue Lacy a good companion dog, excellent with children, other pets, and strangers.
Training a Texas Blue Lacy is a joy — they are eager to please and catch on quickly. Grooming is also easy; their coats are low maintenance.
Things You Should Know
The typical place you’ll find a Texas Blue Lacy is a ranch. They can work cattle and are also excellent scenthounds. They’re fearless, as seen in their ability to hunt wild boar. If you’re a couch potato, don’t consider this breed as a companion animal — it will need plenty of exercise, room to roam, and a job to do, such as scenthound field trials or Frisbee games.
Texas Blue Lacy History
The Texas Blue Lacy was begun by the Lacy family in Texas in the mid-19th century. Records indicate that Greyhound, various scenthounds, and coyote were part of its heritage. In 2001, it was recognized in a resolution in the Texas Senate as a “true Texas breed.” In 2005, it was designated the official state dog.
Today, the Texas Blue Lacy is still used in southwestern U.S. states for ranch work and hunting. They also make good companion dogs and excellent search and rescue dogs.
