by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: November 04, 2009

The Blue Lacy is a dog known by many other names, these being the Lacy Dog, the Lacy Hog Dog, the Blue Lacy Game Dog, and the Texas Blue Lacy Game Dog. This dog was bred by the mating of Greyhounds, various scenthounds, and coyotes. If you are wondering where the dog got its unusual name, there is a simple explanation. The breed was originated by the Lacy Brothers in the 1850s and it is often blue in coloration. They were originally bred for use in working with free roaming and feral hogs. This was in the times, of course, when family farms and ranches were much more numerous than they are today. Today, the Blue Lacy is obtained much more frequently as a hunting companion, being an especially helpful resource for the North American trapper.

This breed is accepted for registry in the various breeding and kennel organizations, these being the NLDA, the TLGDA, the LGDR, the ABLA, the UKI, the NKC, the APRI, the ACR, the CKC, and the DRA. In all of these organizations, they are classified under the "herding" category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her.

According to breed standards, the Blue Lacy should be between 18 and 23 inches tall, when measured from the ground to the withers. Their weight can vary significantly, but they should remain in the range of 30 to 50 pounds, with males often being larger than females of the breed. They should be well-muscled and nicely proportioned in appearance, with a somewhat stocky build. The tapered tail is held in the downward position when the dog is at rest. When their interest is captured or they are excited, the tail may go into the upward position. The silky ears are held in the flop position, laying down flat against the sides of the head. The eyes are always an orange, yellow, or amber color and have a sweet, but alert and intelligent expression. The nose is black, and the muzzle is about average in length.

All Blue Lacys possess the blue gene, but they do come in three different color variations. There are blues, reds, and tricolors, which are a combination of the blue and red with white markings on the chest, stomach, and paws. The coat of this breed is the smooth and short, appearing very shiny when healthy and upkept. Their grooming is fairly easy, but must be maintained regularly. They need a thorough brushing at least once

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