Driven All-Around Dogs for Hunters and Ranchers
History
During the late 19th century the Lacy brothers established a special line of dogs to gather the family's free roaming hogs
and drive them from the Texas Hill Country to livestock markets in Austin. By crossing an English Shepherd with a
Greyhound and a wolf, they created a fast herding dog with intense prey drive.
This unique mix was developed into an all-around working breed for ranchers, cowboys, hunters and trappers. Medium in size with great endurance and grit, Lacys
embodies the rugged and tenacious spirit necessary for survival on the Texas frontier. The breed was recognized as the State Dog
of Texas in 2005.
To learn more about the origin of Lacy Dogs, visit our archives on Lacy history.
Temperament
Intelligent, intense, active and always alert, Lacys have an incredible drive and determination to work. Their strong heading, baying and
tracking instincts make them ideal for herding, hunting, working trap lines and blood trailing. Lacys are extremely smart and can be quickly trained to do numerous tasks, making them excellent prospects for agility and flyball. They are also naturally territorial and will protect their property from strangers. These dogs are very energetic and require lots of mental
and physical exercise. Lacys need room to run as well as a challenging job to keep their minds occupied. Though they can make dedicated companions, this breed requires a strong leader and may not be
appropriate for new dog owners or families with young children.
Conformation
Form follows function for these true working dogs. Strong and balanced, Lacys should be 18 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
They have a level back and deep chest that extends into well-sprung ribs to provide plenty of lung space. The front shoulders should be well
laid back and muscular while the haunches have a tight, slightly rounded croup. Their legs are straight and medium in length with firm, cat-like
feet. Correct Lacy movement alludes to speed, strength and dexterity.
For more detailed information on how a Lacy Dog should look and act, see the Lacy breed standard.
Appearance
In addition to the famous blue Lacys, the breed also comes in red and tricolor. Blues are any shade of gray from light silver
to dark charcoal, reds range from light cream to rust and the tri combines these colors with a blue base and
distinct red markings as appropriate for trim. Lacys do not carry a "rare blue gene," rather they carry a dilute dd gene that creates their color. White can appear on the brisket and one or more paws, but excessive white is discouraged and
markings on the face or above the mid-line are a disqualifying fault. Their coat should be short and sleek. Lacy eyes are sharp and bright, ranging in color from bright yellow to rich brown. Their gaze is said to be similar to a wolf's in intensity.