Texas Dog

Blue Lacey

(Canis familiaris)

The Blue Lacey,  Canis familiaris, is Texas's state dog. It was adopted on June 18, 2005. The most popular theory is that the dogs originated after crossing a Greyhound, a scent hound and a coyote about 150 years ago in the Texas Hill Country.

They were originally bred in Marble Falls Texas in 1858 by the Lacy Brothers (Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry). They came out of Kentucky and they came to the Hill Country of Texas  in Burnet County, in 1858 to raise hogs. And that's what these dogs were originally bred for round up range hogs and wild cattle."

In fact, breeder Jim Brooks says the presence of the breed in Texas is said to have influenced Fred Gipson, a resident of Mason County, best known for writing Old Yeller.

"They're probably the most popular breed of dog used by the wildlife service's government trappers. They're excellent trap line dogs, they're excellent blood trailing dogs, a lot of bow hunters and game hunters use them. They're also used for varmint dogs, for treeing coon."

While most Lacys have a light gunmetal gray to an almost black color to their coat, they are referred to as blue. They can weight up to 55 pounds, and can reach a maximum of 25 inches in height. While hunting with dogs is allowed for waterfowl, and fur-bearing animals, hunting deer with dogs is a Class "C" misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to 500-dollars.
 

 The Blue Lacy coat is smooth, tight, sleek, exceptionally clean in appearance and the origin of the unusual slate blue coat and nose is a genetic rarity.  Lacy's have minimal to full white markings on their brisket and most of the time on their paws. The light gun-metal gray to almost black Lacy's are classified in color as blue. The red, yellow to cream Lacy's are classified as red. The tri-colored Lacy's are blue with red markings over their eyes, on their muzzle, under tail, and down the legs anas such classified in color as tri. Both the red and tri-colored Lacy's hold the name Blue Lacy due to the blue-color gene they possess. Blue Lacy's eyes are very bright and distinctive orange to yellow in color that adds a unique touch to their appearance.