Blue Lacy
Also known as Lacy Dog · Texas Blue Lacy · Lacy Game Dog · Lacy Hog Dog
United States, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 43–56 cm
- Weight
- 11–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 yrs
- Intelligent
- Intense
- Quick
- Eager to work
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Blue Lacy is a lean, quick and capable Texan working dog used for herding livestock, trailing and hunting hogs. Despite the name it comes in blue (any shade of grey), red and tricolour, and it has striking yellow to amber eyes. Most live in Texas, though breeding populations now exist elsewhere in North America and in Europe.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 43–56 cm
- Adult weight
- 11–25 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–16 years
Most Blue Lacys live 12–16 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Lacys are intelligent, intense, alert and eager to work. They learn quickly and tend to be devoted to their handlers, but young dogs can have too much drive for households with small children.
- Intelligent
- Intense
- Quick
- Eager to work
Food
For a typical 18 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 980 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 720 ml–1.1 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayThis is a high-energy working breed that needs a real job or a demanding substitute such as herding, tracking or agility, on top of long daily outings.
Grooming & shedding
The short, tight coat sheds but needs little more than a weekly brush.
Health
A bored Lacy can become restless and destructive, so plan for daily training and activity. Some dogs suffer from skin problems and food allergies, and colour dilution alopecia has very occasionally been seen in blue dogs. See a vet about persistent itching or hair loss.
The breed can be prone to
- Skin problems
- Food allergies
- Colour dilution alopecia (rare)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Skin and coat examination
Not every Blue Lacy is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
The breed is named after the Lacy brothers, who moved from Kentucky to Burnet County, Texas, in 1858 with their ranch dogs. Accounts say the dogs blended greyhound, scent hound and coyote ancestry. They were used to work cattle and feral hogs and to trail game. Texas honoured the breed in 2001 and made it the official state dog breed in 2005.
- Country of origin
- United States
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- The official state dog breed of Texas, registered by its own breed associations; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Blue Lacy right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–16 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Blue Lacy FAQ
How big does a Blue Lacy get?
Adult Blue Lacys typically stand about 43–56 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 11–25 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Blue Lacys live?
Typically 12–16 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Blue Lacy need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Blue Lacy need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Blue Lacys easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Blue Lacys shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Blue Lacys good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Blue Lacy live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Blue Lacys have?
The breed can be prone to skin problems, food allergies, colour dilution alopecia (rare). Not every Blue Lacy is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.