Breed History

ORIGIN AND HISTORY: Having nothing to do with the dogs’ characteristics, the name is the Lacy Family. Arriving from Kentucky by covered wagon in the 1800’s, the Lacy Brothers, Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry Lacy, settled in the granite hills near Marble Falls, Texas. They needed an all-around working dog that could herd free-roaming hogs and cattle, track and tree small game, hunt wild deer and hogs, and watch over the homestead. The Lacy also needed to withstand Texas weather. According to the Lacy family, the brothers created the Blue Lacy to meet these needs. As true a pioneer as the men you see in the history books, the Blue Lacy has filled the needs of Colonial Americans for over a century on ranches in the Southwestern US. When the three-wheeled horse hit the trail it brought this unique breed unsuccessfully close to extinction. While the need for its instinctive herding abilities was diminishing, the need for its abilities to bay the fiercest of hogs, pick up the trail of any game animal or find a wounded animal on the slightest of blood trails was on the rise in the commercial hunting industry. Blue Lacy owners claim they are the true universal dog, knowing where to be at the right time.

DEVELOPMENT: The Lacys are noted to be the result of Greyhound/scenthound/coyote cross with the emphasis on the herding/droving characteristics. Many people have their own theory on the scenthound and coyote used. Whatever the scenthound or pariah dog might be in the combination, the cross defiantly worked. The Lacy brothers established this breed under the guidelines it takes to develop a recognized breed. The State of Texas honors the breed, as being the first known dog breed to originate in it’s great State.

GROUP: Working Dog

STRENGTHS: Both herding and droving tasks. They are very intelligent and easy to train. Will work hard tirelessly and perfectly suited for hunting and farm work.

WEAKNESS: Sensitive to yelling–responds better to stern commands. Need to have socialization training early.