Before you get a dog . . .There are many things you need to think about before getting a dog; the first and most important is that owning a dog is a COMMITMENT FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE DOG; for a Blue Lacy that is an average of 16-20 years. And you can never forget dogs are living creatures with the feelings and needs that equate roughly to those of a three year-old child. They are also social animals relying on their owners for love, attention, patience, gentle and consistent training, and a good quality of life.
Lacys do NOT make good full-time kennel dogs. They are very active as puppies and are very intelligent, social, tenacious, active, and physically powerful as adults. They require considerable mental and physical challenges on a daily basis, or they, like most other breeds, can become bored, unhappy, and destructive. However, a Lacy whose mental, emotional, and physical needs are met on a daily basis can be an exceptionally pleasant and easy to live with house companion and best friend.
 Questions for your entire family . . .“Do we all really want this dog . . . FOREVER?” All members of the family must be willing to consistently and patiently train the puppy to be a productive member of the family and community. Dogs who are untrained and out of control are not welcome in the house, and are seen as obnoxious by other people. So, they are often excluded from participating in the family’s social life.
Training is about more than teaching manners; it can also save your dog’s life. Many dogs have been saved by their ability to immediately drop to the ground on the ” Down!” command, while they are off-lead in the field and an unexpected car or train approached. Other untrained dogs have not been as lucky. Lacys are both bright and headstrong and will test a person’s limits. It is important the entire family attends obedience classes with the dog and learn constructive and FUN ways to teach their Lacy what is expected of him or her. And the best part is, LACYS LOVE IT! They love having jobs that tax them mentally and physically. They shine in obedience, agility, herding, hunting, and tracking, all of which require obedience training. Young dogs, like kids, can be pretty wild. They will run around the house and act goofy, chew up everything they can fit into their mouths, loudly bark with joy, play in the mud, and get dirty paw prints on the sliding glass doors. They will play silly games, run into the house without wiping their feet, and swim like a duck then shake off the water while they are standing next to you. Yet they still need to be loved, petted, groomed, have their nails trimmed, be taken to the vet for regular medical check-ups, and frequently told how much they are loved. Adolescence and its accompanying hormones and instability lasts two to three years and can shake up the entire household! Throughout their adulthood, Lacys need to have challenging jobs. They need to feel they are a beloved and contributing member of the family. Towards the end of their lives, they require tender loving care, gentle helping hands, and quality medical care. Are you and your family up to this? |
Do I have TIME for a dog? Just like adopting a human child, dogs of all ages require a lot of time and attention. Time must be set aside every day to socialize, love, play, train, clean up after, shop for, train again, groom, feed and water, take to the vet, train some more . . . and, if you have the inclination, participate in physical competitions. The happiest and most successful Lacy owners are active people who enjoy outdoor activities. A young Lacy does not make a great couch potato! Being social animals, Lacys can be very unhappy if left home by themselves all day long. |
Why a Lacy?
Before deciding on a specific breed, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Learn as much as you can about the breed–its strengths and weaknesses; its history, the purpose for which the breed was developed, and its activity level; its temperament, personality, behavioral traits, and instinctual drives. Go to Lacy events, talk to the owners and spend time with some Lacys! Get involved with the breed association and read books and magazines about dogs in general, also hunting and herding dogs specifically.
This sweet, intelligent breed with the beautiful yellow eyes and keen hunting ability can be addicting to many. Others may find that a Lacy is just not the right match for them. It’s better to find this out BEFORE you adopt a dog of any breed.
If you are certain this is the breed for you, click here to go to the Texas Lacy Game Dog Association Breeders List!
This article was modified to relate to the Blue Lacy. You can find the original article at http://www.awpga.com/breeding.htm.
Page Edited By: Dena Brown