They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that isn’t quite the case when it comes to the official state dog breed of Texas. The only true Texas breed, Blue Lacy dogs are a medium-sized dog originating in the 1800s as a working dog to help with herding, hunting, and ranch work, and are a mix of greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, and some even say coyote. The name Blue Lacy comes from the Lacy family, who moved from Kentucky to Texas in the 1800s. It wasn’t until 2005 that Governor Rick Perry officially designated the breed as the official state dog of Texas, as part of the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas.
Blue Lacys are energetic and versatile dogs that can be used for a variety of purposes, including working cattle, herding livestock, hunting, tracking, and even narcotics detection. They are an agile dog with a strong work ethic and are often favored by ranchers and hunters for their abilities in the field. The herding dog is also known for its friendly temperament and good disposition, making it a popular choice as a family pet.
Blue Lacy dogs usually weigh anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds, making them a perfect size for both city and country living. They are considered medium-sized dogs, with a lean build and long legs. They have short hair, which can be any color except black, and often have a light blue or gray tint to their coat.
Blue Lacy dogs are highly intelligent and quick learners. They are highly trainable and are often used in various dog sports such as agility and obedience trials. They have a high energy level and are always eager to work or play. This breed requires plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Blue Lacy dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They make great family pets and are great with children. They also make great companions for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
The Blue Lacy dog breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the breed is registered with the National Kennel Club and the Lacy Dog Registry. The breed is also protected under the Texas State Dog Breeders Act.
More About Blue Lacy Texas History
The Lacy brothers of Burnet County – Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry Lacy – worked as cowboys and ranchers. They were instrumental in developing the breed, and each of them is thought to have owned at least one Blue Lacy dog.
Burnet County is located in the Texas Hill Country, northwest of Austin. It’s home to Marble Falls and the city of Burnet, which is the county seat. The county was named after David G. Burnet, who was president of the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1838. Burnet County is a popular tourist destination thanks to its picturesque landscape and abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
The Blue Lacy, a true Texas native, was designated as the official dog breed of Texas through a resolution passed by the Texas legislature in 2005. The resolution recognized the breed’s important contributions to the state’s history and heritage, as well as its unique qualities and abilities. The Blue Lacy has been a part of Texas history for over 150 years, and its role as a working dog on ranches and farms has made it a beloved and integral part of the state’s culture. The resolution was introduced by a group of state legislators who were passionate about the breed and wanted to see it officially recognized. The designation was a result of their efforts to raise awareness of the breed’s importance to Texas and to preserve its place in the state’s history and heritage.
Learn More About the Blue Lacy Game Dog
The Texas Lacy Game Dog Association (TLGDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Blue Lacy breed. The TLGDA was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Burnet, Texas, the breed’s place of origin. The organization is run by volunteers and relies on membership dues and donations to support its activities. The primary goal of the TLGDA is to promote the use of Blue Lacy dogs as working and hunting dogs. The organization also provides education and training opportunities for its members, and supports research into the history and genetics for dogs of this breed.
Other State Animals of Texas
Along with man’s best friend, the Lone Star State has 7 more official state animals, which have all become iconic Texas symbols:
- Texas Small State mammal: Nine-banded Armadillo
- Texas Large State Mammal: Texas Longhorn
- Texas State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
- Texas Flying State Mammal: Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
- Texas State Reptile: Texas Horned Lizard
- Texas State Insect: Monarch Butterfly
- Texas State Fish: Guadalupe Bass
Do you have a favorite dog breed? Let us know in the comments below!
Author: Amy Lynn
Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.
