What the heck is a Lacy?? The little known Texas Lacy has been around for about 200 years. Although no one is entirely sure, traditional wisdom, as well as Lacy family history, holds that these gorgeous dogs were initially crosses between Greyhounds, scent hounds, and coyotes. They were started by the Lacy brothers in the Texas Hill Country.. These dogs are not recognized by the AKC, and quite frankly, Lacy breeders aren't interested in becoming recognized by any large-scale multi-breed registeries. The vast majority of Lacy breeders have extremely strict breeding standards in order to preserve what the breed was intended for. Of course, there are those who are just out to make some money, just as with any breed. There are several registeries, but the first association to register Lacys is the Texas Lacy Game Dog Association. According to the several breeders I have spoken with, there are two other registeries in particular who were started by breeders exiled from the TLGDA after evidence of inbreeding was found. (The names of those separate registeries have since slipped my mind, but I'm looking.)
The Lacy Game Dog filled the needs of colonial ranchers for over a century in the southwestern United States. At one time, the Lacy breed came near extinction with the rise of all-terrain vehicles being used for ranchwork rather than dogs. Its rediscovery as a versatile hunting companion has created a huge rise in Lacy popularity. Lacys are the most common breed of choice used by United States Trappers.
So what is a Lacy good for? Like the Border Collie, these dogs are amazingly versatile. Agile, intelligent, and driven, these dogs can excel at virtually any sport. They are excellent stock dogs, with a love of herding that makes them an excellent part of any ranch staff. These dogs also have an unbelievable sense of smell, and are very commonly used for tracking. As for hunting uses, they can track, tree a raccoon, retrieve waterfowl...virtually anything you ask of them. They are often used for hog hunting, a sport I personally do not agree with, but they are very good at it. (It's the way the hogs are hunted that bothers me, but that's another subject.) Again I must compare them to the Border Collie in that they are workaholics. These dogs need a job to do, and if you give it to them, they will give you 110+% every time. They are wonderful family dogs, highly trainable, and high energy, but sensitive.
So what does a Lacy look like?
Typically, Lacys are a slate blue, often with white paws or chest. They can also be tricolor(blue with tan points), red, and yellow. Their eyes are unique--they are always a distinctive bright orange to yellow color, like that of a coyote.
Since discovering this breed about a year and a half ago, I'm absolutely smitten. I've found a breeder who takes immaculate care of her dogs and has strict requirements for potential puppy owners. I've been approved and will be getting a puppy from her spring litter if everything goes as planned.
Some of my Favorite Lacy Sites:
Lacydog.com
Truebluelacys.org
(More editing to come)
The Lacy Game Dog filled the needs of colonial ranchers for over a century in the southwestern United States. At one time, the Lacy breed came near extinction with the rise of all-terrain vehicles being used for ranchwork rather than dogs. Its rediscovery as a versatile hunting companion has created a huge rise in Lacy popularity. Lacys are the most common breed of choice used by United States Trappers.
So what is a Lacy good for? Like the Border Collie, these dogs are amazingly versatile. Agile, intelligent, and driven, these dogs can excel at virtually any sport. They are excellent stock dogs, with a love of herding that makes them an excellent part of any ranch staff. These dogs also have an unbelievable sense of smell, and are very commonly used for tracking. As for hunting uses, they can track, tree a raccoon, retrieve waterfowl...virtually anything you ask of them. They are often used for hog hunting, a sport I personally do not agree with, but they are very good at it. (It's the way the hogs are hunted that bothers me, but that's another subject.) Again I must compare them to the Border Collie in that they are workaholics. These dogs need a job to do, and if you give it to them, they will give you 110+% every time. They are wonderful family dogs, highly trainable, and high energy, but sensitive.
So what does a Lacy look like?
Typically, Lacys are a slate blue, often with white paws or chest. They can also be tricolor(blue with tan points), red, and yellow. Their eyes are unique--they are always a distinctive bright orange to yellow color, like that of a coyote.
Since discovering this breed about a year and a half ago, I'm absolutely smitten. I've found a breeder who takes immaculate care of her dogs and has strict requirements for potential puppy owners. I've been approved and will be getting a puppy from her spring litter if everything goes as planned.
Some of my Favorite Lacy Sites:
Lacydog.com
Truebluelacys.org
(More editing to come)