Blue Lacy Origins and History
A Texas native like the Texas longhorns, the Blue Lacy was developed in the Texas Hill Country by the four Lacy brothers (Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry). These brothers immigrated from Kentucky to Burnet County, Texas, in 1858. Traditional wisdom, as well as Lacy family history, holds that the Lacys are the result of a Greyhound/scent hound/coyote cross. There are several theories about which breed of scent hound and native wild dog was used. However, the main point is that the cross most definitely worked.
Multiple sources also suggested that Lacys in the Hill Country strongly influenced Fred Gipson. Fred was raised in adjacent Mason County and best known for his novel Old Yeller.
The Blue Lacy Game Dog filled colonial Americans’ needs for over a century on ranches in the Southwestern US. With the Blue Lacy being considered the all-around ranch dog, some say one lacy could replace five cowboys. The decline of the family-owned ranching industry, as well as the introduction of technology such as all-terrain vehicles, brought the Lacy breed near extinction; however, its re-discovery as a masterful hunting companion has dramatically increased Lacy demand.
The Blue Lacy is intelligent, eager to work, energetic, and fast. They are easy to train and handle as herding, baying, tracking, and hunting dogs. As a result of the Lacy’s ability to bay the fiercest of hogs, pick up the trail of any game animal, or find wounded animals, the Blue Lacy is gaining popularity in the commercial hunting industry. Blue Lacy owners claim they are the perfect universal dog. They know just where to be at just the right time. They are now the most common breed used by United States Trappers. They also excel at taking on the role of search and rescue dogs.
State Dog of Texas
As of June 18, 2005, the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designates the Blue Lacy as the official State Dog Breed of Texas. *Senate Resolution 108. This resolution recognizes the significance of the Blue Lacy breed, which originated in the state, and its contribution to Texas’ heritage and history. It also encourages breeders and enthusiasts to continue to promote and preserve the Blue Lacy breed. The Blue Lacy is a symbol of the state’s proud heritage and its agricultural roots. It is also a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources. This resolution is an official recognition of the Blue Lacy’s place in Texas history and culture. You can read H.C.R. No 108 on the LGDR State Dog of Texas page here.