There aren’t many dogs that can call Texas their native home, which is why the Texas blue dog is in a league of their own. Also known as the Blue Lacy, the Texas blue dog has been around since the 19th century and was recently crowned the state dog in 2005.
That said, these dogs are on the rarer side, and you may not find many of them outside of Texas. What’s more, these dogs have a unique personality that can be difficult to work with if you’re not prepared for them.
The good news is that we have your back in this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Texas blue dog.
What Is the Texas Blue Dog?
The Texas blue dog, more commonly known as the Blue Lacy, is a dog breed that’s native to Texas. This breed is a working dog, and you can trace their roots back to the 1800s, where they were bred to herd cattle and protect them. After all, this was a time when not many people lived in Texas, or really in the United States at all.
That said, the Texas blue dog became popular due to their intelligence, ability to work on farms, and even their high levels of energy that are necessary for herding. Today, the Blue Lacy is still known for these attributes, although many people keep them as pets now.
What Does the Texas Blue Dog Look Like?
The Texas blue dog has a distinct appearance, especially compared to other dog breeds that hail from the United States. These dogs tend to be medium in size with an agile-looking build, so don’t expect them to weigh more than 50 pounds.
When it comes to their coat, you’ll find that Blue Lacys have a smooth coat that comes in red, blue, or even a combination of colors. Their ears tend to be droopy, but they do have long snouts with brown, blue, or yellow eyes. Another distinctive feature of a Texas blue dog is their long and curved tail.
What Is the Texas Blue Dog’s Temperament?
The Texas Blue Lacy has a unique temperament. These dogs are loaded with energy and love to run around and play. That said, these dogs also need training for the best results. In fact, without physical or mental stimulation, you may find that the Texas Blue Lacy will become unruly or develop behavioral issues.
For these reasons, if you live in Austin, Houston, or another city, it can be hard to give the Texas Blue Lacy the care that it needs. When it comes to some unique features about this dog, you’ll find that they’re highly intelligent and trainable. Therefore, they make good service dogs and working dogs.
Texas Blue Dog Grooming and Shedding Needs
When it comes to the Texas blue dog’s grooming and shedding, you don’t have to worry about too much. You’ll need to brush them weekly and give them a bath occasionally, but that’s about it. It’s also important to avoid shaving them, and if your Blue Lacy is working enough, their nails will wear down naturally over time.
It’s also a good idea to check their skin for signs of rashes, hair loss, and other problems.
Texas Blue Dog Health Needs
When it comes to the health needs of Texas blue dogs, it all comes down to feeding them a diet that’s formulated for high-energy, medium-sized dogs. You also need to help them exercise for around an hour or two daily to keep them lean and agile.
That said, it’s also important to keep an eye on some of the more common Blue Lacy health problems. Examples include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and color dilution alopecia. You’ll also find that they can develop joint problems as they age. To avoid health issues, it helps to bring them to the vet for a checkup annually.
Welcome a Texas Blue Dog Into Your Family Today!
Are you ready to buy a Texas blue dog? Or are you interested in a different breed? Whatever your motivation, you’ll need to find one available for adoption or through a dog breeder. For the latter, it’s worthwhile to leverage online resources to help you find a Blue Lacy available, especially with the breed’s rarity.
In fact, sites like Dog Academy can help you find a Texas Blue Lacy in Texas or anywhere else across the United States. Sure, you can call local breeders in your area, but leveraging a reliable online resource is often faster, easier, and a great way to ensure that a breeder is legitimate.
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