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Working · United States

Blue Lacy

A walker's guide to the Blue Lacy: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 11 to 25 kgHigh driveTexas working dogHigh driveHerdingTracking
Exercise a day2 hours plus
Energy5 of 5
Walk styleFast, driven, focused
With other dogsFine when busy

Overview

The Lacy was bred in the Texas Hill Country in the nineteenth century by the Lacy brothers as a ranch dog that could drive hogs and cattle, track wounded game and guard the homestead. It is a smooth-coated, medium-sized dog, often slate grey but also red or tri-coloured, with light eyes and a lean athletic frame.

This is a working dog through and through and almost unheard of in the UK outside a handful of enthusiasts. Expect intensity, intelligence and a strong bond with its own people. Without a job, Lacys invent one, and any owner who has one knows that already.

Exercise and walking needs

Allow at least two hours of real activity daily. Running, scent work and retrieving all suit the breed, and a long, hard walk is the minimum rather than the target.

They thrive on structure. Short sprints after a ball followed by heel work and a sit suit them better than aimless exercise, and leave the dog mentally tired as well as physically.

Daily minimum120 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeTrained dogs only

On the walk

  • Recall: Trained Lacys have sharp recall, but they are bred to track and chase. Rabbits, deer and livestock test even a well-trained dog. Prove it on a long line first.
  • Sensitivity: The breed is quick to pick up on tone. Harsh handling makes it shut down or worry. Calm, clear direction works far better.
  • Other dogs: Generally fine, especially when busy. Some are pushy with strange dogs, and the herding instinct can turn play into chasing.
  • Weather: A thin coat means a cold, wet British winter is a shock. Shorten walks in sleet or add a coat.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Give the dog a task on every walk: a retrieve, a scent trail or a sequence of commands at intervals.
  2. Avoid livestock fields entirely. The instinct to work stock is strong and sheep will be a problem.
  3. Keep training bursts upbeat and short between rests; the breed burns out mentally if drilled too long.
  4. Check the pads after fast work on rough ground; they move hard enough to wear them.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • What has the dog been trained to do, and which commands does it respond to?
  • How does it behave around livestock and wildlife, and has it ever chased?
  • Is the dog happy with other dogs on a group walk, or better worked alone?
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