Discover the Official Texas State Dog

Texas has long been known for its legacy of independence, rugged terrain, ranching, and flavorful cuisine. Likewise, its people are tenacious and hard-working, but also friendly and have a lust for life. The official state symbols of Texas embody these qualities and ideals, and nothing does this better than the official Texas state dog! What is the official state dog of Texas, and how does it represent this southwestern state so well? Let’s dive in and find out!

The Official Texas State Dog: The Blue Lacy

The blue lacy became the official Texas state dog on June 18, 2005. This dog is a very apt symbol for the state — it’s the only dog breed that actually originated in Texas! Back in the 1850s, the Lacy family bred cattle and hogs in Texas. These animals are large and powerful, and they require a lot of strength and stamina to work with. So, the Lacy’s decided to selectively breed a new type of dog that could handle the challenge. 

The Lacy brothers — Harry, George, Frank, and Ewin — worked to develop a new breed of ranching dog. They needed a dog that was versatile, tough enough to herd cattle, strong enough to continually work hard throughout the day, and had the stamina to run long distances as well as sprint with agility. Using scenthounds, greyhounds, and even coyotes, the Lacy’s developed the blue lacy dog breed, appropriately named after their family. 

Blue Lacys in Texas

For the next 100 years, blue lacy dogs were a staple on many Texas ranches. The ranchers said that the dogs could do just as much work as five cowboys could! Many people also trained blue lacy dogs as hunting and tracking dogs, making them highly valued in many parts of the southwest United States. The dogs were strong and fast enough to herd large Texas longhorn cattle, but also gentle enough to herd smaller animals like chickens. 

Clyde Lacy said that his grandfather had a pack of blue lacys that helped with his hogs up on Granite Mountain. When it was time to pen the hogs, Grandpa Lacy would give the signal and his dogs would round them up, without help or direction from any cowboys. The dogs could herd all 300 hogs into their pens in just three hours!

However, as technology progressed over the years, many ranchers stopped using working dogs. Because of this, the beloved blue lacy dog breed was nearly lost to history by the 1970s. Fortunately, dedicated efforts to revive the breeds have helped their numbers increase again. Today, most registered blue lacys are bred in Texas and sold among its inhabitants.

What Do Blue Lacy Dogs Look Like?

Like their name, many blue lacy dogs have stunning blueish-grey coats. Their short and smooth fur can range anywhere from light silver to almost black or charcoal grey. Despite their name, however, not every blue lacy dog is actually blue. In fact, there are three main colorations of this breed: blue, red, and tricolor. 

Red blue lacys range from a light creamy color to yellow or a rusty-red color. Tricolor blue lacys, on the other hand, combine color attributes from both blues and reds. These dogs typically have a blue-colored base with distinct red or rust-colored markings. All three colors of blue lacys may also have white markings, which are most common on their paws and on their chest. Even though reds and tricolors may not appear very “blue”, they are still blue lacys because they possess the breed’s unique blue-color gene.

Blue lacy dogs also have unique eyes that add to their striking appearance. Their eyes are bright and sharp, and range from a bright yellow or orange to a rich amber color. Adults are medium-sized dogs that weigh 25 to 50 pounds and stand between 18 to 25 inches at the shoulder. They have strong yet slender bodies that are lithe and agile. Their frames are perfectly proportioned to their height, and they move with power, speed, and grace. As blue lacys were bred over generations by ranchers and hunters, they honed a physique that is capable of enduring the harsh terrains and extreme temperatures of Texas.

What Type of Temperament Do Blue Lacys Have?

Although these dogs are powerful and athletic, they are also gentle and friendly. Their easy-going nature and watchdog skills make them great family dogs, as long as their unique needs are met. Blue lacys require physical and mental stimulation. They need multiple walks and runs each day and plenty of open space to run around in. They love working and do best when they have a job to do. These dogs cannot handle being cooped up inside for very long and get bored easily. When they are bored, they can get into all kinds of mischief as they look for new and creative ways to entertain themselves. 

Blue lacys are extremely intelligent dogs, but they also need firm and gentle guidance and training. They are gentle creatures known for their deep sensitivity and soft hearts. Because of this, they do not respond well to negative reinforcement and punishment at all. Blue lacy dogs need positive reinforcement and owners who provide structure as well as understanding. Early socialization is key so that they can understand their role in the home and how to appropriately interact with people and other animals. These dogs are dutiful guardians with a strong instinctive prey drive. This may lead them to target smaller creatures if not trained appropriately. With patience and consistency, however, blue lacys can be devoted family members and excellent companions.

A True Texas Canine

It is quite fitting that the official Texas state dog was developed in the Lone Star State. The Lacy family — in addition to developing a true Texas dog breed — also donated red granite from their quarry to build the state capitol building in Austin, Texas. However, there is more than just the Lacy family’s Texan roots and the blue lacy’s origin that makes this dog such an appropriate symbol for Texas.

The blue lacy is a rugged and hardy dog. This incredible canine epitomizes the hard-working spirit that is ingrained in the state’s culture. From their determined natures to their playful dispositions, blue lacys reflect both the tenacity and welcoming attitude of Texans throughout the state. With their unrivaled loyalty to their human companions, blue lacys stand strong and faithful as a reminder of all of the best qualities of Texas: strength and a tireless work ethic paired with an easy-going and caring personality. Thus, as the Texas legislature declared in 2005, the blue lacy is a “true Texas breed”.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Pawsitively D'Lish Pet Photography