The Blue Lacy (also called the Lacy Dog, or just Lacy) is a medium-sized, highly energetic breed that originated in the U.S. state of Texas. This is a dog with a strong work ethic, and is equally good at herding, hunting, ranch work, and even makes a great family pet! Blue Lacy care will take a moderate amount of work, and will need to include a lot of daily exercise and some early training and socialization.
Below you'll find details on caring for the Lacy Dog including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about this hardworking breed, read on!
Blue Lacy exercise requirements are pretty extensive. Breed members will need a wide variety of activities that both condition them physically and stimulate them mentally; they make good bicycling companions, and are best suited to homes with large, fenced yards.
Adult Lacys will need 90 minutes or more of proper exercise each day. You can start exercising your Lacy puppy at three months old by taking it on short walks.
Precautions to consider:
- No hard exercise for puppies
- Leash is required
- Outdoor areas should be securely fenced
Exercising your Blue Lacy every day is an absolute must. Without consistent activity they'll become destructive, disobedient, and completely unhappy in general. A few Blue Lacy exercise ideas:
- Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 30-minute walks (or 20-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
- Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
- Tug-of-War: Good indoor activity; use a rope or old towel
- Swimming: Lacys usually love the water; start swimming with the dog when it's still a puppy
- Canine Sports: Lacy Dogs can excel in obedience and agility trials, flyball, and other events
- Dog Park: If properly socialized, Lacys usually enjoy the company of other dogs; be sure to use a leash
- Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash
When indoors, it's good to give the dog access to balls or toys that will allow it to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that owners have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't need a great deal of care. Blue Lacy shedding is seasonal--fairly light for most of the year, but heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. Drooling isn't much of an issue.
Lacy Dogs have short, smooth coats with only somewhat of an undercoat. Most of the time, the coats don't shed too much, but the shedding can be heavier if they blow their undercoats in the spring and fall. Owners only need to brush their Lacys weekly with a bristle brush to keep the shed to a minimum. Hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be needed only occasionally. (Brushing and cleanup may be required more often during shedding season.)
And a Blue Lacy might drool a little in anticipation of food or after drinking water, but the drool won't be heavy or frequent. If your Lacy Dog is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.
These dogs have very short, sleek coats that keep them cool in warm to hot weather. They will, therefore, likely be uncomfortable in very cold climates.
