AKA: Blue Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy, Blue Lacy Hog Dog, Texas Lacy Game Dog

Description: The Blue Lacy is an average size breed with a sleek and clean appearance. It possesses a blue-color gene even if its coat is red or tricolor, hence its name. The Blue Lacy has minimal to full white markings on its brisket and on its paws. Another unique feature of the Blue Lacy is its eyes, which are a very bright orange to yellow color.

Dynamics: The Lacy is a great worker and companion dog. It is easy to train and handle, and it is great with children. This breed is voice sensitive so a stern voice can be enough to discipline it.

The Lacy is an energetic breed and a great worker. It is capable of handling the most challenging task, and it takes its work seriously. It is loyal and dedicated.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 25-50 lbs (11-23 kg)

Height: 18-25 inches (46-64 cm)

Color: The Blue Lacy’s coat color can be classified as blue, red, or tricolor (red and tricolored are still called Blue Lacy’s because of their blue-color gene). The blue Blue Lacy can have a coat ranging from a light gun-metal gray to an almost black color. The red Blue Lacy can be red, or yellow to cream. The tricolored Blue Lacy has a blue coat with red markings over the eyes, on the muzzle, under the tail, and down the legs.

Country of Origin: The Blue Lacy is a unique breed from the United States and was once close to extinction. Made popular by the Lacy brothers (Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry Lacy) in 1858, the breed was named after them. It is now the breed most used by the United States Trappers.

Grooming: The Blue Lacy has short hair and therefore does not need much grooming.

Activities: The Blue Lacy requires lots of attention and exercise. As a herding dog, it loves to work and be in action. Aside from herding, the Blue Lacy is also used for hog hunting, finding wounded deer, and treeing game. It is also a reliable watch dog and companion dog.

Other Info: The Blue Lacy has a life expectancy of around 16 years. It can adapt to any type of living condition. It loves to be both indoors and outdoors.

AKA: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australischer Treibhund, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler

Description: The Australian Heeler is a powerful and agile working dog with a body a bit longer than it is high. It has a broad head, dark brown oval eyes, and moderately pointed ears. Its teeth forms a scissors bite. Its tail is slightly curved and reaches down to the hock.

Dynamics: The Australian Heeler is one of the most intelligent breeds. Born a working dog, this breed needs to be always in motion. Leaving it alone and making it bored might lead to behavior problems. Training it will require a firm hand and lots of attention.

The Australian Heeler is a loyal and protective dog. It tends to be a one-person dog. This dog can be aggressive and suspicious of people and other dogs. It has to be socialized with children and other pets since puppyhood if it has to get along with them very well. This breed also makes an excellent guard dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 32-35 lbs (15-16 kg), females 30-35 lbs (14-16 kg)

Height: males 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), females 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)

Color: The Australian Heeler comes in either blue or red-speckled (Blue Heeler and Red Heeler, respectively). The Blue Heeler may have black, blue, or tan markings on the head with tan points. The Red Heeler is evenly speckled and may have darker markings on the head. The Australian Heeler is born white but the adult color can be seen in the paw pads.

Country of Origin: The Australian Heeler was developed by pioneer settlers in Australia in the 19th century. The breed came from a mix of smooth blue-speckled Collie imports form Scotland and wild Australian Dingoes. Other breeds crossed to make the Australian Heeler are the Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier.

Grooming: The Australian Heeler has a short water-resistant coat so it is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a bristle brush. Bathe only when needed.

Activities: The Australian Heeler has a great amount of energy to use. Exercise and work are important for this breed. The Australian Heeler’s talents consist of retrieving, herding, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Other Info: The Australian Heeler has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. It is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and deafness. The Australian Heeler is not suited for apartment life. It will fare better in a home with a wide and open yard or field nearby.