Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed ComparisonBoth Miniature Australian Shepherd and Blue Lacy are originated from United States. Miniature Australian Shepherd may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Blue Lacy. Miniature Australian Shepherd may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Blue Lacy. Miniature Australian Shepherd may live 3 years less than Blue Lacy. Miniature Australian Shepherd may have more litter size than Blue Lacy. Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Blue Lacy requires Low maintenance

History

miniature australian shepherd - historyUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

blue lacy - historyThe Lacy brothers came to Texas in 1858, and this breed is named after them. They wanted a strong, robust working dog. It is a working/herding dog breed that originated in Texas in the mid 19th century.

It is interesting to note that in June 2005, Governor Rick Perry brought about legislation adopting the Blue Lacy as the official Dog Breed of Texas. The breed is also registered by the National Lacy Dog Registry and the Animal Research Foundation.

Today the Blue Lacy is considered to be the perfect all-around dog, with the Lacy family history noting the breed to come from a mix of scent-hound, greyhound and coyote cross. There are theories around the scent hound used, with some believing it could have been an Italian Gray Hound, but whatever the case, the Lacy brothers established this breed under the guidelines required to develop a recognized breed.

Description

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

Lithe, Sleek and Agile to Look At

blue lacy puppy - descriptionThe medium-sized, well proportioned, muscular and lithe Blue Lacy stands at roughly 46–53cm. He has a coat which is smooth and short and in an attractive gun-metal gray color which can be classified as blue or almost black. Other shades are also available such as cream, yellow, reddish and you also get tri-colored Lacy’s.

Pure Blue Lacy’s have some white markings on their brisket. Whatever color you have, these clean-looking dogs with their low maintenance coats are referred to as Blue Lacy’s. Their brown eyes are bright and alert, they have long tails and their ears hang down.

A Wonderful All-Round Dog

The American Blue Lacy gives one the sense of speed, agility and endurance. He is intelligent, active and alert, being an all-round dog who can adapt to being among ranchers and cowboys and then become gentle with children and his family.

With socialization, he is also tolerant of other dogs. Because he is so intelligent he can be quickly trained, and training and socialization will be recommended for him to ensure he is the perfect all-rounder he was designed to be. His alertness makes him an excellent watch dog.

Characteristics

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

blue lacy dog - characteristicsYour Blue Lacy is such a low-maintenance, easy dog to have. Remember to have your puppy vaccinated from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. These vaccinations start from 6 - 8 weeks of age. Also, because different areas have different regulations surrounding the rabies injection, check with your vet about this one.

A socialized, trained Blue Lacy makes such an awesome pet but you have responsibilities towards him. You need to know precisely what is required to keep him healthy and happy.

This is a versatile working dog who is intelligent and alert but also sensitive to being mistreated. Treat him decently and in exchange you’ll have a loyal, devoted canine family member.

Health Problems

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

blue lacy puppies - health problemsThe Blue Lacy is generally a healthy breed, but just like with any other dog breed they will be prone to some health conditions. Blue Lacys can also suffer with the likes of hip or elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a disease of the hip where the ball and socket joint is malformed. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints don’t develop normally. It needs to be watched as it can result in loss of function of the hip joints. The disease can often begin when the dog is still very young.

Hypothyroidism

Some breeds are genetically predisposed towards hypothyroidism, but environmental factors and certain medications can trigger autoimmune reactions. Not only that, a tight collar can also cause thyroid damage. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, skin problems, dislike of the cold and even hair loss and then it’s time to get your pet thyroid-tested.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Exercise

blue lacy dogs - caringTypically of working breeds, the Blue Lacy is going to need a firm owner who provides guidance and leadership, and who is responsible with providing the Lacy with plenty of exercise. This dog was created for work, so they will be totally at home on a farm. If not, they will require long walks every day with lots of ball games too.

Grooming

Care for the Blue Lacy doesn’t take much effort. He isn’t much of a shedder and therefore has low grooming requirements. He’ll require being brushed twice a week to get rid of loose hairs. If you start early with this grooming routine, he looks forward to this ‘bonding’ session.

Routine maintenance will require nail clipping and teeth cleaning as plaque can build up and leave your pet with dental problems and gum disease. Ask your veterinarian about dental care because there are special dog-designed toothpastes and brushes. Also check for ticks and fleas in and around the ears of your dog.

Food

Your Blue Lacy is a high energy working dog so he will require a balanced diet to cater for his energy levels. He will certainly require some raw meat from time to time to avoid skin problems. Home prepared meals are also good and these can include rice, meat and vegetables.

Remember when in any kind of doubt, speak to your vet about dog food which meets the requirements of your dog, his age, his breed and his activity levels. Always have a bowl of clean, cool water available to him around the clock.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
3 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Lacy Dog, Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy
Colors Available:
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Grey, blue, black, cream, tri-coloured
Coat:
Long and thick
short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  11. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  12. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  13. Red Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Lacy vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  16. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Blue Lacy vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  18. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. Blue Lacy vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Lacy vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  21. Blue Lacy vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Blue Lacy vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  23. Blue Lacy vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Blue Lacy vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Pomeranian vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Pug vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Papillon vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds