Texas, Louisiana name pioneers' working dogs as their state breeds (original) (raw)

Texas, Louisiana name pioneers' working dogs as their state breeds

Did you know that Texas and Louisiana both have state dogs?

Less than a dozen states have declared a breed to represent their state. It's no surprise that Massachusetts has the Boston terrier, but Texas' Blue Lacy is a breed most folks would call a hound. The Blue Lacy was named for its blue slate fur, but they can come in a variety of colors, some with markings similar to a beagle's. They have a smooth coat and weight 30 - 50 pounds.

Louisiana's state dog, the Catahoula, is a related breed of working dog, usually larger than a Blue Lacy but similar in appearance and disposition. Both breeds are herding dogs, and yes, they also hunt and bay when they tree something. So strong is the herding instinct that they will try to heard chickens or anything else, naturally and without training.

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The Blue Lacy is named for the Lacy brothers, who brought the dogs with their wagon train in 1858. The dogs were used to herd cattle and hogs.

The proclamation signed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2005 says, in part, "Like the Texas longhorn, the Blue Lacy is a Texas original, the only dog breed to have originated in this state... it was said that one such dog could do the work of five cowboys."

Catahoulas are sometimes called Leopard dogs for their brown on beige spots. Glass eyes (blue to blue-white) are common, and they often have white toes and chest. Not all Catahoulas have leopard markings, however, and, depending on ancestry, can range in size from 50 to more than 100 pounds.

They are thought to be descended from the original Native American dogs, possibly interbred with war dogs brought by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. One Indian burial site recently found near Bienville Parish had dogs buried with human remains, 5,630 B.C.

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Both breeds are recognized and registered by several of the major agencies, but chances are, you can find a recognizable example of either breed, minus the pedigree papers, available for adoption from the Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society (JLAHS) at 384-8251, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Check the website frequently; pet finder at www.jas.net/~jar, or call and let them know what you are looking for.. The society says they have had people come all the way from California to adopt one of these dogs.