Both the Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog and the Texas blue Lacy dog were developed as working breeds in the United States. Both breeds have recognition as official state dogs, but neither has widespread recognition among dog registries. Many differences exist between these two breeds, not limited to the purposes for which they are used and the standards to which they must conform.
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Difference in Recognition
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The Catahoula was granted recognition as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 1995. The breed is undergoing the process toward recognition by the American Kennel Club as part of the Foundation Stock Service. The blue Lacy is not recognized by any major all-breed or multi-breed registry. It is, however, registered by the National Lacy Dog Association and the National Kennel Club, which is primarily a working and hunting dog registry.
Difference in Foundation and Purpose
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Catahoulas are descended from Native American dogs, domesticated wolves, Spanish war dogs and Beaucerons, a French breed. Catahoulas are recognized as a member of the UKC's Herding Group and are known for their unique manner of working stock by forming a ring around the animals being herded. In addition to herding cattle and hogs, Catahoulas were used for trailing and baying small game. Blue Lacys are also multi-purpose herding and hunting dogs. Their history is largely unknown, but the breed may have been descended from greyhounds, coyotes and scenthounds.
Difference in Body Type
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The Catahoula typically stands between 22 and 24 inches at the shoulder, is somewhat longer than tall, and should have a rounded and slightly protruding forechest. The Catahoula̵7;s legs should account for at least half of his height; he should have moderate bone. Shorter legs are to be penalized, as the Catahoula is not to have a bulldoglike appearance. The Lacy dog is smaller and should stand between 17 inches and 22 inches at the shoulder. The breed should have a square form, being the same length in body as she is high at the shoulder, although a marginally longer body is permitted. The Lacy̵7;s legs should be of moderate length and her body should have a moderate tuck-up in the loin.
Difference in Coat
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Both breeds have short and close-lying coats, the Catahoula's specified as having a single coat. The Catahoula can have a solid black, blue, chocolate, red, white or yellow coat. Any of those colors can have the merle leopard pattern. The Catahoula may have brindle-patterned coat. Any coat color or pattern can be accented with tan markings or white trim. Piebald coats are heavily penalized or may be disqualifying, depending on the amount of white present. By contrast, the Lacy breed can have only a solid blue or solid red coat or a blue coat accented with red markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, on the chest and on the legs. The blue or red color can range from very light to very dark. Lacy dogs are permitted to have white markings on the front of their chests and may have white markings extending from their chins to their groins, but facial markings or markings above the midline of their bodies are disqualifying. The term "Lacy" refers to the family that founded the breed, not to any coat pattern.
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