Mary Allen
The plush fur, the loving look, and the cheerful nature make the Old English Sheepdog, better known as the Bobtail, simply unmistakable. You can find out what distinguishes the German shepherd dog from Great Britain here in the profile.
History of the Bobtail
The Bobtail is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in Great Britain. English shepherds used the dogs to drive cattle early on. The Old English Sheepdog’s ancestors include English and European Shepherd Dogs, as well as Russian and Hungarian Shepherd Dogs. The characteristic dense and long fur served to protect against harsh weather conditions. In 1888 the British Kennel Club officially recognized the Old English Sheepdog.
The breed was given the name “Bobtail” because of the short tail that some dogs of this breed are born with. Because of its magnificent coat, the dog breed has become increasingly popular as a show dog since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1963, international recognition finally came from the FCI. The breed belongs to Group 1 “Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs” in Section 1 “Shepherd Dogs”.
Essence and Character
As fluffy and lovely as the bobtail looks, it is also under the thick fur. The loyal and balanced four-legged friend is a great family dog. He remains playful into old age and loves children. The breed is also considered an intelligent and reliable protector and reliably reports any intruder. At times, the English Shepherd Dog can be stubborn. With loving persuasion, however, you can easily get a grip on it. Like many sheepdogs, English herding dogs are sensitive and do not take punishment. He is friendly and outgoing with other dogs and gets along well with other pets if socialized well.
The Appearance of the bobtail
The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog that is particularly noticeable because of its lush fur. His physique is strong and muscular with a square-looking head. Its eyes are set wide apart and are preferably dark, but maybe blue or odd-eye tinted. The lush coat of the bobtail is weatherproof and covers the entire body. The shaggy topcoat has a hard structure, with the undercoat being very dense and water-repellent. The hair on the hind legs is denser than on the rest of the body. Coat colors vary from gray to grizzle to various shades of blue. The head, neck, and front legs should be white, and white “socks” are allowed. The tail is well feathered and was often docked in the past.
Education of the Puppy
The Bobtail is an inherently friendly and cooperative dog. Nevertheless, he is not a pure beginner’s dog. As a former shepherd dog, he has a strong herding instinct and a slight tendency to be independent. With its later size, it is important to show the dog as a puppy what it can and cannot do. Train your dog with a lot of feeling and consistency. The sensitive four-legged friends find it difficult to deal with punishment and aggression. Seemingly unaware of their own strength and size, dogs tend to jump up on loved ones. Not everyone understands this joyful exuberance, so it needs to be brought under control early on.
Activities with the Bobtail
Although he doesn’t look like it, the Bobtail is an energetic dog that needs plenty of exercises. He feels most comfortable in nature and wants to run and play a lot. The dogs are persistent and enjoy long walks in nature in all weather. In order to keep busy, the clever dog needs something to do where it can put its intelligence to the test. The dogs are also enthusiastic athletes in dog dancing or agility. In addition, the former herding dog is still in every representative of the breed, which is why he likes to keep the entire family together. In contrast to other active herding dogs such as the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie, you do not necessarily have to keep him busy with work.
Health and Care
The dense coat of the dog breed means that it requires a lot of care. You should comb the bobtail’s plush fur thoroughly at least two to three times a week to avoid tangles. So get the puppy used to the grooming ritual with the brush or, if necessary, the electric clippers at an early stage. It is also important to clean the fur of dirt and vermin after every walk. The long hair on the face should be pinned up with clips or shortened so that the dog has a clear view. In hot temperatures, dogs with thick fur can easily overheat. In midsummer, clipping is therefore recommended.
Is the Bobtail Right for Me?
The Bobtail is an affectionate and loyal dog that prefers to spend all day with its family. So you should have enough time and desire to constantly take care of your four-legged friend. You should also consider the time-consuming grooming before buying a puppy. So you have to use a large part of your free time to deal with the new four-legged family member. The breed is best suited to an active family that is willing to commit to the dog for the next 12 to 13 years. With the right upbringing, you will get a loyal and fun companion dog who loves his family more than anything.