Mary Allen
Contrary to their name (“bobtail”), bobtails are rarely born with short bobtails. They are very popular with children because of their fluffy fur, which appears particularly long and bushy on the back. Known internationally as Old English Sheepdogs, these dogs have a lot to offer families, but they also require special care. You can find out whether the friendly shaggy heads suit you as the owner in the breed portrait
How to Recognize a Purebred Old English Sheepdog
Most bobtails are born with a normal length tail, but because of the dense and shaggy coat on the body, it’s hard to see when it’s hanging quiescently. All puppies used to have their tails docked, but today docking is strictly forbidden. Bobtails with a bobtail or no tail also occur and are often confused with docked dogs. Because of their friendly and wary facial expressions, the dogs are popular with children and are often portrayed in cartoons and films as phlegmatic caretakers and family friends.
Size and weight of the bobtail
The minimum height at the withers for males is given as 61 cm, bitches are slightly smaller with a minimum height at the withers of 56 cm. When breeding, however, the focus is not on the exact body height, but on the proportions. The average weight for males is 80 to 100 pounds, according to the AKC, and females range from 70 to 100 pounds.
The Old English Sheepdog from the shaggy head to the bobtail
- Head: The square head shape is hardly recognizable because of the long, shaggy fur. The stop is well defined and the arched eyebrows are covered by long, sideways hairs that should not obscure vision.
- Muzzle: The muzzle is square and angular, with a large, black nose and a white, shaggy mustache. The teeth are straight and form a strong scissor bite. The white fur on the chin and around the corners of the mouth is often stained in adult dogs, which is why they look a bit disheveled.
- Eyes: The rounded eyes are well spaced and rather small compared to the skull. In addition to dark eye colors, two blue eyes (“wall eyes”) and different colored eyes are also permitted in the Old English Sheepdog.
- Ears: Due to the rather small hanging ears carried at the side, the head appears particularly broad. In many dogs, their color contrasts with the white head.
- Body: The body is short and compact, with deep and well-sprung ribs and a long, powerful neck. The hard shaggy fur grows about 8 to 15 cm long over the entire body.
- Tail: The tail (if present) is also covered with long hair.
- Legs: Forelegs are very straight and strong with well laid back shoulders. As with almost all European shepherds, the hind legs are slightly bent and very well muscled.
Coat and colors of the bobtail
Dogs’ stick hair withstands all weathers – so you can do without a dog jacket in winter. Typical of the bobtail is its slightly protruding shaggy fur, which is not quite as soft as it looks. The shaggy fur appears particularly dense on the hind legs; the ears have slightly shorter hairs.
Unmistakable by its fur color
- All shades of gray and blue are acceptable primary colors. There are also plain white bobtails.
- The head, chest, forelegs, and belly should be white (grey patches are allowed, for example around the eyes or on the head).
- The body and hind legs are solid gray or blue. White front and hind feet and a white tip of the tail are also allowed.
The Origin of the Old English Sheepdog
Various rumors circulate about the origin of the name Bobtail. Some sources claim that dogs in Wales were always docked at the time of their origin around 1700, as only dogs with tails were taxed. Other sources claim that the bobtail gene inherent in the breed led to the unusual name.
How did the bobtail come about?
Just like the term Bobtail, the term Old English Dog is not entirely correct. Although the dog breed existed in this form long before European breed standards were introduced, in all likelihood, it descended from even older European dog breeds. What is certain is that the bobtail, as it is today, was used to drive cattle and as a farm dog in southwest England as early as the 18th century.
Possible ancestors of the bobtail
- South Russian Ovcharka (Russia)
- Bergamasque Shepherd Dog (Italy)
- Polski Owczarek Nizinny, short PON (Poland)
- Bearded Collie (Scotland)
Nature and Character of the Old English Sheepdog: The Dog as a Hairy Nanny
Shepherd dogs are hardly able to fulfill their original tasks these days. Despite this, breeds like the Bobtail remain popular and are often chosen as family pets for their patient nature. The shaggy heads are people-related and often try to “guard” children, bicycles, and other things and guide them with friendly nudges. With good socialization, they get along with other dogs, cats, and small animals without any problems.
On the spot in any weather
Old English Sheepdogs are loyal and affectionate companions who love to fool around as much as they love demanding work schedules. Wind, snow, or rain don’t bother them one bit, nor do puddles or mud. If they are sufficiently exercised, they are quiet and reserved in the house. If you always have a towel ready to dry your dog’s paws and keep your dog’s fur clean, your furniture will remain intact. On hot days, the dog likes to lounge around and sometimes suffers from its thick fur, but this serves as the dog’s “air conditioner” and should not be clipped in summer.