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Old english sheepdog

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog old english sheepdog!

Here, you will find all the useful information about old english sheepdog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Bobtail, also known as the Old English Sheepdog, is a breed of dog with a rich and fascinating history. Its history dates back to 18th century England, where it was primarily used as a sheepdog for livestock, particularly sheep. The Bobtail's ancestors included Northern European sheepdogs and other local British breeds. The Bobtail is the result of a probable cross between Nizinnys, Ovcharkas and local dogs, notably Deerhounds. Brie Shepherds, Poodles and Bearded Collies are also thought to have contributed to the breed.

The Bobtail gained popularity because of its herding and driving abilities, as well as its distinctive appearance with its thick, curly coat. The breed is renowned for its intelligence, alertness and willingness to work hard to accomplish the tasks assigned to it.

Bobtails are large, muscular dogs. Males weigh an average of 27-36kg (60-80lbs), while females weigh 23-31kg (50-70lbs). In terms of height, males measure around 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 inches) at the withers, while females measure around 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 inches).

The Bobtail is distinguished by its dense, thick coat, which requires regular care to avoid knots and tangles. The most common coat colour is slate grey, but other colour variations are also possible, including blue merle and grey and white.

As for character, the Bobtail is known for its friendly, affectionate and gentle nature. It is a loyal dog that attaches itself deeply to its family and shows great patience with children. They are also intelligent and receptive to training, making them an excellent companion for working activities or dog sports.

Bobtails are classified by the FCI as Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs). The founding breed club is the Old English Sheepdog Club, founded in 1888 in the United Kingdom. The breed standard was drawn up in 1888 and finally recognised by the FCI on 25 November 1963. The standard was updated on 13 October 2010.

In a nutshell, the Bobtail is a British sheepdog with a distinctive coat, sharp intelligence and a friendly disposition. They have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world thanks to their unique looks and endearing personality.

Origins

The Old English Sheepdog, or Bobtail, is a very old breed whose exact origins remain somewhat mysterious. The first mentions of dogs similar to the Bobtail date back several centuries in England, where they were mainly used as herding dogs to guard sheep. The breed was probably influenced by various European herding dogs and perhaps even dogs imported from other regions like Central Asia.

History

The history of the Bobtail is closely linked to the breeding of sheep in England. These robust and resistant dogs were appreciated for their ability to work on vast hilly terrains, often in difficult weather conditions. Their popularity reached its peak in the 19th century, when the breed was officially recognized. Later, the Bobtail also became a beloved family companion, especially for its distinctive appearance and friendly temperament.

Standard

The Bobtail is a large dog, with a robust and muscular body. Its most remarkable feature is probably its dense and curly coat, which can be of any shade of gray, blue, or merle, often with white marks. The head is wide with a strong muzzle, and the eyes are generally covered with hair, giving the dog a very characteristic expression. The tail is usually short, a feature that gave it its name.

Physical characteristics

The Bobtail generally measures between 56 and 61 cm at the withers for males, and slightly less for females. Their weight varies between 30 and 40 kg. Their long, curly hair requires regular maintenance to prevent knots and maintain their tidy appearance. Their gait is awkward and gives them a unique look.

Character

The Bobtail is known for its balanced and gentle temperament. It is an intelligent, easy-to-train dog that enjoys pleasing its owner. Despite its size, it is often described as a "gentle giant" and is generally very good with children. It is also an excellent guard dog, alert but never aggressive without reason.

Life expectancy

The Bobtail has a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, which is typical for a dog of its size. Like all breeds, it is prone to certain specific health conditions, but with proper care, it can live a long and healthy life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Bobtail needs regular exercise to stay in shape, both physically and mentally. Although it can adapt to apartment living with enough exercise, it is better suited to a house with a large garden where it can run around. Long daily walks and play sessions are essential for this energetic dog.

Recommended diet

The diet of a Bobtail must be well-balanced and adapted to its level of activity and age. Foods rich in high-quality proteins and fats are essential to maintain their thick coat and energy. It is also important to monitor their calorie intake to prevent overweight, especially if the dog does not get regular exercise.

Training and obedience

The education of the Bobtail must start from a young age. This intelligent and often stubborn breed responds well to positive and consistent training. They learn quickly but can be independent, so patience and consistency are key. Rewards and encouragement work well with this breed.

Behavior with children

The Bobtail is naturally gentle and patient with children. Its tolerant nature makes it an excellent choice for families. However, due to its size, it is best to supervise interactions with very young children to prevent accidents, such as accidental falls.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Bobtail generally gets along well with other dogs and can live harmoniously with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Its herding instinct can sometimes lead it to "guide" other animals, but this is usually done in a non-aggressive manner.

Grooming needs

Grooming a Bobtail is demanding. Its thick and wavy fur requires regular brushing to prevent knots and remove debris and dead hair. Professional grooming may be necessary several times a year to keep its fur in good condition and prevent skin problems.

Health

The Bobtail is prone to developing certain genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular visits to the veterinarian for health checks can help detect and manage these conditions early.

Average price

The price of a Bobtail puppy can vary considerably depending on the breeder, geographical location, and the dog's lineage. On average, a puppy can cost between 1,000 and 2,500 euros. This price can increase if the puppy comes from a champion lineage or has special characteristics.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Bobtail can include food, grooming, veterinary fees, insurance, and various accessories. These expenses can range from 1,000 to 2,000 euros, or approximately 1,100 to 2,200 dollars per year, depending on healthcare and lifestyle.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for a Bobtail can be a creative experience. For example, "Hermes" evokes speed, suitable for an agile dog. "Gandalf" could refer to his wisdom and characteristic beard. "Luna" means moon in Latin, a nice nod to its light and mysterious color. "Atlas" recalls strength, ideal for a large sturdy dog. "Misty" could allude to its curly coat resembling a soft fog. Each name can reflect a unique facet of its personality or appearance.

Legislation and regulation

Currently, there are no specific bans regarding the Bobtail in most countries. However, owners are encouraged to check the local regulations regarding dog ownership, which may vary by region and require specific licenses or registrations.

Official recognition

The Bobtail is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, it is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), and in the United Kingdom, by the Kennel Club (KC). The official breed club in its country of origin, the United Kingdom, is the Old English Sheepdog Club.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees are available for Bobtails from various international registries such as the AKC, the KC, and the FCI. These documents certify the dog's lineage and can be essential for breeders and participants in dog shows.

Destination and usage

Historically used as a shepherd dog, the Bobtail still excels in this task in some regions. Nowadays, it is also highly appreciated as a companion and family dog, and can be trained for therapy and assistance roles.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions concerning the Bobtail on a global scale. However, some countries have strict rules concerning the import and breeding of foreign dogs, so it is important to inquire before traveling or importing a dog to a new country.

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