Old English Sheepdog: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Bobtail, also called the Ancestral English Sheepdog or Old English Sheepdog, is an ancient British breed whose exact origins remain debated. Several European herding dogs are cited among its possible ancestors, notably continental shepherds with abundant coats. Selected to guard and drive flocks, it distinguished itself by its resistance to bad weather and its aptitude for work in rural environments. Its English name refers to the short tail, naturally short in some individuals but formerly often docked. The first known presentation of the breed at a show dates back to 1873. The FCI has recognized it since 1963 and the currently cited official standard was published on 13 October 2010.

The Bobtail is a large dog, vigorous, muscular and compact, whose silhouette fits almost into a square. Its large, square head has a pronounced stop, a black nose and a strong, truncated muzzle. Its small, well-spaced eyes may be dark or wall-eyed, while its small ears lie flat against the skull. Its short body has a broad, slightly arched loin as well as a wide, deep chest. Its abundant coat, harsh and shaggy must be neither curly nor frizzy; a dense undercoat protects it from bad weather. The body and hindquarters are grey, grizzled or blue, while the head, neck, limbs and underside of the belly are white, with or without markings. The tail is naturally short in some subjects or naturally carried, well fringed and covered with hair.

Active, loyal, reliable and benevolent, the Bobtail retains a strong herding instinct inherited from its past as a sheepdog. Very attached to its family, it is affectionate, playful and generally gentle with children. It usually gets along well with its fellow dogs and other animals when it has been properly socialized. Vigilant without being naturally aggressive, it is above all a good watchdog. Its strength, its enthusiasm and a certain independence can however make it rough or difficult to control if it lacks training.

On a daily basis, the Bobtail seeks closeness to its family and willingly takes part in household activities. It enjoys long walks, games and exercises that engage its intelligence, without requiring extreme sporting practice. Its large size and need for movement are better suited to a house with a fenced outdoor area than to a small apartment. It can live in the city if its outings are long, regular and varied. Its coat requires daily maintenance and rigorous organization.

Education must start early, with consistent rules, rich socialization and serious learning of leash walking. The Bobtail is intelligent but not always very obedient; it responds better to a firm, fair and positive method than to constraint. Recall, managing greetings and controlling its enthusiasm are priorities given its strength. Short, motivating and regular sessions help maintain its attention and make it a balanced companion.

The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the breeding, the pedigree, the screenings carried out on the breeding dogs, the puppy’s intended purpose and the reputation of the line. The budget must also include professional coat grooming and the routine expenses of a large dog.

The Bobtail is a hardy and generally robust dog, but its large size and certain hereditary predispositions justify regular veterinary follow-up. Vaccination, parasite prevention, weight control, dental care and monitoring of the eyes, ears and skin under the coat are part of essential care.

The Bobtail can be given high-quality industrial food or a home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinarian. The priority is to cover the needs of a large active dog without excess calories and to maintain a stable diet, because repeated changes can disrupt its digestive system.

His rolling and supple gait is often compared to that of a bear. Despite his abundant coat and impressive build, the Bobtail generally has a friendly and playful temperament. His name comes from the English expression referring to a short tail; tail docking, once practiced, is now prohibited in several countries, including France except for medical necessity. His voice also has a deep and characteristic tone.