Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog): Breeders, Price, and Puppies For Sale

The Bobtail is a cheerful and playful dog. Read this article to learn more about this magnificent friend.

The Old English Sheepdog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. According to the F.C.I., The Bobtail belongs to Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (excluding Swiss Cattle Dogs).

The Old English Sheepdog is also known as Bobtail, which means short-tailed dog.

Bobtail: Origins

The origins of the Bobtail can be traced back to sheepdogs bred in England and parts of Scotland. Its job was mainly to guard the cattle. According to other dog breed scholars, the Bobtail may be related to the ancient mastiffs introduced to England by the Romans.

The breed, as we know it today, was officially introduced in 1873, but its popularity grew during the 20th century, especially in the United States.

Bobtail: General Physical Characteristics

The Bobtail is a large sized breed with a square muzzle and a compact, muscular body. Its limbs are not very long.

The coat is a distinctive feature of this dog: It is thick and soft at the same time. Its hair covers the eyes. The coat color is white, with all shades of gray and blue. It may also have white spots on various parts of the body.

The Bobtail may weigh from 66 to 88 lb (30-40 kg) and stand 20-22 inches (50-55 cm) tall. Its nose is black, broad, and prominent. The ears are medium sized and carried flat to the side of the head.

Bobtail: Temperament

This smart breed has a peaceful temperament, besides being a very lively and playful dog. Despite its sizable build, it elicits plenty of sympathy due to its attractive hair around its eyes and spirited gaze. However, it may be aggressive with strangers and intruders.

This breed is fond of children. The Bobtail could be a great companion for the little ones. As it is highly affectionate and sensitive, it does not tolerate mistreatment or being left alone for long periods of time.

How to Train a Bobtail?

The Bobtail is a working dog; therefore, it needs many walks per day. The best treat you can give it is the freedom to run in nature. This way it will never get bored. As it always wants to have the situation under control, it is a great observer and very attentive. During training, you should do it by means of stimuli that attract its attention and observation skills.

It is necessary to dedicate a lot of time to its training because sometimes it refuses to obey.

It is mainly used as a companion dog. Moreover, the purposes of its training are two: to make it understand basic commands and reinforce its innate desire to be in contact with its owner. In this way you and your dog will enjoy playing together in the open air.

Bobtail: Health

Bobtails are dogs of medium longevity. They have an average life span of 12-13 years. They are very robust. The only common disease that could affect this breed, as many others, is congenital hip dysplasia.

The only special care the Bobtail needs is related to its thick coat. Proper hygiene is vitally important to preserve its soft and fluffy coat, which often requires brushing.

Bobtail: Price, and Puppies For Sale

The price of a Bobtail puppy from a certified and recognized breeder is moderate to high. It ranges between 800 and 1600 dollars, about 700-1400 English pounds. In the case of trained specimens, ranging from 4 to 12 twelve months of age, the price may be higher.

Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.

You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:

• Briard
• Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog
• Greenland Dog
• White Swiss Shepherd Dog
• Labrador Retriever
• Bobtail
• Alaskan Malamute
• Bloodhound
• Bavarian Mountain Hound
• Basset Hound