Bobtail Breed

A dutiful, shaggy haired, English Sheepdog

Bobtail Puppies for Sale

Bobtail Breed Description

Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Learning Rate
High
Litter Size
5 to 10
Size
Extra Large
Weight
Dogs: 65-85 pounds
Bitches: 60-75 pounds
Height
Dogs: 22-24 inches
Bitches: 20-22 inches
Country of Origin
England
Groups
AKC Herding Dogs
FCI Group I.: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
TKC Pastoral
Other Names
Old English Sheepdog
Bobtail

The Bobtail or the Old English Sheepdog is a large, squarely proportioned, agile dog with a profuse shaggy coat. The body is stocky, well balanced and muscular. It is a strong, compact-looking dog of great symmetry.

Bobtail dog

All round it is a thickset, muscular, able-bodied dog, with a most intelligent expression, free of all Poodle or Deerhound character. The sum of these qualities, combined with its agility, make it able to meet the tasks required of a shepherd’s or drover’s dog.

Temperament

Bobtail dog

Bobtails are friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective. Several generations ago, this breed was described as fierce and untrustworthy, but its characteristics have long since disappeared. It is even-tempered and adaptable. The Bobtail is a gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear.

This dog has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially small children, by bumping, not nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. Wanting to play more then anything else. This breed needs firm obedience training; it can be strong-willed. It likes to stick close to home; it makes a good couch potato. It is very much part of the family but also wants some time alone.

Bobtail dog

The Bobtail is very good at herding and taking instructions, but tends to anticipate commands or does it its own way if it thinks its way is better. This breed makes a fine family companion. This dog was developed for hard work and loves a good run. This breed remains “young” and active for many years, and then suddenly becomes old.

Some of the breed’s talents include: retrieving, herding and watchdogging. The Bobtail is a fine herding dog, but it has also been used for reindeer herding because it tolerates cold weather so well.

Colors

Bobtail colors

Blue, gray, blue gray or blue merle, often with white markings, sometimes white is the predominate color with markings of the above listed darker colors.

Coat

Bobtail coat

Coarse, long double coat with coarse guard hair, soft downy undercoat. It needs constant care to keep it in top condition. Unless it is combed and brushed right through to the dense, waterproof undercoat at least three times per week, it will become matted and the dog may develop skin problems to be plagued by parasites. Clip out any tangles carefully so as not to nick the skin. If the dog is not being shown, the coat can be professionally machine-clipped every two months or so, about one inch all the way around. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder, usually in the spring (April -May).

Health Issuess

Health Issues

This breed is generally healthy although it is sometimes prone to hip dysplasia. To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. Cataracts and deafness are also a minor risk, regular veterinary visits and treatment can mitigate these. To minimize the risk of your Bobtail developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Bobtail dog from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

This breed will be better suited to a home with a yard, and can live outdoors. However with sufficient exercise it can adapt to apartment living, but it is not ideal.

Living environment

If you are looking for Bobtail for sale, you've come to the perfect place! Our team of experts is here to help you choose a puppy that suits your lifestyle and meets your expectations. Our Bobtail puppies are carefully selected and are bred by reputable breeders, who live up to our high standards.

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