Bobtail

Brief description of the Bobtail breed

The first thing that catches your eye when meeting a bobtail dog is its amazing coat. Previously, these dogs were unreasonably considered stupid. In fact, the bobtail is an independent and smart animal. From an ordinary shepherd dog, the Old English Sheepdog has turned into a wonderful companion dog that can help on the farm and brighten up the loneliness of any person. This is a very friendly and active dog.

Many describe the Old English Sheepdog as a kind, loyal pet that loves people. In this case, sometimes the dog is distinguished by its stubbornness. Consider the main points that you need to know for those who decide to become the owner of a bobtail.

The Old English Sheepdog has a fairly loud voice, but it does not belong to guard rocks. Bobtail will be great friend for children. He becomes attached to people. To keep such a dog, you need to enclose the yard with a high fence. Very often, shepherd dogs easily jump over small hedges.

Early socialization of the dog is essential. This is of key importance in education, to prevent distrust and aggression towards strangers. Some experts advise purchasing Old English Sheepdog puppies from breeders who raise puppies in their own home. This is due to the fact that from birth the animal is among people, and gets used to the appropriate atmosphere.

After acquiring a puppy, it is best to hand it over for training in a special class, but first consult with your veterinarian. Training from a professional will be a guarantee of correct and effective education and training. The need for early training is primarily due to the fact that at this age the puppies are fully manageable and make excellent contact. During training, you should reward your dog with praise and favorite treats. The most important thing in training an animal is patience and consistency.

Quite often, the Old English Sheepdog is compared to a yard dog. The reason for this is her active behavior. The herding instincts inherent in this breed are the reason for the activity of the animal. That is why it is necessary to securely protect the local area. This does not mean that the pet should be kept on the street. When the family is at home, the dog should be with you. Lack of attention in relation to a pet can cause aggression and stress.

The hallmark of any Old English Sheepdog is its coat. It is also the most difficult part of caring for a dog. A thick and long coat will require a weekly combing from the owner, so be prepared to spend half an hour to an hour weekly. If you want your bobtail to take part in exhibitions, then the coat requires daily care! The disadvantage of this breed is the possible wool on carpets and furniture, however, with sufficient care, such troubles can be avoided.

In England, a variety of shepherd dog breeds for many centuries, but the Old English Sheepdog is a relatively young herding breed. Most likely, the breed was bred in the central part of England. For the first time, the image of a dog, extremely similar to the Old English Sheepdog, appeared in a painting by the 18th century artist Gainsborough.

Until 1885, such a breed did not officially exist. But it was in this year that the famous English expert in breeding shepherd dogs Freeman Lloyd presented this dog as a shepherd. The natural instincts of the bobtail have survived to this day.

The American Kennel Club registered the Old English Sheepdog as a separate breed in 1888. The club of lovers of this breed was organized in the USA already in 1904. The popularity of the Old English Sheepdog skyrocketed in the 1960s and 1970s with the release of films and television shows featuring the dog, such as Shaggy Dog. Today, the Old English Sheepdog ranks eighty-first among the registered breeds of the Club of America. Note that ten years ago, the breed occupied sixty-sixth place.

Bobtail or Old English Sheepdog belongs to those breeds dogs, whose hair care causes a lot of trouble even for experienced dog breeders. To keep the coat in a healthy and well-groomed condition, the owner of the bobtail will have to spend three to four hours every week. These dogs shed a lot, so it is necessary to carefully comb the coat daily with a special brush. This will allow you to remove dead hair in a timely manner and prevent the occurrence of spools and tangles of hair.

All Old English Sheepdogs are prone to excessive salivation, which can lead to discoloration of the coat around the mouth. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the dog several times a day, especially after eating. Thorough washing also requires the back of the dog's torso. If this requirement is neglected, then tufts of dirt will form in the wool, which are not so easy to remove.

When it comes to bathing, many owners prefer to go to a professional groomer. It is necessary to bathe the dog often, about several times a month or as it gets dirty, and they get dirty very quickly.

In the hot summer months, it will be useful to cut your dog's hair short. In addition to the fact that this will somewhat simplify the care of the coat, it will also protect the pet from overheating.

Bobtail's ears should be inspected regularly for wax contamination, inflammation, and infections. Treat the ears with a special solution prescribed by a veterinarian. Ears can be cleaned with a cotton swab, but in no case should a cotton swab be used for direct cleaning of the ear canal.

Weekly brushing is a must to prevent dental problems and keep your dog's breath fresh. Do not forget about the monthly trimming of the claws.