Bobtail

Before becoming the pet dog known today, the Bobtail was a shepherd dog, guiding and herding flocks, but it could also have the function of guard dog. In France, from a financial point of view, it was a plus for the owners, since it was not then subject to the tax on guard dogs provided for in the guard dog category, repealed in 1971. And the practice of docking the dog's tail at birth, which persists in our time for aesthetic reasons (its length would be poorly suited to its gait), originally served to prevent profuse bleeding in case of fights with other dogs or predators of flocks. Hence its name Bobtail or Old English Bobtailed Sheepdog. It should be known that for years the name Bobtail was used for the purpose of designating all dogs with short tails, before being definitively assigned to our Bobtail of today. A surprising name when you know that this dog is actually born with a long tail, which is docked when it is between two and four days old — although some are born anourous. The Bobtail remained in the shadow of its country of origin for a very long time. It was only after World War II that its faculties were noticed, particularly in the 1970s, when it owes its moment of glory to a man considered the precursor of the breed, Henry Arthur Tilley. This man founded the English Shepherd Dog club in England and then in the United States, before becoming owner with his brother of the Shepton kennels. Thanks to his intervention and his dedication to making the breed known, in 1975, 16,000 births were recorded. This remains the record number of Bobtails, before they fell more into oblivion: in 2009, only 400 registrations were recorded. Although quite well represented by breeders and in exhibitions, it is a dog somewhat abandoned by the general public, perhaps because it requires sustained maintenance because of its abundant coat, which may seem tedious to its owners, but also because of the space. The Bobtail population has declined in the United Kingdom.

The Bobtail is loyal, affectionate and trustworthy, but may be reluctant to train but remains very attentive. Gentle and calm, it is a good companion for families and demands attention. It is also a vigorous and docile dog. It prefers to be accompanied on every outing. Like most dogs of its size, it may not realize its strength. It needs to exert itself. Daily walks are necessary for its good health. Because of its mountain and rural origins, this large dog loves open spaces. If it lives in the city, it is essential to dedicate a space to it in a garden.

The Bobtail measures on average 61 cm (males) and 56 cm (females) for a weight of 28 to 42 kg. It has abundant and shaggy coat, quite rough with dense and waterproof undercoat. Its coloring can take all shades of gray or blue-gray; the head, neck, front limbs and underside of the belly must be white with or without markings. It is common to clip Bobtails entirely at the beginning of summer, it then abandons its appearance of "teddy bear" to give way to a much more svelte silhouette. Do not uncover the eyes too much, the hairs are necessary to protect these eyes from the sun.