Bobtail dogs: description of Old English Sheepdogs, the nuances of their content

The description of the Old English Sheepdogs - bobtails - is well known even to those who are far from the world of dog breeding. Fluffy giants with a missing or shortly docked tail attract attention during a walk, are recognized champions of a dog show and easily acquire the status of a pet. The bobtail dog is able to get along with anyone, but its ancestors were beautiful shepherds and bravely protected the flock from wolves.

The breed has not lost its intellectual abilities - its representatives are so clever that they are used as guides for the blind and in rehabilitation therapy for disabled children.

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed that numbers in its history not one century of faithful service to people. There are even suggestions that the ancestors of bobtails came to the UK from ancient Rome, where representatives of the nobility were very indifferent to such dogs. Possessing a typical shepherd breed appearance, allowing the dog to get lost among the flocks without the risk of being seen by a predator, they easily got accustomed in Foggy Albion.

In the British Isles, fluffy, fearless dogs, quickly became popular among the farmers. Good guards, loyal pets, and magnificent shepherds easily replaced wage laborers when they grazed livestock, and the maintenance was much cheaper. The absence of a specific odor emanating from the animal made it possible to quickly accustom the sheep to a new member of the flock, and served as part of a disguise from predators.

Like many other working breeds, Bobtail for a long time did not have a pronounced phenotype, inherited from generation to generation. But with the addition of the blood of the Briards and South Russian Shepherd Dogs, it was possible to obtain consistent results. The resulting animals had a large build, long hair, unusual short tail. Initially, it was not stopped, just as a result of crossing, a short tail mutation appeared.

The official name of the breed in the UK today sounds like "Old English Sheepdog". But recognition, despite the centuries-old practice of breeding, she received rather late, being considered insufficiently aristocratic and noble. The first Bobtail dog show in the world took place in 1864, and the first impressions of the canine community were not completely unambiguous. But having estimated the working qualities of the animal, he was nevertheless considered suitable for use in breeding work.

Initially, Bobtails were allowed only to speak at profile shepherd trials. But in the future, breeders achieved for their pets the right to compete in visual appeal. The first champions came from the counties of Gloucestershire, Norfolk, Suffolk. A significant contribution to the development and popularization of the breed was made by a gentleman from the South of England, Edward Kerr, who devoted a significant part of his life to the breeding of the Old English Sheepdog.

In 1888, the Old English Sheepdog received its official standard, according to which the dogs should have a short (no more than 4-5 cm) tail. Many years later, in 1993, the norms of animal rights protection changed. The obligatory presence of a short tail has been removed from the text of the breed standard.But in the natural way in the litters appear as ordinary long-tailed individuals, and animals with a shortened or absent process.

Charming fluffy giants - representatives of the breed "Old English Sheepdog" - at any age have a touching and cute look. But their puppies always cause a special affection. Kids look charming, have a contrasting black and white color, brown eyes. The presence of signs of heterochromia is acceptable - in this case the iris will have brown and blue colors. Pure white and completely blue-eyed dogs are not allowed to breed and participate in exhibitions.

Muscular, large, proportionally folded bobtails are a model of health and vitality. At the withers the animal reaches 61 cm in size, the build is square, the body is folded proportionally. The characteristic breed trait is croup raised above the level of the withers. The limbs are straight, with well developed, strong bones. The tail of the animal can be long from birth, the cut shape has an end with a characteristic thickening, like that of a beaver.

The head of the bobtail is large, developed, with pronounced brow arches, a wide and long muzzle. Lips thick, fleshy, nose with black lobe. On the sides of the head are hanging ears, having an average size, tightly pressed to the skull. The eyes are dark, widely spaced, medium-sized.

The bobtail metisses retain the pedigree attributes of their parents and most often inherit the lush coat. Often they give out for a purebred animal, but with age, differences still make themselves felt. Not to buy a hybrid of unknown origin under the guise of a purebred pet, It is worth buying dogs only in officially registered kennels or through clubs. The population of Old English Sheepdogs in Russia is small, and all producers involved in breeding are well known.

The body of the bobtail is covered with a slightly wavy long hairline, below is the undercoat, which provides additional thermoregulation. Coat rather coarse, fluffy, unwilling to tangle. The color is highlighted by the white color of the chest, head, forepaws, abdomen and background marble, gray, gray-blue complement. The presence of a gray mostly gray or blue background is called a "grizzly". The inclusion of brown, brown spots is excluded.

Black is called a bobtail with a dark gray color. Puppies are born with a predominantly dark shade of coat. On a solid colored background white spots are not allowed, but on the head, legs, stomach, contrasting areas are quite acceptable.

The Old English Sheepdog has a characteristic feature - a gradual change in the color and quality of the guard hair. The final formation takes place only by 4-5 years. The youthful color is silver-gray, with a slight haze. Adult dogs are always darker. Non-standard color options include merle, brown-white, black-and-white.

When choosing a purebred pet, it is very important to pay attention to a number of signs that must be possessed by the puppy of the Old English Sheepdog. These include:

• black and white coat color (blue and white puppy coloring is considered to be a tribal marriage);
• carbon pigmentation of the nose, small pink spots are acceptable;
• scissor bite;
• hanging ears that are not too high on the sides of the head.

Bobtails today are ideal companions who can still demonstrate excellent working skills. In the absence of a flock of sheep, they are no less enthusiastically trying to gather the whole family together.The cheerful nature of puppies attracts the attention of breeders and amateurs. They are always in contact, they highly value the host society and need a high level of physical activity. These are classic fidgets with which you should always be on the lookout: keep wiring and slippers away, do not leave important documents within the limits of free access.

Adult Bobtail, especially living in the house, retains its ability to turn into a cheerful hurricane, sweeping away everything in its path. Moreover, a pet of considerable size often forgets and frolics like a puppy. You can take a break from the society of the Old English Sheepdog, you can only get her pretty tired. That is why the breed is often recommended for children or people who are passionate about sports and travel.

Bobtails are often called "nannies" - the need to take care of them in the blood. With such a reliable guard, you can leave for a minute even an infant who has learned to walk. And with older children, he is indispensable for a walk - and as a companion for games, and as a companion, able to protect from danger. No aggression - only endless patience and love for people. In general, watching the Old English Shepherd can conclude that it is not too eager for a society of relatives - communication with the owner clearly gives the dog more pleasure.

Bobtail - not the most silent of the English dog breeds. His loud barking spreads everywhere, and if the pet is “talkative enough”, it will take a long time to wean him from his bad habit. A dog well brought up from childhood does not give the owner trouble, but it is worth considering that these animals do not like to be alone. In communication and games with other dogs, the Old English Sheepdog demonstrates the marvels of sociability.

She does not fight for territory, avoids fights and is generally very loyal to all members of the animal world. On the paddock, such a pet will be a ringleader, and natural intelligence will allow him to easily emerge as a winner in speed and agility competitions.

As bobtails became more popular, the question began to arise: how many years have they been living? Since the Old English Sheepdog is a fairly large dog, its lifespan is not too long. On average, fluffy giants live 10-11 years old for a long time maintaining the natural cheerfulness of character and physical activity. But the breed has a number of diseases that can shorten the pet's age. First of all, bobtails, like other dogs, which are characterized by rapid growth in their youth, face the problem of dysplasia.

The breed is also susceptible to the development of cancer of the bone tissue. Dogs have a tendency to allergies, eczema, dermatitis - this aspect of their life should be given special attention. Like other animals with a large area of ​​white wool on the body, they are prone to deafness.

Bobtail food should be quite diverse and balanced. The best choice would be dry food premium or holistic, designed for dogs of giant breeds. Suitable options for ready-made rations from German manufacturers – Bosch, Belcando Dog Food, American Innova EVO, British Arden Grande. In the composition of their products there are no cheap additives and by-products that are dangerous to the animal.

Bobtail food consumed quite moderately.Adult dogs eat twice a day, puppies up to six months - 6 times a day. Junior is better to translate into special food - they contain substances that help replenish the energy reserves of the dog, and provide opportunities to maintain excellent health for life.

When eating natural foods, the diet is built from certain foods. Here is a list of them.

• Fresh vegetables contain large amounts of fiber. Coarse fibers help food to digest properly, normalize the work of the digestive tract.
• Raw lean meat contains the necessary protein. Beef, veal, chicken, turkey are perfect as a basis for a diet. An adult dog needs about 0.5 kg of fillet daily. One day a week, meat is replaced with boneless ocean fish fillets in a volume of about 1 kg. Puppies meat give boiled. Add to the diet cottage cheese, eggs, kefir. Bobtail babies can be watered with milk for half a year to form the skeleton correctly.
• Carbohydrates are also needed. These include cereals: rice, buckwheat, corn, rolled oats, cooked in milk (for puppies) or meat broth. Sweet vegetables are added to them - zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkin, beets.

The best option to keep a bobtail is a spacious house with its own courtyard, where the dog will be able to frolic properly. When living in an apartment, an animal will need at least two walks. The need for activity in home bobtails is not very high - the duration of walking in 40-60 minutes will be quite enough. At home, the dog's place should be in the area of ​​human presence She needs to be able to come up to the owner, to be close to him.

When setting up the bed, excessively soft bedding should be avoided. Bowls for food and water bobtail is better to choose on a high stand.

Thick and lush bobtail wool cover requires some care, especially when it comes to a show-class dog. Full combing is required for an adult pet 2-3 times a month. Only such a frequency allows you to avoid the formation of mats, into which the felted wool turns. Every month show animals must maintain a certain length of wool with the help of a professional groomer.

Bobtail should be taught to regularly take care of the coat at puppyhood. The undercoat of the baby is too soft and gentle, it must be combed very carefully and delicately. This approach will further avoid the negative reaction of an adult dog to the manipulation of hair. First, you should do the combing short-term, then you can gradually increase the time spent on care. To remove excess undercoat, use a special massage brush or flat comb with elongated sparse teeth.

Bobtails require bathing about once a season. In the summer, additional water treatments are possible. Apply when washing should be specialized means that do not wash off the natural lanolin from the coat. Frequent washing will only lead to the fact that soft wool, devoid of natural lubrication, will begin to stray into mats. In winter, the dog cleans wool on its own, rolling in the snow.

During the dog combing, the ears are regularly inspected. In the ears grow hair that must be cut. After removing excess cover, be sure to wipe the skin with a cotton swab with warm water or an antiseptic.

The appearance of dark plaque, discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching are the reason for treatment to the veterinarian. Bobtail claws are usually ground naturally. But if they are not short enough, pruning is done monthly. Eyes are wiped every day with a cotton swab dipped in chamomile broth or tea leaves.

Bobtails are growing rapidly - in a short time a puppy weighing 6 kg turns into a dog with a weight of 40-45 kg. Taking into account the changing dimensions, it is worthwhile to take care that the dog learns the obligatory rules of behavior as soon as possible. Representatives of this breed tend to graze all around.. Any moving objects can be a source of increased attention - including cars, bicycles.

Bobtails require a lot of patience on the part of the owner. It is necessary to act during the study kindly, but firmly enough.. The dog should get used to the fact that the commands given by the owner are obligatory for execution. Due to the high intelligence, representatives of this breed are able to learn a lot of tricks. But you should always start with the basic course of training, which allows you to train the dog to stop on command, not to approach potentially dangerous objects, to move side by side.

The “can not” command the puppy should learn at home while he is deprived of free range. In addition, he must know his place, the “fu” command, understand the requirements of “sitting”, “lying down”. It is better to teach the leash at home, until the first walk, then the puppy will not experience significant discomfort. In no case can not show pressure, severity in relation to the dog during the period of training. Then the learning results will not be long in coming.

Bobtails are well trained and can be used as guard and guard dogs. Thanks to its herding roots, the breed has an incredibly valuable talent - the ability to act independently, to take the initiative. Having mastered the course of training, the animal is able to cope with the protection of the house, the owner, but remains non-aggressive towards people in general.

Bobtails demonstrated at trade shows must master a number of special skills. The dog will have to master a special mode of movement - a measured move in a circle, back and forth, or along a triangular trajectory, which allows demonstrating the articles of the animal in dynamics. The leash must move freely when moving. The body of the dog moves parallel to the foot of the person. Another important point - taking the correct posture in a static position.

With a raised head and parallel set front paws, the bobtail should for 1-2 minutes. Also, the pet will have to master the process of demonstration of teeth at the request of the judges.

To learn how to properly care for the bobtail, see the following video.