The Bobtail, also known as the Old English Sheepdog, is a breed of dog that stands out. With its abundant fur and teddy bear-like appearance, it exudes a gentleness that contrasts with its imposing size.
The coat of the Bobtail is one of its most notable features. It is usually blue-gray in color, with or without white patches. Its fur is long and may require regular maintenance to prevent matting. In terms of size, an adult Bobtail weighs on average between 30 and 40 kilograms. The height ranges from 56 to 61 centimeters at the withers for males, and from 51 to 56 centimeters for females.
Historically, the Bobtail was bred to herd and guard livestock, which is a testament to its intelligence and working ability. Today, although it is less commonly used on farms, it excels in many other roles:
Its calm and friendly nature makes the Bobtail an excellent therapy dog, bringing comfort and joy to hospitals and retirement homes.
It is a loyal and affectionate companion, ideal for families.
With proper training, the Bobtail can participate in canine sports like agility, where it can demonstrate its surprising agility despite its large size.
Its ability to learn and follow instructions makes it suitable to be trained as an assistance dog.
However, the Bobtail is generally not used as a hunting or guard dog. Its friendly nature does not predispose it to these roles, although it can be a good deterrent simply by its size.
