The bobtail is a magnificent Old English Sheepdog that for years was an iconic representative of dog breeds. Then, by a strange twist of fate, it was forgotten and now faces extinction. But losing it would be a real shame…
The bobtail – or the Old English Sheepdog – was, until a few years ago, a highly fashionable dog, even considered one of the English symbols of the canine world. Then, by a strange twist of fate – though unfortunately this happens all too often in the world of dogs – this beautiful sheepdog gradually disappeared from homes and city streets, and now also faces the risk of the breed becoming extinct. But let us take a step back…
The origins of the bobtail are rather uncertain. Like other European sheepdogs, it descends from the common stock of specimens originating in western Asia. As regards more recent history, some maintain that the breed originated in the county of Dorset in England, while other scholars believe it came from Oxfordshire.
The bobtail's debut at shows was not, however, among the happiest. Three specimens presented at the Birmingham Expo in 1873 were resoundingly rejected and were awarded only a minor prize. In 1888 the first breed standard was drawn up, which has remained largely unchanged to this day, and in the same year the first breed club was founded. Around 1950, the bobtail finally enjoyed considerable success among enthusiasts, quickly becoming an affectionate and engaged companion for a great many people.
Members of the breed include Mosè, Lupo Alberto's dog, and Max, Prince Eric's four-legged friend in Disney's "La sirenetta". The "Colonel" from "La carica dei 101" is also a bobtail, as is Al Pacino's dog in "Serpico". Paul McCartney too had one of these lovable big dogs, and dedicated a song to him: "Martha my dear".
The bobtail is a docile, well-balanced and obedient dog. In its early years it has a very exuberant and affectionate character, which settles down as it grows. Courageous when needed, it is loyal and reliable, with no unprovoked displays of aggression. A sociable dog with other animals, it is a great lover of children and elderly people, whom it protects and adores faithfully. It knows how to show grit and determination, yet remains reliable in its behaviour. Deeply ingrained in the breed is a very strong protective instinct, which derives from its traditional role as a sheepdog and leads these animals to show absolute loyalty towards people and things.
These very characteristics have led it to represent one of the most iconic breeds in Great Britain, but now this magnificent sheepdog appears to be at risk of extinction. The alarm has been raised by the Kennel Club, the organisation that manages the national pedigree register for dogs in the United Kingdom, which has announced that, in the first quarter of this year, just 98 puppies belonging to the breed were registered.
The figures show a 16 per cent decline in bobtail births compared with the same period last year, and place this breed for the first time on the Kennel Club's "at watch" list – that is, in the group of breeds "under observation" due to the risk of extinction. If the trend continues at this rate, by the end of the year the bobtail will be officially included among the vulnerable native breeds. And within a few years, the number of specimens could become so small as to no longer guarantee the natural continuation of the breed.
The bobtail's story is not, however, unlike that of other fashionable breeds (the Dalmatian, for example, which became famous through the film "La Carica dei 101"; or the Dobermann, a magnificent guard dog now almost entirely forgotten). It is worth emphasising, in the case of this fine Anglo-Saxon sheepdog as well, how important it is to understand the characteristics of one's four-legged friend. This will help avoid mistakes and problems in managing the dog in the future, and, above all, will safeguard important breeds with an enormous heritage both in terms of character and morphology.
A hardy and healthy breed, the bobtail is a large dog (adult weight reaches around 30 kilos for females and is approximately 35/40 kilos for males) with a magnificent coat that, precisely because of its volume, requires a minimum of care. "As a rule, a brush every fortnight is sufficient to keep this beautiful dog well-groomed. The bobtail does, however, need particular attention to ear hygiene, because the hair grows thickly inside them and various forms of inflammation and otitis can develop," explains veterinarian Cinzia Cortelezzi. Being a long-haired, thick-coated dog, it is best to protect it from any parasites picked up outdoors, especially during the warm season. It is also good practice to trim or tie back the forelock over the eyes so that it does not interfere with the animal's vision.
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The breed requires a diet that is as balanced and complete as possible, providing an adequate energy intake. The bobtail prefers long, leisurely walks to being forced to run alongside a bicycle, and is not by nature – like many sheepdogs – a great walker. An ample garden is ideal for it, but it also adapts well to apartment life.
In conclusion, the bobtail is a serious and reliable dog, and it is hard to understand – beyond the fluctuating trends of canine fashion – why it has been set aside as an affectionate and present companion in family life. The hope is that the breed will once again become an indispensable presence in the homes of many enthusiasts. Forgetting about the bobtail would truly be a crime…