History
The ancestry is disputed but the breed was developed in England from early herding types of dog and was exhibited for the first time at a show in Birmingham in 1873. It was nicknamed Bobtail because historically the tail was docked.
Description
Long, shaggy coats covering thickset bodies. Their eyes appear to be totally covered but their vision is never impaired.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: This breed have a lot of hair and although does not moult will require three to four hours of intensive grooming each week, aside from washing and drying, as it is crucial that the coat not become matted. It is for this reason that some owners, who do not show, clip the coat back to 3cm in length.
- Coat Type: Profuse and of good hard texture; not straight, but shaggy and free from curl.
- Moulting: None but requires daily brushing.
- Exercise Needs: Require a lot of exercise although care must be taken when they are puppies to ensure no bone problems develop through over-exercise.
- Average Life Span: 12 – 13 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Cheerful extroverts and make superb family companions. They have lovely natures but can be excitable and rough when playing, therefore care must be taken when young children are involved.
- Temperament: Intelligent, cheerful extroverts.
- Trainability: Intelligent breed who needs firm handling during training to overcome their strong wills. However, they do want to please their handler. Early training is imperative to control the breed’s boisterous behaviour.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Get on well with other animals and dogs.
- Barking: Medium tendency, fearless and make excellent guard dogs, especially with their resonant bark which is sufficient to frighten off any intruder.
Talents
Popular for companionship, showing and obedience trials.
Notes
Prone to Hip Dysplasia.