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The Old English Sheepdog is better-known as the Bob-tail since the tail is removed during puppyhood. Its origin is obscure: it is believed to have been evolved from the old bearded Collie though the present Bob-tail with its long coat and colouring is totally unlike its supposed ancestor. Despite its size it is very agile and absolutely tireless, with almost human intelligence, and the cleverness with which a Bob-tail works a flock of sheep is a remarkable sight. It is interesting to note the size of Bobtail families - a litter of ten puppies is no rarity.
1936 DOGS - First SERIES OF 48 No 6 ISSUED BY GALLAHER
The Old Bob-tail Sheepdog is picturesque, intelligent, and affectionate, equally admirable as a companion or as a stock dog in charge of sheep, cattle, or New Forest ponies. The custom of docking the tail is said to have originated with drovers who adopted this method of distinguishing working dogs, which were exempted from taxation. One or two natural hob-tails, however, often occur in a litter. The hard shaggy coat is grey or blue, often marked with white. Height about 24 ins., bitches being rather shorter.
1925 DOGS - Series of 50 No 33 issued by Players
The cards illustrated are all scans of the original vintage
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The Old Bob-tail Sheep Dog is picturesque, intelligent, and affectionate, equally admirable as a companion, or as a stock dog in charge of sheep, cattle, or New Forest ponies. The custom of docking the tail is said to have originated with drovers who adopted this method of distinguishing working dogs, which were exempted from taxation. One or two natural bob-tails, however, often occur in a litter. The hard shaggy coat is grey or blue, often marked with white. Height about 24 ins., bitches being rather shorter.
1929 DOGS HEADS - No 31 in a series of 50, issued by Players
Faithful, intelligent and a pood worker on sheep or cattle. Head massive and powerful. Ears small and set on side of skull. Eyes rather small, very intelligent-looking, usually dark brown, but one "wall-eye" (china-blue) often seen in lighter coloured dogs. Neck fairly long and arched, shoulders very powerful. Forlegs straight, heavily boned, with big feet. Hind legs big and slightly bent at hock. Body square and massive with powerful loins, shoulders lower than hindquarters. Coat very dense and shaggy, rather wavy but not curly; undercoat dense. Colour: dark blue, pigeon blue, and grizzle, with a few white markings. Puppies are born either without tail, or have it entirely docked.
1937 DOGS - No 31 in a series of 50, issued by Wills
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