The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of dog used for herding livestock and as a pet. They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes, which leads some casual observers to wonder how they can see. Several generations ago, the breed was described as fierce and untrustworthy, but their characteristics have long since disappeared. They are friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective. It has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially the small children, by bumping, not nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Sheepdogs are excellent, intuitive and loving companions, even earning the title "babysitter" or "Dear Nanny" around young children. They are gentle with other dogs and are always willing to play. With very few exceptions, the tail is cut off at or below the first joint as puppies. The procedure, known as docking or "bobbing" the tail produces the panda-like rear end. Puppies are born with jet black and white fur further likening them to the panda. It is only after the puppy coat has been shed that the more common gray or silver shaggy hair appears. A nickname for the Old English Sheepdog is "bobtail." ©www.stockshot.nl