The sight of the Old English Sheepdog actually driving a flock of sheep or cattle is not unusual in Great Britain but is not often seen in the United States, where he has become more popular as a show dog and a family pet. In Great Britain, the dogs used commonly as drovers dogs, draft dogs and shepherds in years past were considered "working dogs" . Because of the tax which was levied on dogs who performed no "work" , the custom of bobbing the tail was begun to distinguish the dogs who "worked" from dogs who were used only for companionship. Dogs with the docked tail were also spoken of as "Bobtails" and this name became associated with the Old English Sheepdog. In truth many of these dogs are born without a tail.