Dog Breeds That Look Like a Sheep

Dog Breeds That Look Like a Sheep

When we think of sheep, we often think of a big white fluffy cloud of an animal. As with dogs and cats, there are actually many different breeds with various features. These are all part of the domestic sheep species known as Ovis aries, but there are even more in the genus Ovis which have varying morphologies. However, there are some common characteristics. There may be a dog that looks like a sheep in your mind, but there are actually a few dog breeds which share similar sheep features.

At AnimalWised, we bring you our list of 8 dog breeds that look like sheep. We reveal the characteristics of these ovine-looking dogs and provide photos so you can see which one looks the most like a sheep to you.

1. Poodle

As we stated in the introduction, there may be one particular dog that looks like a sheep which springs to mind. For many, this dog is the Poodle. Perhaps this is due to the popularity of this dog breed, but it is also to do with their fluffy coat- This coat is often white, but it can also come in various colors, as does the wool coat of sheep. When these Poodles are puppies, they especially resemble a cute little lamb.

The coat of a Poodle is fine with a wooly texture and their faces can be thin, especially when groomed. Of course, we should mention that cross breeds of the Poodle can also provide dogs which look a lot like sheep. Some of these include the Westiepoo and others which we share below. These dogs shed hair, but not at the rate of some breeds. It is still important to brush their coat and groom them when necessary. Grooming them can often make the sheep resemblance even stronger.

Poodles are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are greatly predisposed to training and bond strongly with their family. Not all Poodles look the same, as you can see with our article on the different types of Poodle.

2. Bichon Frise

Out of the various small white dog breeds, the Bicho Frise is perhaps the fluffiest. For this reason, it also appears to look most like a sheep. Their silky and soft hair makes them look like a passing cloud along the ground until you see their black nose and dark eyes. They also do not shed much hair and are considered a breed suitable for those with mild allergies, although they are not completely hypoallergenic.

Despite being a small dog breed, the Bichon Frise is very dynamic, active and playful. They need a lot of exercise to meet their needs and plenty of attention to keep them mentally stimulated. They are very sociable and particularly good with children, so they can be the perfect companion for all types of household.

3. Bedlington Terrier

Another of the most sheep-like dogs is the Bedlington Terrier. in particular, they resemble the Herdwick sheep due to their long face and somewhat straggly coat. They do not have a stop on their snout, something unusual in dogs. It is this feature which makes them appear much like as sheep.

Their coat contributes to their ovine appearance. It is curly, long and dense with a noteworthy blue-gray, liver or sandy hue. They are a very affectionate dog, but can be stubborn. If they do not receive proper socialization, the Bedlington Terrier may not tolerate well the presence of other animals.

Take a look at our article on the different types of Terrier dog breeds to know more.

4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is medium in size and characterized by a curly, soft and silky coat. It is wheat in color and Irish in origin. Due to its peculiar color, this dog resembles the Merino sheep breed in particular. Something curious about this breed is that puppies can be born in darker colors, but they become lighter as they reach maturity at around 18 months.

Contrary to what usually happens in other types of Terrier, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is very sociable, although it is still necessary to carry out adequate socialization. They are also very energetic and active, so they need to exercise and play daily. In terms of coat care, their fluffy and pronounced hair needs to be brushed several times per week or, ideally, on a daily basis.

5. Barbet

As well as looking like a sheep, the Barbet is a type of water dog and is of French origin. Their fluffy coat can present in a range of colors, including black, gray, brown, sand, white or light fawn. For this reason, it can resemble a black sheep, as well as a Merino, Hissar, Coburger Fuchsschaf or many others. Their coat is curly and dense, with a thick undercoat important for tolerating low water temperatures.

The Barbet is intelligent, playful, sociable and great with strangers. They do not tolerate loneliness well and need plenty of both physical and mental stimulation. They are not a breed which should be kept by any household unwilling or unable to give them the attention they need. They will also need regular grooming, most likely by a professional.

6. Spanish Water Dog

Another water dog that looks like a sheep is the Spanish Water Dog. This breed can be either unicolor (white, black or brown) or bicolor (white and black or white and brown. This means they may resemble sheep breeds which also have these colorations such as the Awassi sheep.

As with the Barbet, the Spanish Water Dog needs regular brushing, ideally daily. They will need to go to the groomer regularly to ensure their fluffy coat is kept in good condition and they can maintain proper hygiene. They also need plenty of daily exercise and regular training to keep them engaged.

7. Goldendoodle

Of course, we cannot forget about crossbreed dogs like the Goldendoodle. Any mixed-breed dog with heritage from the previously-mentioned dog breeds can end up looking like a sheep (although it will depend on the other dogs involved). The Goldendoodle is not officially recognized by associations such as the American Kennel Club as they are not pedigree. However, they are considered a breed of their own by many.

The fluffy coat of the Poodle and the slightly more elongated head make them even more sheeplike than some Poodles. Their coat is curly, dense and wooly and comes in a golden hue, making them resemble the Merino sheep breed. They are very intelligent, great for training and can be used as working dogs. However, they need plenty of stimulation and can develop behavioral problems if neglected.

Take a look at our list of crossbreed or designer dogs to know more about different breed crossings.

8. Cockapoo

Continuing with the mixed-breed dogs, we now highlight the Cockapoo. This is a crossbreed of the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. Their have a long, wavy and fringed coat. They are a very affectionate and active dog breed. They also do not well tolerate being left alone and will need to be adopted by an active and attentive family or guardian. They may lose more hair than the aforementioned breeds due to shedding, so they will need plenty of brushing to remove dead hair.

Now that you know the different breeds of dog that look like sheep, are there any you think we have left out? If you have a dog which looks more like a sheep than any on our list, feel free to share your photos in the comments!

If you want to read similar articles to Dog Breeds That Look Like a Sheep, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category.