Sheep Dog Breed: Top 5 Breed of Dog Looks Like a Sheep

What breed of dog looks like a Sheep dog breed? If you’ve ever come across a fluffy, woolly dog that resembles a sheep, you’re likely looking at a breed that has evolved to assist shepherds and farmers over centuries.

These sheep-like dogs are not only helpful in herding. But their appearance is a showstopper, often leading people to wonder, “What breed of dog looks like a sheep?”

The answer lies in a few notable breeds. They are bred for their unique coats, herding abilities, and striking similarity to sheep.

In this article, we’ll explore the different dog breeds that resemble sheep, their characteristics. Then why they’ve become so popular.

Sheep Dog Breed: Top 5 Breed of Dog Looks Like a Sheep

Here are below given the top breeds of dog looks like a sheep. We discuss there the sheep dog breeds appearance and coat, temperament and grooming details. The breeds are old English sheepdog, the Puli the dreadlocked sheep, the komondor and the bearded collie. Lets get stated, 

Old English Sheepdog: The Ultimate Sheep Look-Alike

The Old English Sheepdog is probably the most iconic breed that looks like a sheep. With its thick, shaggy, double-layered coat and stocky build, this dog is often mistaken for a sheep in the fields.

Originating from England, this breed was developed as a herding dog, known for its intelligence and ability to move cattle and sheep over long distances.

Appearance and Coat

The Old English Sheepdog’s dense, fluffy coat helps protect it from harsh weather conditions, especially cold. The coat resembles wool, making it blend in with a flock of sheep easily. Though the breed is known for its gray and white fur, its shaggy appearance makes it hard to tell its eyes or even its face at times.

Temperament

Known for their good-natured personality, Old English Sheepdogs are excellent family pets. They are gentle, affectionate, and extremely protective, especially around children. Their herding instinct might even lead them to try and “herd” their human families!

Grooming

While their woolly coat is adorable, it requires a lot of grooming. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting, and the coat should be trimmed frequently. Owners often take them for professional grooming to maintain the sheep-like appearance.

The Puli: The Dreadlocked Sheep

Another breed that strongly resembles a sheep is the Puli. Originally from Hungary, this breed is known for its long, corded coat that looks like dreadlocks. The Puli was bred for herding sheep and livestock, and its thick coat protected it from predators as well as the weather.

Appearance

The Puli’s coat can be black, white, or gray, and its corded fur gives it a distinctive look that many compare to sheep wool. The dense, felt-like cords form naturally as the dog ages and need a lot of care to keep them clean and free from debris.

Temperament

Pulis are energetic, alert, and highly intelligent dogs. They make excellent watchdogs and are naturally protective of their family.

Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them suitable for active families.

Grooming Needs

The corded coat of the Puli requires significant grooming. The cords need to be separated by hand to prevent matting, and regular bathing is a must. Drying the cords can take hours, making grooming a time-consuming task. However, for those who love the sheep-like look, the Puli is a perfect match.

The Komondor: The Living Mop

The Komondor is another Hungarian breed that closely resembles a sheep, thanks to its distinct coat. Often referred to as the “mop dog,” the Komondor’s white, corded coat makes it one of the most sheep-like dog breeds in existence. Bred to guard livestock, this dog has been protecting sheep from predators for centuries.

Appearance

The Komondor’s corded coat is white and can grow quite long, sometimes reaching the ground. Its coat starts as soft and curly but develops into long, woolly cords as the dog matures.

These cords resemble sheep’s wool, which not only provides excellent protection from the elements but also helps the Komondor blend in with the flock, making it hard for predators to spot.

Temperament

The Komondor is a brave, protective, and independent breed. While it may not be as playful or affectionate as some other breeds, it is highly loyal and devoted to its family. These dogs are natural guardians, often suspicious of strangers but gentle with their own flock—whether that’s sheep or humans.

Grooming

The Komondor’s coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and dirt buildup. The cords need to be separated regularly, and it can take hours to dry after a bath. Despite the high maintenance, the Komondor’s unique look is worth the effort for many dog lovers.

The Bearded Collie: Shaggy and Sheep Like

The Bearded Collie, often known as the “Beardie,” is another breed that can resemble a sheep due to its long, shaggy coat. Originating from Scotland, this breed was initially used for herding sheep and cattle.

Appearance

The Bearded Collie has a medium-length, double coat that’s soft underneath and harsh on the outside, making it durable in all kinds of weather.

The long hair covers its face, giving it a sheep-like appearance, especially when its coat is untrimmed.

Temperament

Bearded Collies are friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. They are great companions for active families, and their herding instinct may come out in playful ways. These dogs thrive on human interaction and are known for their lively personalities.

Grooming

A Bearded Collie’s coat needs regular grooming to keep it tangle-free. Daily brushing is often necessary to prevent mats from forming, especially around the face and ears. Many owners choose to keep their Beardies trimmed to reduce grooming time, but for those who prefer the natural, sheep-like look, maintaining a long coat is essential.

Shetland Sheepdog: A Miniature Sheepdog

While the Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” doesn’t have the woolly coat of a sheep, its herding ability and fluffy, double-layered coat make it a contender on our list.

This small yet agile breed comes from the Shetland Islands of Scotland and is closely related to the Border Collie.

Appearance

The Sheltie has a thick, double coat that gives it a fluffy appearance. Though its coat isn’t as woolly as other breeds on this list, its size and fluffiness make it look somewhat like a sheep, especially from a distance.

Temperament

Shelties are incredibly smart, obedient, and trainable. They are known for being excellent companions and are particularly good with children. Their herding instinct is still strong, so they may try to herd small animals or even people.

Grooming

A Sheltie’s coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matting. They shed heavily, especially during shedding season, so regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy.

Why Do These Dogs Look Like Sheep?

Many of the dogs that resemble sheep were bred for herding and guarding livestock. Their thick, woolly coats were developed to protect them from the elements and help them blend in with the flock. These coats not only provide physical protection but also make it difficult for predators to spot the dog among the sheep. The breeds we’ve discussed Old English Sheepdog, Puli, Komondor, Bearded Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog have all been developed with these traits in mind.

What Breed Is a Sheep Dog?

A sheep dog refers to any breed specifically developed for herding and protecting sheep or other livestock. Some of the most popular sheepdog breeds include the Old English Sheepdog, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Puli, and Komondor. These breeds have a strong herding instinct and are known for their intelligence and work ethic.

Is a Sheepdog a Good Family Dog?

Yes, sheepdogs can make excellent family dogs! They are generally loyal, intelligent, and protective. Breeds like the Old English Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog are known for being affectionate and good with children. But, they may try to “herd” family members, a behavior stemming from their strong herding instincts. Proper training and socialization can help manage this trait.

Why Is It Called a Sheep Dog?

The term “sheep dog” comes from the role these breeds play in herding and guarding sheep. They were used by farmers to help manage livestock, guiding the animals across fields and protecting them from predators. Their role in sheep farming is what earned them the name “sheep dog.”

Are Sheepdogs Happy?

Sheepdogs are generally happy and content when they have a job to do or when they are part of an active household. These breeds thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Without enough exercise or engagement, they can become bored or anxious.

A happy sheepdog is one that gets plenty of attention, exercise, and opportunities to use its natural herding instincts.

Are Sheepdogs Aggressive?

Sheepdogs are not typically aggressive by nature. Most sheepdog breeds, such as the Border Collie and Old English Sheepdog, are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor.

Yet, they can be protective and may show guarding behavior, especially if they feel their family or flock is threatened. With proper training and socialization, aggression is not usually a problem.

Can a Sheepdog Be a Pet?

Absolutely! Sheepdogs can be wonderful pets, especially for active families. While they were bred to work, they are also loyal, intelligent, and affectionate companions.

Keep in mind, though, that they need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming (depending on the breed). As long as you meet their needs, a sheepdog can make a fantastic pet.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dog that looks like a sheep, you have several wonderful breeds to choose from. Whether you prefer the shaggy, fluffy appearance of the Old English Sheepdog or the corded coat of the Komondor and Puli, each of these breeds brings a unique look and personality to the table.

While they may need more grooming than other breeds, their striking appearance and herding abilities make them stand out in the world of dogs.