Are you a fan of the famous movie dog, Benji? Do you find yourself drawn to his adorable scruffy look and charming personality? Are you looking for a Benji dog breed? If so, you may be interested in learning about other dog breeds that have similar looks to the doggy movie star Benji. While Benji is a mixed breed, several purebred and mixed breeds share similar physical characteristics and personality traits.
Here are 15 dog breeds that look like Benji.
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Understanding Benji’s Breed
If you’re a fan of the classic movie “Benji,” the first thing you’ve probably wondered what breed of dog Benji is. The truth is Benji is a mixed-breed dog, which means he doesn’t belong to a specific breed. However, his appearance suggests he might be a mix of terrier and hound breeds.
Terrier breeds are known for their small size and lively personalities. They were originally bred to hunt small game and vermin, and they have a high prey drive. Some terrier breeds that might have contributed to Benji’s appearance include:
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
Hound breeds, on the other hand, are known for their keen sense of smell and ability to track prey. They come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. Some hound breeds that might have contributed to Benji’s appearance include:
- Basenji
- Beagle
- Basset Hound
- Whippet
Benji’s mixed-breed status gives him a unique appearance that is hard to replicate. However, some dog breeds look like Benji to some extent. These breeds might have similar physical features, such as scruffy fur, long ears, and a small size. Some of these breeds include:
- Cockapoo
- Maltipoo
- Shihpoo
- Schnoodle
If you’re looking for a dog that looks like Benji, keep in mind that appearance isn’t everything. Benji’s personality and behavior are just as important as his looks. As a mixed-breed dog, Benji might have inherited certain traits from his terrier and hound ancestors, such as high energy levels, a strong prey drive, and a tendency to bark.
15 Dog Breeds that Look Like Benji
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small toy breed with a long, flowing coat that drags the ground if not trimmed. Their hair often falls into their eyes, giving them an adorable, sweet expression just like Benji. Though small, Shih Tzus have a big personality and are very affectionate.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a petite, feisty toy breed with a floor-length, silky steel blue and tan coat. Their hair parts down the middle of their face, framing it with a fringe reminiscent of Benji’s bangs. Yorkies are bold, confident small dogs that are always ready for adventure.
3. Havanese
The Havanese is a rare breed from Cuba covered in a profuse, untrimmed wavy or curly coat. Their tails curl over their backs and their faces are framed by long bangs like Benji. Havanese dogs are playful, cheerful, and make very devoted companions.
4. Maltese
The Maltese are a glamorous toy breed with a long, silky white coat that drags the ground if untrimmed. Their hair hangs over their eyes, giving them an endearing innocence similar to Benji. Maltese are affectionate lap dogs that thrive on human companionship.
5. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient Tibetan breed with a thick, heavy coat that parts down its face like Benji. They have an alert and intelligent expression peering out from their long bangs. Lhasa Apsos are devoted to their families but wary of strangers.
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6. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a rare breed with a soft, cotton-like coat that forms cords if not brushed. Their shaggy fur frames their eyes with bangs like Benji’s hairstyle. Cotons have a clownish, happy-go-lucky personality and love making people laugh.
7. Shaggy Dog
The Shaggy Dog breed is aptly named for its thick, untrimmed coat covering its eyes and face. They resemble Benji with their fuzzy beards, mustaches, and eyebrows. Shaggy Dogs have a calm, gentle temperament and thrive as therapy dogs.
8. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog has a curly, wooly coat that grows into cords around its face like Benji’s fur. Their expressive, hungover eyes peer out from their mop-top bangs. They are active, versatile dogs originally bred to herd sheep. Dog owners will need to keep them busy with regular exercise.
9. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy coat that completely obscures its eyes for a Benji-like look. Their hair forms a beard and eyebrows giving them a wise, gentle expression. Bearded Collies are bubbly, exuberant herding dogs. Their long, flowing hair and friendly demeanor make them a contender for breeds that resemble Benji.
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10. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a puffball of a dog with a cottony, curly white coat and dark eyes. Their fur often falls over their eyes to mimic Benji’s sweet face. Bichons are charming, gentle dogs that love being the center of attention.
11. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds have extremely long, silky coats that trail along the ground. Their bangs form a scraggly fringe over their elegant, almond-shaped eyes. Underneath their glamorous locks, Afghans are aloof, independent thinkers.
12. Komondor
The Komondor has a corded coat that forms dreadlock-like cords around their face like Benji’s fur. Their eyes peek out from under thick brows for a wise, muppet-like expression. Komondors are serious guardian dogs known for their bravery.
13. Puli
The Puli is a Hungarian herding breed with a coat that grows into long, ropelike cords all over their body. Their fur hangs over their eyes in rivulets like Benji’s bangs. Pulis are intelligent, active dogs with a clownish side.
14. Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terriers have a double coat of fur that parts down the middle of their face for a Benji look. Their expressive eyes shine out from a veil of hair. Tibetan Terriers are loyal companions known for providing good luck and friendly to all family members.
15. Sheepdog
Generic sheepdogs have shaggy coats that completely obscure their eyes to achieve Benji’s signature blind look. They often have fuzzy eyebrows and beards giving them a gentle, thoughtful expression. Sheepdogs are known for being intelligent, hardworking dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benji Dogs
What kind of dog breeds are similar in appearance to Benji?
Benji is a mixed breed dog, so it can be difficult to find a dog that looks exactly like him. However, there are several dog breeds that have similar physical characteristics to the Benji dog. Some of these breeds include the Affenpinscher, the Brussels Griffon, the Cairn Terrier, and the Lhasa Apso.
What is the real name of the dog who played Benji in the 2018 movie?
The dog who played Benji in the 2018 original movie is named “Benji”. The dog was trained by animal trainer Mark Forbes, who has trained many other animals for movies and television shows. Movie creator Joe Camp and his team ran a nationwide search to find Benji. And here is a fun fact. Joe’s son, Brandon Camp, bought out a new Benji movie for Netflix.
What kind of dog was Benji?
Benji’s terrier mix is believed to be a mix of several different terrier breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, and the Poodle.
What is the name of the dog who played Benji?
The original Benji was played by a mixed breed dog named Higgins. Higgins was a rescue dog who was trained by animal trainer Frank Inn. Higgins appeared in several movies and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s.
How many Benji dogs have there been?
There have been several different dogs and different breeds who have played the role of Benji over the years, many of which have come from animal shelters. The original Benji, Higgins, appeared in several movies and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, several other dogs have taken on the role of Benji in various movies and television shows.
Dogs That Look like Benji in Conclusion
Remember, while appearances might draw you to a breed, it’s essential to understand the breed’s characteristics, needs, and temperament to ensure a perfect match for your home and lifestyle. Just like Benji had his unique personality, each of these breeds brings its own set of traits and joys.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.