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Have you ever heard of dog breeds referred to as “mop dogs?” These are dogs that look something like a mop that’s used to clean the floor! They’re beautiful dog breeds that come in various colors and hair-type. In fact, some also refer to these as dreadlock dogs or dread dogs because their hair strongly resembles dreadlock hairstyles!
If you’d like to learn more about dreadlock dog breeds, read on! We’ve put together a list of six dog breeds that sport this unique hair! Let’s get started!
1. Puli
The first dreadlock dog on our list is the Puli! You may also refer to the Puli called the “Hungarian Puli” or the “Hungarian Water Dog. They’re working dogs who still herd sheep! The Puli is an ancient dog breed that goes back some 2,000 years.
These dogs are very self-confident and very intelligent. They’re also quite sensitive to their pet parents. Some even act as nanny dogs and protect other animals in the family! Pulis are also sensitive to the needs of elderly people and those who are sick. For this reason, they’re often used as therapy dogs. These dogs are very close to their families but are wary of strangers.
Pulis have thin cords of hair that form when the outer and inner coats naturally intertwine. The dogs are often paired with the Komondor (another mop dog) to guard and herd sheep. It’s interesting to note that the Komondors usually watch over the flock at night while the Puli guards them during the day.
Pulis can have white, cream-colored, or gray cords that keep the dogs warm and protect them. However, their hair needs a lot of care to keep it from matting.
2. Komondor
The Komondor is another dog breed with dreads! They were originally bred to guard cattle and sheep in Hungary and are highly prized by their shepherds. The dog breed’s name means “dog of the Cumans,” a reference to the tribe of people who brought the dogs to Hungary in the 12th and 13th centuries.
These mop dogs have white coats that help them blend with the herds they protect. They also blend in with the snow in the mountains. When they’re puppies, the Komondor’s coat is soft and wavy. However, as they grow, the outer coat becomes coarse. The outer coat “traps” the undercoat and starts to intertwine, leading to the dog’s dreadlocks. The dog’s hair protects them from predators and provides insulation for the dogs in the winter and summer.
3. Spanish Water Dog
Next on our list of dogs with dreadlocks is the Spanish Water Dog! The Spanish Water Dog originally comes from Spain, where the dogs were bred to work on the farm, where they were used in many ways. However, these dogs are most often used to herd cattle, though you may also see them serving as a crewmember on fishing boats. The dogs are highly intelligent and have a ton of energy.
Spanish Water Dogs love boating, swimming, and playing in the water. And with all the energy this breed has, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
These dogs are alert and watchful, and they want to please their pet parents. In addition, their curly hair is beneficial to living in a humid environment. However, the Spanish Water Dog’s coat needs to be shaved every so often to keep it in good shape. Otherwise, their coat doesn’t need much other care.
4. Havanese
The Havanese were originally bred to be companion dogs to the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s. You may hear them referred to as “mop dogs” or “dreadlock dogs.” In addition, they’re also sometimes called “Velcro dogs” because they love to stay with their pet parents most of the time.
These dogs have a reputation for being funny, playful, and outgoing. They’ve often been used as circus performers and assistant dogs.
When it comes to their hair, Havanese are more on the “mop” side than having dreads. Their hair is thick and wavy. It also tends to grow pretty fast. Havanese must have their hair regularly groomed to keep it from matting and tangling. The fur needs to be sectioned and brushed carefully, which means these dogs need a ton of grooming.
5. Bergamasco
The Bergamasco dog breed was first recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 2015; however, this is an ancient dog breed that has roots going back 2,000 years. These dogs are originally bred to herd cattle. They originally came from the Middle East and were then taken to Italy, to a city called Bergamo in the Alps.
Bergamascos are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs, and they love to work. Their fur contains various shades of gray and black, giving them almost a hombre look. And they have three coats! The underlayer is made of fine, oily fur. The middle layer is wiry and coarse, while the outer layer is a little like wool.
Bergamascos fur doesn’t look like dreadlocks; however, the layers all come together and form flat mats of hair as wide as three inches. Bergamascos require regular grooming to keep their fur looking beautiful and tangle-free.
6. Poodle
The last dog on our list of dreadlock dogs is the Poodle! While you may not picture a Poodle’s hair as dreadlocks, it is very curly. These mop dogs are highly intelligent and love to learn new tricks. This is another dog breed that has been used in circuses to perform.
If a Poodle’s hair is allowed to grow, it can form into curly dreads. In reality, the Poodle’s dreads are mats of hair that were once formed into dreads. This was a common fashion that many pet parents loved. However, it’s not much in vogue these days.
Summing it Up
So, there you have it! This is our list of dogs with dreadlocks! If you’re looking to adopt a dreadlocks dog, we hope this list helps you find a fur baby that’s right for you and your family!
What’s more, no matter which dreadlock dog you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a loving companion for many years to come!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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