One look at any of the breeds on this list, and you’ll agree that these are dogs that look like mops! But behind all those strands and corded fur, many of them hide other secrets. For instance, the Komondor comes from a line produced for guiding flocks for Hungarian shepherds.
As the saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover! Many dog owners don’t mind these mop lookalikes and have no problem putting in any extra effort needed to care for these breeds.
Komondor
At first glance, you’d think you are walking past a mop head off its handle. Just look at those strands forming a puddle on the grass! The Komondor is usually the first dog that comes to mind when someone mentions mop-like breeds.
You might think that these fabulous dreadlocks would be rough to touch, but they’re incredibly soft and aren’t present in puppyhood. A Komondor puppy is born with normal fur. Over time, though, the coat transforms into the easily recognizable dreadlocks. Over the dreadlocks is an outer coat, which protects Komondors from adverse weather conditions.
Mop-like appearance aside, most prospective owners only want to know if a dog will make a good family pet. In the case of the Komondor, we’d give an unqualified yes! As we mentioned above, this breed played the role of caretaker back in the old days. Therefore, the descendants take the job of guarding their owners and pleasing them very seriously.
Puli
Another dog on this list that hails from Hungary is the Puli. Pulis are close relatives of the Komondor.
Unlike their thickly corded cousins, Puli’s cords are thinner. The cording in this breed results from the intertwining of the outer and inner coats.
Similar to the Komondor, the Puli’s purpose was to be a great shepherd dog. Hence, it would make sense their ancestors herded cattle together with Komondors. The latter would take up their posts after nightfall while Pulis would guard the herd during the day.
If you’re interested in a Puli for a canine companion, just know that their dreads can become matted without constant care. Think of the cords on dogs that look like mops as an armor. The dreads kept the cold temperatures and attacking predators at bay.
Bergamasco
Unlike the first two, the Bergamasco calls the Italian Alps home. Named after a province just north of Milan, these canines are covered in three coats! Although that may seem like overkill, consider the harsh climes of its native environment. The mats and cords regulate the dog’s body temperature during summers and winters in the Alps.
The topcoat is the curliest and is almost sheep-like. Good cover for a sheepdog. Underneath are two more coats. One is composed of short and slick hair, and the other has longer, wiry hair. Aside from insulation, the three coats combine to act as armor. The Bergamasco’s coats and size are enough to intimidate predators.
Typically, a Bergamasco is one year old before the mop-like coat formation can begin. As it reaches its fifth year, its transformation reaches completion achieving its full length and texture.
The Bergamasco is a long-lived breed and has a lifespan of 15 years. So, that’s a positive thing for canine lovers who want to adopt one.
Spanish Water Dog
You may have never heard of this breed, but the Spanish Water Dog sure deserves a spot on our list. Just look at that curly coat, and you can see how much grooming and care it demands! But look at that adorable face, and you’ll be promising to give them your best.
The Spanish Water Dog’scurl comes from the humid weather of their ancestral home. The humidity makes the puppies’ fur curl when short, elongating into tight cords as they mature into adults.
Aside from their cuteness, dog owners might gravitate towards the Spanish Water Dog because of the breed’s intelligence. They make good working dogs, so they’re never as happy as when they have a job to do. Therefore, you won’t go wrong in getting a Spanish Water Dog for your farm. They do equally well in dog agility tournaments.
To share your happy home with Spanish Water Dog, make sure they receive early socialization training. They need guidance to learn to play with other canines, animals, and people. Do that and plan activities for them, and your Spanish Water Dog will be a happy part of your family.
Oh, as their name would indicate, these dogs love the water!
Havanese
If you’re searching for dogs that look like mops, then the funny, outgoing, and playful Havanese breed might be right up your alley! Back in the 19th century, these dogs were companions to the Cuban aristocracy. After that, they made a name as circus performers.
If their colorful history and the long-haired mop look don’t attract you, there’s something else that might. Havanese look adorable with cords. Since those dreads don’t grow naturally, you can work on your Havanese to develop them. Keep in mind that it will be a labor-intensive process that might take two years or longer. You’ll also have to groom and brush the developing cords to prevent matting. Even so, in the end, it will be worth it!
Lhasa Apso
Like the Havanese, the Lhasa Apso resembles a long mop with straight fibers at one end! Unlike them, though, the Lhasa originates from Tibet. Back then, they served as monastery and palace watchdogs. Now, you’ll find them being canine companions in the homes of many a dog lover.
You might be thinking that they would make inefficient guard dogs due to their diminutive size. But they don’t let a small thing like that interfere with the job. Lhasas will look after your family, keeping it safe from strangers and intruders. A natural suspicious streak makes them excellent watchdogs. Because of that, you should look into socializing your Lhasa if you don’t want them to pounce on your friends — furry or otherwise!
Lhasas take to training well but were bred to act independently. They also have the intelligence to match their strong will. They can be master manipulators!
Regarding the flowy looks, Lhasas will require frequent baths. Their coat can easily develop tangles, which is why you should brush it daily too.
Poodle
Poodles and fluffiness go hand in hand. Most of us are used to the haircuts this breed sports. The Poodle’s coat is so stylable it lends itself torasta style dreads!
Like the Havanese, poodles don’t produce cords naturally. Therefore, creating stylish, thin cords will require patience and dedication from your side. The first step of the dread-making process would involve trimming their coat, then just let the hair regrow. Don’t brush it, or the cords won’t form. Just separate the thick ones, so all of them stay uniform and thinner. Another thing to remember is that rasta dreads won’t survive shampoo. To get your poodle clean, soak its cords, and then squeeze them dry.
Afghan Hound
You might mistake their long silky coat for a mop! But they’re also what make the Afghan Hound instantly recognizable. Other traits that one remembers about this breed is its elegant and confident stance.
The Afghan’s silky coat might have aesthetic value, but its main purpose was to keep the Afghan warm in the mountains. If you get one,you’ll be spending some money on the upkeep of thatsilky coat. Only get an Afghan Hound if you have the cash can afford their care.
These hounds were bred to hunt large prey and have an independent streakcombined with a strong prey drive, which means training is essential.They don’t take well to heavy-handed commands, so be ready to be gentle towards this fur baby.
Besides being strong of will, the Afghan Hound is an affectionate animal. As long as you’re not smothering them by hugging or squeezing them, they’ll even return the love.
Bearded Collie
When making a list of dogs that look like mops, you cannot skip the Bearded Collie. Their long fur makes them a good candidate for our list. Originally, Scottish cattle herders, that very long-haired coat kept the Collies warm in cold weather.
There are some things you should know if you’re considering them for your family. They are full of energy and need an active job to remain their bouncy and enthusiastic selves. Since these fur babies need daily exercise, only adopt one if you have the time for long walks. You can even take them on a trip in the car to achieve that objective.
Collies are good with kids and will display affection easily. In addition to that, they also make good watchdogs. Just remember they will bark at anything that startles them. They will need obedience and socialization training to curb that habit. Furthermore, you can also enter them into obedience and agility competitions.
Finally, a Collie’s long-haired coat must be kept clean. And, since they love spending time outdoors, it can get muddy and dirty. Owners should prepare to spend some time keeping their Collie clean and happy.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier might be a small mop but it has a big personality! A long-haired silky coat and their compact size make them suited to being carried around in totes. But if you’re going to adopt one, know that their feisty nature can work against you too. For instance, their cuteness might make them seem harmless. Thus, when they bark at anyone or anything, you may be tempted to ignore them. Don’t!
Instead, get them into socialization training while they’re puppies. That way, they won’t go after other dogs or the neighbor’s cat. Be careful not to spoil these fur babies, or they will develop bad behaviors. For instance, Yorkies can snap when afraid. Also, the small size syndrome is part of their genetic makeup. So, expect an untrained or spoilt Yorkie to pick fights with larger sized dogs. Socialization lessons will help them remember their manners.
As companion canines, Yorkies are affectionate. They will like spending time with you, but we’d advise families with younger kids not to test a Yorkie’s patience. Lastly, your pooch only needs a moderate amount of exercise. For that, they won’t necessarily need a yard. You can just take them for walks at the local park.
Pekingese
Just 6-9 inches in height and weighing less than 14 pounds, a Pekingese looks more like a mophead than most breeds! Just look at all that fur. It makes wonder if there’s any dog underneath all thatfloof!
Back then, they were companions to Chinese royalty. Now, these adorable babies will keep you company for 12-14 years. The Pekingese is a smart breed. Although they are consummate lapdogs, these dogslove to do other things besides lounging.
In the beginning, your Pekingese puppy will have medium-length fuzziness. But as they mature, their fur will grow quickly. They owe their frizzy look to a thick double coat. You’ll have to groom it a lot to keep it shiny and free of mats.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small white-haired dog with adults weighing nor more than 3-10 pounds or growingtallerthan 10 inches.
Their straight hair drags after them as they waddle into the room. Cuddle them for all you’re worth, andthey won’t mind. These pooches keep their playful dispositions even into old age. Provide them with a small enclosed backyard for them to run around.
But best of all, a Maltese doesn’t shed much. Hence, they are great options for dog lovers with allergies. Their coat does tangle easily, so groom them often. Besides keeping the coat clean, they also get tear staining that needs daily care.
Like Spanish Water Dogs, there are other rare breeds you might not yet know. The video below highlights some of them.
FAQs
What Kind of Grooming Needs Am I Looking at for My Mop Dog?
Fortunately, a mop dog doesn’t shed as much as the other breeds do. However, they do need more grooming and maintenance. Since you’ll be using it regularly, get a good brush for your mop dog’s fur. Use it to keep mats and clumps from forming. When you brush them off, you also get rid of any dirt and dust sticking to a furball’s coat. Debris like that can prevent the development of healthy coats in puppies. In adults, it keeps away mat formation.
Should you not have the time to groom your fur baby yourself, get a professional groomer to do it. Dogs that look like mops have outer coats that require trimming. Someone with experience can do so without damaging the undercoat.
Aside from brushing and trimming, your grooming routine should also involve nail clipping and ear cleaning. Another reason to let a professional handle a mop dog’s grooming is that a groomer will allow the dog’s coat to dry before sending it home.
A Friend Objected When they Saw My Mop Dog’s Hair Fell Over the Eyes. What Can You Tell Me about it?
Different breeds produce pups that have hair growing over their eyes. The reason that look remains popular often has to do with the breed standards. Take the Old English Sheepdog, for instance. The standards specify that its face is covered by fur. A full skull of thick, luxurious hair hides the dogs’ eyes when it comes to Old English Sheepdogs.
So, many people leave that mass of hair intact due to the breed standard. Is that why you’re doing that? If yes, then consider trimming the fur just enough that you can see your pooch’s eyes. Why that is a good thing will be clear soon enough.
Can Mop Dogs See through their Hair?
Are you able to see through your thick bangs? No? Then how can your dog? When you uncover your dog’s eyes, you’re making life better for them! Sure, that’s an obvious thing to state. However, many dog owners don’t realize why that is important.
With their vision unhindered, a pup can navigate the world without colliding into things. Moreover, they would also be able to communicate with their fellow dogs. A dog’s main method of communication is body language.
Besides preventing clumsiness, there are other reasons to remove the fur from your dog’s eyes. Even partially obscured vision can be a problem for them. Dogs miss out on the information only available to them through visual perception.
Additionally, some breeds are naturally easy to surprise or startle. They would find the world much less scary if they can see the threat coming. They aren’t taken by surprise and, thus, won’t react out of fear. Small dogs, for instance, can get snappy when startled. Trimming the hair back from their eyes can help prevent that.
There’s one more reason for trimming the fur around your dog’s eyes so that you can see them. Not only are they lovely, but much of the affection your canine companion displays for you is through their eyes. Why would you want to miss that?
Finally, when you let fur hang over your pooch’s eyes, it can get into their eyes. Therefore, you might be putting them at risk of getting an infection. Furthermore, the fur can scratch their eyes. In both cases, leaving the eye unclean would cause your fur baby pain or result in serious damage!
Which Mop Dog Breeds Have Hair Over the Eyes?
The following breeds produce pups that naturally have hair over their eyes:
- Afghan Hound
- Poodle
- Bearded Collie
- Puli
- English Sheep Dog
- Komondor
- Havanese
- Lhasa Apso
- Skye Terrier
How Do I Trim The Vision-Obscuring Fur?
Do you have one of the breeds we mentioned above? Then make their lives better by removing the fur covering their eyes. Should you attempt the task on your own, be very careful. Use good tools and make sure the pooch will sit still throughout the process.
However, if you’re unsure, then have a professional groomer do the trimming.
I Love My Fur Baby, but I Don’t Want to Trim the Fur. Any Suggestions?
If you’re clear on the advantages of trimming the fur over your dog’s eyes but still don’t want to do it, there is another alternative. Gather the offending hair and put it up in a topknot. Secure any fur that falls into their eyes on the top of their adorable little doggy head, and that way, whenever you need to present your dog according to the breed standard, you can let the fur down.
Got a bag of dog fur and about to throw it out? Here are nifty tips on how to use dog hair.
How Can I Care for a Mop Dog with Corded Hair?
You have a cord haired breed on your hands if you own one of these:
- Komondor
- Havanese
- Puli
- Poodle
The comical appearance of dogs with corded coats translates into one that is mop-like. Usually, you should only let the dreads loose for showing purposes. After that, they will act like magnets for debris and dust. Since they are long enough to touch the floor, your fur baby will get dusty and muddy too.
Caring for the cords would involve preventing them from uniting into one big cord. Don’t use a brush to untangle the cords. Instead, do it with your fingers. After removing the tangles, gently massage the skin to keep the blood flowing. You can take a brush to their coat if you have a young pup. That’s because they haven’t yet developed cords at that age. Focus on the areas around their ears, tail, and legs.
I’d Love a Komondor But Where Can I Get the Mop Dog of My Dreams?
Many dog lovers don’t realize the hard work of keeping a Komondor or some other mop dog and then decide to turn the baby over to a rescue group. That’s where you’ll find many mops that require adoption or fostering. Just remember that some of these are rare breeds. You might not find the exact breed, but these places often end up with mop dogs:
Conclusion
Just as you do with any other canine, put in the time, persist, and provide strong leadership to the mop dog you adopt. Form that bond, and be rewarded with a pet having a loyal and independent temperament. Homes without small children are a great fit for mop dogs since they’re not openly welcoming breeds. They require moderate amounts of daily exercise. So, only adopt mop dogs if you’ll have the time to provide it. Finally, their grooming requirements make them a better choice for experienced owners.
