Think about walking through the dog park and seeing something that appears to be a walking mop, but is really a grand pup. These dreadlock-coated dogs are not for the faint of heart. Some were born with these coats, while others have acquired them through careful grooming.
Dog Breeds That Have Dreadlocks
Here are the quirky breeds sporting those “dreadlocks.”
Naturally Corded Coats
While some breeds develop a natural corded coat and require no styling process, their unique coats stand out wherever they go.
Komondor
This Hungarian herder, also known as the “mop dog,” has thick, white cords that occur when its outer, coarse coat weaves into the soft undercoat over two years. Originally bred to safeguard sheep and cattle, its coat was like a suit of armor against predators and the elements.
Puli
The Puli, a smaller cousin of the Komondor, naturally grows thinner, tighter cords in its curly, denser coat. Quick and lively, the Puli is a herding dog that naturally pairs with the Komondor to protect their flock.
Bergamasco
A breed as ancient as the Alps themselves, the Bergamasco develops dense, mat-like hair that protects and warms and forms that well-recognized “flock.” With a lineage thought to stretch back as far as 2,000 years, it’s a rare and living reminder of the traditional herding dogs who all but disappeared when mechanised agriculture took over.
Groomed to Cord: People-Made Cords
Not every breed is born with cords. Some must be carefully groomed and trained for the coat to take on that dreadlock-like style.
Spanish Water Dog
Though not naturally corded, a well-shaved coat can be somewhat guided into dreadlock-style cording in sections as growth occurs on the coat of this multi-purpose Iberian dog.
Poodle
Poodles have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that can be allowed to cord, but only with dedicated and consistent owner attention.
Havanese
The Havanese’s flowing, silky coat, ideal for grooming, can even be corded, though it requires years and sometimes as long as two of careful upkeep to be achieved.
Why These Corded Coats Matter
Corded coats are more than just a funky hairdo. They’re functional. For natural corded coat breeds, cords provide:
• Protection: Protect the dog from predators and inclement weather.
• Insulation: The cords are an insulator, like a fleece.
• Durability: Minimal shedding. Once cords appear, they are there to stay, although they do require detangling and maintenance to keep them from becoming one giant matted mess.
For groomed breeds, cords are purely decorative. They are a statement of commitment and personality between dog and owner.
What Dog Owners Are Saying
Corded breeds are described by dog owners as having a quirky charm. The two cords are like a baby mop (the Puli) and its bigger, equally corded cousin (the Komondor). Others say that when groomed correctly, the cords can still allow airflow to the skin, even if they seem less healthy than they should at first blush.
Their observations are a reminder that corded coats, when properly tended, can be healthy and practical, but they are certainly not for the low-maintenance owner.
Bottom Line
Dreadlock dog breeds don’t come around often, but when they do, they’re breathtaking, one-of-a-kind, and simply ooze personality. Standard poofballs like the Komondor and Puli gratefully fill a fashion niche, as do more glamorous types like the Poodle and the Havanese, and each has its own appeal.
Whether you’re wondering what a “dreadlock dog” even entails or are considering taking one into your home, this guide casts light on the mop-head magic that some breeds carry and proves that the connotations of dreadlocks are greater than a simple hairstyle.
