With so many breeds on the planet, it’s no surprise that canines come in a wide variety of different coat types. However, seeing a dog that looks like a mop isn’t an everyday occurrence. So for those who love dogs with coats that are totally unique, here are the top dog breeds that look like a mop.
Komondor
The Komondor is a large and intimidating sheepdog breed from Hungary. It is used to protect livestock from predators such as bears and wolves. And it has a special coat that is designed to protect it from injury during confrontations with these deadly predators.
Its long thick coat is always white in color, and it forms tassel-like cords of hair. Unlike most other breeds, the Komondor’s coat does not need to be combed or brushed. It only needs to be washed. However once wet, it can take several days for it to dry completely. Because it’s not a common breed and many don’t know its name, the Komondor is often referred to as “the dog that looks like a mop,” or simply “the mop dog.”
Havanese
This small breed is related to the Bichon Frise. It’s a smart canine that was developed in Cuba and is known for being easy to train. The Havanese is famous for its long silky coat. And while its coat is often white in color it doesn’t have to be, it can be any color. Many Havanese owners prefer to have the coat cut short in order to avoid the task of daily grooming which is needed once the coat gets long.
Puli
Also known as the Hungarian Puli, this is a small to medium size herding and livestock guardian dog. It’s sometimes confused for the much larger Komondor. That’s because like the Komondor it has a long corded coat that is often described as mop-like or as looking like dreadlocks. The Puli’s coat is always solid in color. And although white is the most common coat color, it may also be is black, cream, or gray.
Irish Water Spaniel
You can easily tell the Irish Water Spaniel apart from similar-looking breeds by its rat-like tail. While the rest of its body is covered by long curls of hair its tail is not. This mop-like dog’s coat comes in a single color, liver. The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all the spaniels and was developed as a hunting retriever for use in cold water and on land as well.
Spanish Water Dog
Also known as the Perro de Agua Espanol, this is a dog that looks like a mop but particularly when its wooly and curly coat gets long. That’s because it naturally develops into cords. The Spanish Water Dog was originally used to herd and protect goats and sheep in the Iberian Peninsula.
And as its name suggests this well-rounded farm dog also functioned as a retriever in the water. Today it’s mainly used as a companion, and because it is considered hypoallergenic is especially popular with allergy sufferers.
Poodle
The Poodle is a popular breed around the world and its dense and curly coat can get quite long. It can look very mop-like if its coat develops into cords. When left un-brushed some poodles may develop cords naturally, however, the majority will simply become matted. Therefore for most poodles, in order to create a mop-like look, their mats of hair will need to be split or separated manually by a professional groomer.
Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is a bit different than other dog breeds that look like mops. That’s because its coat actually has three different textures of hair that create flat mats. These mats of hair are known as “flocks.” And they aren’t just for looks. The Bergamasco’s flocks serve to protect the dog from the harsh weather and dangerous predators of the Italian Alps. True to its purpose as a protector, this is a dog that is naturally wary of strangers.
Barbet
This mop-looking dog is considered a rare breed. It is a French water dog that was created to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. And like many other water dogs, it has a long shaggy, and curly coat. The Barbet doesn’t shed and is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. It is both a lively and intelligent canine.
Lagotto Romagnola
The Lagotto Romagnola has a thick and wooly coat with tight curls. While it is a small dog that looks like a mop, under that coat is a canine that is both sturdy and powerfully built. The Lagotto Romagnola comes from Italy where it was used as a water retriever. However today, many people use this breed on land, not to retrieve game but to help locate truffles.
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