Dogs that look like a mop?
Did I read the title correctly?
Oh yes… you did! If you think about it, you must have met this kind of dog many times. His fur is long, curly, and falls over his eyes. The fur of these dogs sometimes resembles dreadlocks.
What is interesting about these dogs? First of all, their unusual appearance! For all dog lovers who love to be stopped by passers-by while walking down the street with their pet, this kind of dog would be an excellent choice.
Rarely can anyone remain indifferent to these cute dogs with interesting fur.
However, in addition to charming you with their appearance, each of these dogs also has a unique temperament.
Below, we bring you information about selected dogs that look like mops. We divided them into three groups based on their size – so we have a group of small dogs, medium-sized dogs, and a group of large dogs.
4 Small Dogs That Look Like A Mop
Small dogs are charming and adorable in their own right. The demand for smaller dogs has been growing intensively in recent years. Why?
Many people find these dogs as low-maintenance dogs, so they believe they will be suitable for them, even though they live in an apartment and spend a lot of time away from home.
Let’s see which little dogs look like mops.
1. Havanese
The Havanese is the first small mop dog on our list.
This dog comes from Cuba, and it was known there as the favorite companion dog of aristocracy. This small pooch is a wonderful choice for families with small children.
Although he is a small-sized dog, the Havanese is very energetic. Also, this dog is quite intelligent and eager to please.
So, you will probably not be able to just leave this small puppy to entertain himself inside while you are away for the entire day.
This dog will need both physical and mental exercise.
If you have a lot of free time at your disposal, a Havanese puppy will be your best friend. There is nothing this dog loves more than spending all of his time with his loved owner.
On the other hand, if you have a rather busy schedule, this dog might not be happy about it, and might even develop separation anxiety.
These dogs have a beautiful, silky coat that resembles a mop. They come in many different colors such as silver, sable, fawn, white, and cream.
Their extraordinary coat comes with a price: having a Havanese means a lot of brushing! So, you better have a top-quality brush for your Havanese puppy.
If you don’t have enough time on your hands, you can always choose a short haircut for your Havanese.
If you ask us, it might be a shame to cut this gorgeous fur! One thing you can do is take your pooch to a professional groomer.
This way, not only will your dog keep his pretty, long coat, but he will be able to show off during your walk!
Breed Highlights
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Temperament: energetic, funny, loving
Appearance: small size, silky coat, large eyes
Coat colors: black, chocolate, cream, fawn, gold, red, silver
Health issues: chondrodystrophy, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation
2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is another dog that royalty adores! This dog was originally bred in Tibet. This is one small dog, but it is a great watchdog and loves to take care of its human family.
At the same time, the Lhasa Apso is quite independent and works well on its own.
Because of its protective instinct, this dog has to be properly socialized and trained at an early age. You might find this hard to believe since this dog does not get bigger than 11 inches, but believe us – this is one serious small guard dog!
He might not even be the most obedient dog, but this is the dog that you will have fun with all day long.
This dog’s coat is a story of its own. It is very pretty, thick, and long. It comes in many colors such as red, black, golden, white, etc. It is not an easy task to keep this coat beautiful.
You will need to be a personal groomer, and brush this dog on a daily basis in order to avoid matting.
Also, a Lhasa Apso should be bathed more frequently than some other dogs. For example, a German Shepherd should be bathed once every three to six months.
A Lhasa Apso, on the other hand, could be bathed even once a week, especially if its coat is long and fluffy!
So, to keep this dog looking like a mop, you will have to do some serious work.
Breed Highlights
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 12-17 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament: comical, confident, intelligent
Appearance: long, hanging coat, oval-shaped eyes, elegant posture
Coat colors: black, cream, golden, red, white
Health issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia, kidney disease
3. Maltese
The Maltese is another small, playful, and gentle dog that makes a wonderful family companion. Although small in size, this dog is pretty good in many dog sports. But, its first role is companionship for people.
Everyone would love to cuddle with this small pooch!
The Maltese is an intelligent and highly trainable dog, but it might act stubborn and independent, so a person who trains this dog has to be determined and experienced.
Also, this dog is quite sensitive due to its small size, so it is necessary to be careful not to accidentally hurt it.
The color of a Maltese’s fur is white. However, together with the white coat, you can sometimes also see different patterns, such as white and tan, and white and lemon.
These dogs don’t shed much, so they are a good choice for people with allergies.
Their coat is silky and, if you don’t cut it, it will grow all the way to the ground. A Maltese’s coat is prone to tangles, so all Maltese owners need to have brushes of top-quality to keep this dog’s coat long and beautiful.
What can we say? Beauty comes with a price! So, all future Maltese owners should be prepared for daily brushing and regular bathing of their small pooches.
Breed Highlights
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: 2-7 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament: loving, intelligent, playful
Appearance: long, silky coat, big expressed black eyes
Coat colors: white, white and lemon, white and tan
Health issues: hypoglycemia, patellar luxation
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Our next dog is a Terrier dog breed, called the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, as many people call it.
Small in size, but always ready for action – the Yorkie is an intelligent, energetic, and loyal dog. This dog adores its humans, but it is not so kind toward strangers. It might even show aggression towards people who are unknown to it.
Early socialization is required for this dog not to become spoiled and even bossy. If trained properly, this small dog will have a lot of love and attention to give to its family.
The Yorkie is suited for apartment life, and it makes a wonderful companion for people of all ages.
The Yorkies’ coat is silky, long, and admirable. It comes in four basic color patterns: black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan. Sometimes, it can be seen in some other colors, such as red or chocolate, but they are pretty rare.
Just like any other long coat, a Yorkies’ coat requires a lot of grooming. If you want to keep it long and clean, you will have to brush it every day.
Yorkshire Terriers should usually be bathed once every three to four weeks. If their coat is long, it might even be necessary to bathe them more often.
Yorkies are not heavy shedders, so they are suited for people with allergies. Having a Yorkie brings a lot of advantages – just be sure you are ready for regular grooming and a lot of time spent on taking care of your puppy’s coat.
Breed Highlights
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 4-7 pounds
Lifespan:12-15 years
Temperament: affectionate, brave, intelligent
Appearance: long hair, compact stature
Coat colors: blue and gold, blue and tan, black and gold, black and tan
Health issues: reverse sneezing, patellar luxation, eye infections
5 Medium-sized Dogs That Look Like A Mop
They are not too small and not too large – many would say that these dogs are just the perfect size! Let’s see which medium-sized dog breeds look like a mop.
1. Bearded Collie
The first dog on our list of medium-sized dogs that look like a mop is a cattle dog breed called the Bearded Collie.
This dog was originally bred in Scotland, and many people confuse it with the famous Old English Sheepdog. This working dog has been helping shepherds for many years. With this dog around, livestock is safe and sound.
The Bearded Collie belongs to the herding dog group.
This is a herding dog at first place, but for many people, this dog is also a loving family pet. Furthermore, many of these dogs participate in dog shows.
This dog has a lot of energy, and needs at least an hour of exercise on a daily basis.
The Bearded Collie has a double coat. The outer coat is harsh and flat, while the undercoat is furry and soft. The standard colors for this dog breed are blue, black, brown, and fawn.
This dog’s coat should either be brushed regularly, once a week, or even more often if you are able. This way, the dog will not shed too much, and its coat will be free of tangles and dirt.
It is not necessary to bathe a Bearded Collie too often, so we can conclude that grooming this dog should not take too much of your time.
Breed Highlights
Height: 20-22 inches
Weight: 40-55 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament: amusing, energetic, charismatic
Appearance: shaggy coat, long body
Coat colors: black, blue, brown, fawn
Health issues: allergies, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism
2. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco is an Italian dog, which was used as a herder of sheep in the past. Due to working for so many years in the Italian Alps, this dog is known as a brilliant guardian dog.
Today, this dog makes a wonderful family dog breed since it is very devoted and loyal. The Bergamasco gets along well with children, and also with other pets.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Bergamasco as a separate dog breed in 2015.
You will easily recognize this dog for its mop-like coat. This dog’s matted locks are of great help for the Bergamasco dog to be protected from harsh weather in mountains.
In some of these dogs, the fur even covers its eyes, so it may seem to you that this dog can barely see.
When they are just puppies, these dogs have a soft coat, which later becomes wooly. Their coat does not shed much. Also, you don’t need to brush this dog too often. Bathing should be done only a couple of times a year.
This shepherd dog breed might even be described as a low maintenance dog!
Breed Highlights
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 50-85 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament: social, gentle, hard-working
Appearance: matted locks, compact body, large head
Coat colors: black, gray
Health issues: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
3. Poodle
Not to get confused, but we have three different sizes of the Poodle dog: the standard Poodle, the miniature Poodle, and the toy Poodle.
Today, we are referring to the standard Poodle, which we included in the list of medium-sized dogs. According to some opinions, this dog might even be described as a large dog. Now, let’s get to the point.
Known as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, the Poodle has been loved by people for many years now. This dog is highly trainable, and makes a wonderful companion for many dog owners.
One thing the Poodle is most known for is its curly coat. This dog does not shed much, and it is the dog that is most often mentioned as a hypoallergenic dog.
The Poodle’s coat is dense and wiry, which is a dream come true for any professional groomer!
The truth is, if you have a Poodle, you always have some work to do with this dog’s care.
So, if you are planning to become a dog owner for the first time, you should be aware that taking care of a Poodle’s fur might be too much for you.
This is a dog whose appearance can leave you speechless, but to keep its fur clean, beautiful, and shiny, it takes a lot of time and effort.
Breed Highlights
Height: over 15 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Temperament: active, agile, intelligent
Appearance: curly coat, small eyes, elegant posture
Coat colors: apricot, black, blue, cream, gray, red, silver, white
Health issues: epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism
4. Puli
The Puli is a shaggy dog breed from Hungary, whose dreads make it hard not to notice!
These dogs love their family, but might be wary of strangers. They have high energy levels, and are always ready for adventures! These Hungarian dogs are equally successful as family companions and as sheepdogs.
The Puli is athletic, and it will need a lot of physical exercise to stay healthy. Also, it requires the same amount of mental stimulation.
This breed of dog is mostly known by its uniquely corded coat.
This coat is wooly and weatherproof, which makes this dog a hypoallergenic one, but at the same time, it makes the grooming quite a process. Regular brushing is very much necessary for this type of fur to stay tangle-free and dirt-free.
Because of the Puli’s many cords, the bathing process might be challenging. But, with a little practice, we are sure that everything will go a lot faster!
Also, it is not recommended to use a hair dryer on a Puli’s coat since it might take a lot of time for its fur to dry; therefore, this dog might get overheated.
See Also: 5 Puli Breeders In The U.S. – Find Your Wooly Puli
Breed Highlights
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Temperament: agile, self-confident, energetic
Appearance: corded coat, square body proportions
Coat colors: black, silver, white
Health issues: cataracts, hip dysplasia
5. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is another herding dog on our list of mop-like dog breeds. This dog is also a wonderful family dog, but it must be active and entertained all the time. Also, early obedience training is necessary with this dog.
An hour or more of exercise on a daily basis is necessary for the Spanish Water Dog to stay healthy and happy. This dog is playful and affectionate, and it makes great company for people of all ages.
This medium-sized dog needs his human family to always be around. He does not like to be left home alone, and he might develop separation anxiety if he spends too much time with no human company.
What about the coat of this dog? The coat is usually curly. Believe it or not, it is advisable not to brush this dog’s coat at all! Also, the Spanish Water Dog’s coat should be equally long everywhere.
So, how do you take care of this dog’s coat? The best way is to have this dog’s coat clipped once a year. Also, the Spanish Water Dog should be bathed two or three times a year.
Breed Highlights
Height: 15-19 inches
Weight: 30-50 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament: active, loyal, affectionate
Appearance: wooly curls, athletic body
Coat colors: white, brown, beige, black
Health issues: eye problems, hip dysplasia, glaucoma
2 Large Dogs That Look Like A Mop
The list of large dogs that resemble a mop is slightly smaller than the list of smaller and medium-sized dogs. But, these two dogs are also special and charming.
Let’s find out the most important things about their temperament and whether their fur is demanding to maintain.
1. Afghan Hound
Our first large dog that looks like a mop is called the Afghan Hound. This dog found his place on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
This dog originated in Afghanistan, where it was used as a hunting dog.
This beautiful dog attracts many people, and it is very desirable and wanted as a show dog. This dog is not known as the most intelligent dog breed, so training an Afghan Hound might be challenging.
Also, he might act independent and refuse to take orders.
The Afghan Hound might sometimes seem like he is not interested, but with his humans, he is a very gentle and loving dog. However, he still has a high prey drive, so it is necessary to be careful with this dog around other pets.
This dog has high energy levels, but this is not his only demand. I mean, somebody has to take care of that beautiful, long coat!
His coat was of great help to be able to survive harsh weather in the Afghanistan mountains.
So, if you are to become an owner of an Afghan Hound, you either need to be prepared to pay regular visits to a professional groomer, or you will become one yourself!
The hair of this dog is similar to humans’, and it really makes him stand out from other dogs.
His fur might be prone to matting, so we are not kidding when we say you will have to brush this large dog on a daily basis. An Afghan Hound is for sure not a low-maintenance dog for first-time dog owners!
Breed Highlights
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 50-60 pounds
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Temperament: aloof, amusing, independent
Appearance: thick, silky coat, elegant posture
Coat colors: black, blue, cream, red, silver, white
Health issues: cancers, hypothyroidism
2. Komondor
The Komondor is a white dog breed coming from Hungary, due to which it is also known under the name, Hungarian Sheepdog.
For many years, these working dogs were a crucial part of many farms in Hungary. The Komondor dog is a brilliant livestock guardian.
These dogs need a lot of space, and should not be kept in a small apartment. Due to their larger size, they are a better option for families with older children.
Komondor dogs have strong protective instincts, so they are considered as one of the best big guard dogs.
At the same time, these dogs might be hostile towards other pets, so it is necessary to socialize them from an early age.
What about this dog’s unusual coat? Well, it is not recommended to brush the Komondor dog at all. However, its coat is not easy to care for as it should be cleaned regularly in order to avoid parasites and an unpleasant odor.
Komondor puppies have soft curls while they are very young. As this dog grows up, his soft curls become more like long cords, so this is how we get a dog that resembles a mop! The Komondor’s undercoat is wooly, while his topcoat is coarse.
Breed Highlights
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 70-100 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Temperament: fearless, loyal, affectionate
Appearance: thick, corded coat, triangular eyes, muscular body
Coat colors: white
Health issues: bloat, entropion
Do You Need To Be A Professional Dog Groomer To Groom A Mop Dog?
Well, this question is not very easy to answer. It is true that most of these dogs require frequent brushing, and some of them also require frequent bathing.
If you would also like your dog to have a special hairstyle with which it will stand out, then no one else would accomplish this better than a professional groomer.
However, with a little effort, I believe that every dog lover would eventually perfect the way to care for their furry friend.
In addition, it is necessary to have the appropriate tools such as good clippers, a quality brush, and the appropriate shampoo for dogs.
It is true that dogs that look like a mop require a lot more effort compared to some other dogs that have a different coat. But, these dogs are truly special, and hardly anyone can resist their cuteness!
If you have any other questions related to the care of these dogs with interesting looks, then a responsible breeder will be there to give you all the answers, and help you decide on the dog that will be perfect for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
There are some unusual dogs out there that drive our attention, and dogs that look like a mop are definitely among them. Their dreads or corded coat is something we don’t get to see every day!
Each one of these mop dogs is charming and unique. It is hard not to stop and admire one of these dogs when you see one on the street.
Many people like their dogs to be different and stand out from the rest. With some of these dogs, you will definitely achieve this effect.
However, the question you should ask yourself is: Do I have enough time, and am I ready to invest a lot of effort in taking care of a mop dog?
Let’s be real – in order to keep their fur in top shape, most of these dogs will require regular brushing and frequent trips to a professional groomer.
Therefore, if you are ready for these conditions, then we believe that you will really enjoy sharing moments with one of these adorable mop dogs!
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