These lovable mop dogs sure look like they'll keep your kitchen floor clean!
6 Dogs That Look Like Mops
Updated on Aug. 06, 2024
Why are there dogs that look like a mop?
Have you ever seen those dogs that look like a mop and wondered why they do? The mop effect occurs naturally in some dogs and can be developed in others. For natural mop dogs, the undercoat and topcoat combine as they grow to form round, rope-like “cords.” Other mop dogs have curly hair, not fur, which will naturally “mat,” or combine to form felt-like textures. When separated from the skin, the mats can grow out into that delightful mop-like appearance.
Mop dogs don’t usually need baths more than two to three times a year, and they don’t shed or require brushing, but separating the cords regularly is essential to make sure your pooch’s mop isn’t getting knotted. If you’re looking for a new dog (or you’re prone to spills), take a look at these dogs that look like a mop.
(RELATED: Some other unique-looking dog breeds that might intrigue you include dogs that look like a lion.)
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Komondor
When you think of dogs that look like a mop, this shaggy beauty is probably the first image in your head. The Komondor is an ancient Hungarian breed, bred to guard sheep against wolves and poachers. Their adorable mop-like cords protect them from both the harsh Hungarian winter and the sharp teeth of predators. The cords also have the bonus of making them blend in with the flock, meaning any marauding wolf will get a big surprise when that juicy sheep turns out to be an 80- to 100-pound, very unimpressed mop dog!
As guard dogs, Koms are very independent and protective of their families, but their guarding instincts mean they tend to be suspicious of strangers. Koms are a good choice for experienced dog-owning families with older children, as they need plenty of exercise. And those beautiful corded coats? They’re naturally occurring! The coat begins to clump at about 9 or 10 months. Splitting the clumps makes them grow out into the sweet moppish cords that make this dog so adorable.
Puli
The Puli is a breed closely related to the Komondor, which is clear from its appearance—it makes sense that these dogs that look like a mop would be siblings! Unlike their larger, heavier relatives, however, Pulik (the plural form of Puli—the “k” is silent) were bred to be herding dogs. They’re known as the acrobats of the dog world, sometimes jumping up on the backs of the slower sheep in the flock!
These moppish beauties’ coats range in color from black to silver to white, but they can be distinguished from their big brothers by the difference in size: Pulik are much smaller than Koms, weighing only 25 to 35 pounds. They are also incredibly intelligent and in need of lots of physical and mental stimulation. Pulik aren’t just adorable mop dogs, they’re also very loyal. With their strong herding instinct, they’ll try to herd anything: Falling leaves, birds, even your toddler might get a gentle diaper tug if they start to stray.
Bergamasco sheepdog
Hailing from the Italian Alps, these shaggy sweeties were bred in the proud tradition of dogs that look like a mop: to guard and herd sheep. At 55 to 70 pounds, Bergs do resemble their larger Hungarian mop-like cousins, but unlike the round, rope-like cords of Koms, their locks are flat. Bergamasco coats are made up of three types of hair—dog, goat and wool—which mat together. Because their coat is designed to regulate their temperature, they should never be shaved.
Their shaggy coats also fall over their eyes, which is both adorable and protective, shielding the pup’s eyes from snowblindness. Don’t worry though—their extra-long eyelashes help keep their bangs out of their eyes! The Bergamasco is an extremely sociable dog, forming individual relationships with each member of the family. Fun fact: It’s also one of the rarest dog breeds!
Spanish water dog
Although related to Portuguese water dogs, Spanish water dogs (SWD) are a different pooch entirely. SWDs were bred as herding dogs, but more important, they are another adorable dog that looks like a mop! Their coats are curly and woolly and can be grown out into tight, mop-like cords. Unlike other corded breeds, the SWD has a single coat, meaning it has fewer undercoat hairs. Beware, also, that fresh snow can clump and stick to long cords.
As their name implies, these gorgeous mops love the water, and playing fetch in the creek is their idea of heaven. Just be careful to completely dry those cords or else they can mildew! Like other herding dogs, SWDs are very intelligent and active; at 30 to 50 pounds, they’re great hiking or snowshoeing companions.
Havanese
These sturdy little bundles of fun are native to Cuba. Their long, silky coats mat easily, which means that with a bit of persuasion, they can join the adorable ranks of dogs that look like a mop. With their cute button eyes and round noses, Havanese are utterly charming and charismatic. Havanese are small (7 to 13 pounds), adaptable, smart and social, making them a great city dog. They enjoy performing tricks and like to get their exercise through playing with their person or taking a brisk daily walk.
Havanese need to be routinely groomed, including cleaning their ears. Although most are kept brushed out, they can also be corded. Maintaining a corded, mop-like coat on a Havanese takes work: You’ll need to separate the mats regularly, and it takes longer to bathe and dry a corded coat. But the results are so delightful that we think it’s worth the effort!
Poodle
Available in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard), the poodle is one of the most instantly recognizable dogs. But did you know that they can also become one of the dogs that look like a mop?! That’s right: Like the Havanese, the poodle’s curly coat mats easily and can be corded into a charming mop. Over a hundred years ago, most poodles were shown corded. Now most poodles are brushed out so that their long hair looks more like puffballs. Either way, they are still clipped short on parts of the body. These black, white or apricot aristocrats are well-known for being elegant and low-allergen. Poodles are super intelligent and easily trained, and the standard size can keep up with any activity alongside their pet parent.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Chloë Nannestad tapped her experience covering dog breeds, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Petguide.com: “Doggy Dreadlocks—All About Corded Coats in Dogs”
- American Kennel Club: “Komondor”
- American Kennel Club: “Puli”
- Bergamascos USA: “Puli-Bergamasco-Komondor Comparison”
- American Kennel Club: “Bergamasco Sheepdog”
- American Kennel Club: “Spanish Water Dog”
- American Kennel Club: “Havanese”
- American Kennel Club: “Poodle”
