Tune into any dog show, and you'll see pups in various sizes, shapes, and aesthetics. From giant balls of fluff to behemoths with slender and athletic figures, there is no shortage of distinct looks in the canine world!
But some of the most interesting-looking dogs are those that look like mops!
You might have seen these pups walking in the park or zipping through obstacle courses. After a double-take, you realize they are indeed dogs and not an old cleaning tool with a leash on! Mop-like dogs are true head-turners.
Some of these breeds develop mop-like cords naturally. The undercoat and topcoat combine to create distinct roped strands that continue to grow long.
While most dog owners know to brush their dogs regularly to avoid mats, natural cords are perfectly healthy. Mop-hair dogs only need baths a handful of times a year, but they can be a little high-maintenance. Regular TLC to avoid knotting is a must. But if you're up for the task, these dogs can be a joy.
Want a "mop dog" that you can call your own? Check out the list of breeds below.
18 Dogs That Look Like Mops
1. Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is a gorgeous dog that hails from the Italian Alps. It's built for cold weather. While other breeds have a double coat, this one has three. It's the top coat that provides the signature mop look.
Those dark, curly strands grow long and often mat together to create thick cords.
Puppies usually look like standard long-hair breeds. But between two and five years of age, that top coat comes to life!
It's not uncommon to see owners tying the Bergamasco's fur in a bun over the head. Some even braid the hair, giving this pooch a noticeable bohemian flare.
2. Puli
Pulis come from Hungary, where they often work as herding dogs and livestock guardians. This breed can have coats of white, gray, brown, and black. The fur grows long, covering the dog's eyes and providing a thick coat of insulation for cold, wintery nights.
The dogs develop relatively thin cords but are susceptible to knotting and severe matting. Luckily, that doesn't bring the Puli down!
Despite the baggage they carry, Pulis are highly active and energetic.
3. Komondor
When most people think of a mop dog, they picture the Komondor! This breed is a close relative of the Puli, and they have strikingly similar appearances. However, the Komondor's matted locks are much chunkier! Like the Puli, they serve to keep the dog warm in cold Hungarian weather.
The matted cords are surprisingly soft, but they require a good amount of maintenance.
It's common to see Komondor locks grow long enough to touch the ground when the dog stands, creating a curtain of ropes that moves wildly when they run.
4. Old English Sheepdog
You've probably seen this breed at some point. Popularized in film and television, Old English Sheepdogs are a goofy breed full of personality. Their fur is finer than other dogs that look like mops. It's more shaggy and full of fluff.
Think of them as the dry mop of the canine world!
Old English Sheepdogs have a double coat of fur. The undercoat is thick, puffing out the top coat for a shaggy appearance.
5. Afghan Hound
Talk about majestic! Afghan Hounds have a coat of silky smooth hair. It grows long, and the softer texture makes it blow in the wind. With colors like white and blonde, it sometimes looks like Afghan Hounds are wearing opulent wigs!
Don't let those posh looks fool you. Afghan Hounds are skilled hunters of large prey and are known for having an independent streak.
Solid training and plenty of grooming are a must!
6. Sky Terrier
Sky Terriers are a lesser-known breed with a quirky look. At first, they look like other small long-haired dogs. But you'll notice that the ears stay perked up, giving them a batwing head profile.
The hair is long and fluffy, often falling to the ground and covering the feet. But despite how delicate their fur looks, it's surprisingly low maintenance.
Regular brushing and trims are crucial, but the coat is far easier to maintain than one with matted locks.
7. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a popular breed known for its signature long beard. But it's not just the facial fur that grows long and scraggly. The entire coat is long and flowy.
The texture is on the rougher side, making matting a severe problem for this playful pup. Regular brushing is a must!
Bearded Collies are a joy to own. They're energetic and playful. It also does well with families.
The breed is always down to cuddle and spend time with their human pack.
8. Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dogs don't have long strands of rope-like cords. But their fur is exceptionally curly! They have thick coats with well-defined curls. The fur might combine and mat as the dog ages, but it remains fluffy nonetheless.
As the name implies, this breed loves water. They have a long history of jumping into lakes and rivers to hunt.
These dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and can get along with most people with proper socialization.
9. Havanese
Havanese dogs come from Cuba. They're pint-sized pups with thick coats of multi-colored hair. The cool thing about Havanese dogs is that their coats are adaptable.
You can keep them silky smooth for a posh look. Alternatively, many owners choose to dread the hair into cords.
The corded look doesn't come naturally, but it's easy to achieve with time. The best part is that the Havanese won't mind either way.
The dog remains fun, playful, and energetic no matter what you do with its coat.
10. Barbet
Barbets are like the French equivalent of a Spanish Water Dog. It has a similar look and an equally curly coat!
The rare breed was initially developed to hunt and retrieve waterfowl. As a result, it loves being in the water. They're also agile and athletic.
The curly coat can grow long enough to cover the eyes and create a teddy bear appearance. However, it does shed much. Thus, many consider the Barbet to be a hypoallergenic breed.
11. Yorkshire Terrier
Who doesn't love a Yorkshire Terrier? These small dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. Not only are they cute and mop-like, but they have great personalities to boot.
Yorkshire Terriers are playful, loving, and naturally feisty.
They do require some solid training and socialization to prevent behavior issues. But once you overcome those hurdles, they can be affectionate family dogs.
12. Briard
Briard dogs come from France. They are large shepherd dogs with a history of working with livestock. The breed can get large, tipping the scales up to 90 pounds. Pair that with the thick fur coat, and they can look intimidating.
Briards have wavy fur that grows long enough to cover the eyes. The ears stay perked up, but the hair creates a mop-top aesthetic.
As you can imagine, regular brushing and grooming are necessary to keep the coat in good shape.
13. Maltese
If you want a lapdog mop, the Maltese may be for you. This dog weighs only about ten pounds at most. But their long coats of crisp white fur make them appear a bit bigger than they truly are.
Maltese dogs have straight hair that falls to the floor. Surprisingly, the coat does shed much. However, it does require regular trimming to ensure that these pups can get around safely.
14. Poodle
Most people are familiar with this iconic breed. They have curly fur that's soft to the touch. While it may not look like a mop at first, many owners choose to mat the hair purposely.
Like Havanese dogs, Poodles are one of the most popular breeds for manual dreading.
The cords don't occur naturally, but they will appear with the right grooming strategy. Instead of brushing the fur, let the hair mat into ropes for a cool look.
15. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso breed is known for its somewhat regal appearance. They have straight hair that takes on many human-like colors. It's common to see Lhasa Apsos with streaks of brown, black, and white on top of their heads!
The fur is thick and can easily get in the dog's way. As a result, regular trimming is necessary.
Despite the dog's small size, Lhasa Apsos make excellent watchdogs. They're naturally suspicious of strangers and will always alert you to their presence.
16. Lowchen
Here's a breed that with an exciting look. Lowchens are rare. In fact, numbers are so low that many consider them in danger of going extinct in the future.
The Lowchen has long, thick fur. It's dense and grows long enough to reach the floor. It even covers the legs, ears, and face.
If you see a Lowchen, it will probably have its back half shaved! It's common practice for this breed to shave the lower body, creating a cute lion's mane!
17. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is closely related to the Bichon Frise. However, the breed was developed in Madagascar and carries several distinct quirks.
Like the Bichon Frise, it has thick, white fur. But the Coton de Tulear's coat grows longer.
It also has a rougher texture than most long-haired dogs of its size. Instead of silky smooth, it's matte and easy to tangle.
18. Pekingese
Last but not least, we have the Pekingese. This breed is the epitome of adorable. It's small, fluffy, and always down to lounge on your lap.
It was originally a companion of Chinese royalty, and that sophisticated demeanor remains.
Most Pekingese dogs have long double coats of shiny fur. It's usually tan-colored, making these dogs the perfect living teddy bear. But be warned: You'll need to brush regularly to keep that coat free of mats and tangles.
Dogs That Look Like Mops - A Final Word
Any one of these dog breeds is sure to attract tons of attention. While the mop effect is more dramatic on dogs like the Komondor, even silk-haired breeds like the Afghan Hound will have many doing a double-take.
Be wary that the unique coat of each pup can be a challenge. Get ready for proper grooming and regular upkeep. Find yourself a groomer with experience working with these dogs, and you'll have no issues maintaining that mop-like look!
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