Are you Wondering if dogs could have dreadlocks? Well, dreadlocks are generally associated with people. Still, we’ve discovered dreadlocks dogs breeds either naturally or with the help of their human friends. So, yes, they have dreadlocks and look unique and irresistibly stunning to a dog lover. The proper term used for dreadlocks of dogs is cords, flocks, and mats.
Some dog breeds may have corded coats naturally. They have smooth coats in his age of about 8 to 9 months. But as they grow older, rough hair starts developing around the areas of limbs, ears, legs, and underarms. These shaggy hairs gradually make up the dreadlocks. A dog with dreadlocks looks so cute. However, some passionate dog lovers have to work hard to give this unique look to their pups.
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What Will I Learn?
How Dreadlocks Form In Dogs?
Nine months after the birth of your puppy, the cord starts to appear. You should separate the cords individually if you want to have a mop like the look of your dog. A dreadlock coat of your puppy takes around 4 to 5 years for reaching the full length. But you need to take special care of such dogs because debris and dirt are attracted to the dreadlocks.
Maintenance Of Dreadlocks of Dogs
The mat, if not corded itself, may need to be torn down by hand. If it gets complicated, scissors can also be used to tear down the coat into cords. It is highly disapproved that you go according to the entire coat of your dog in one attempt. It may leave the skin sore. Therefore, several small sessions are recommended for cutting down the layer into cords. Giving your dear pet that handsome look is not an easy task. It takes time and patience.
Right after the cording, your pup may look swollen, but with time, the cords twist. It usually takes two years to develop proper cords. For Initials, a length of 3 inches is recommended because it is easy to keep clean and manage. Dread lengths shorter than this result in the formation of mats rather than cords.
Cleanliness:
Dreadlocks dogs need much care than some other dogs. Once the cords are appropriately grown, they need proper care for their cleansing and regular trimming. Otherwise, the coat will turn into a single large mat. This will be very uncomfortable for your puppy, causing itching.
Grooming:
Dreads should be separated at least thrice a week and trimmed before it may reach the ground. You should not bathe a dreadlocked dog at all because his hairstyle will take no less than 48 hours to dry. Dreadlocks look very cool, but this hairstyle is not recommended if your dog is in a dry and warm climate. This is because the cords may cause overheating in the hot summer days.
Once developed and grown, the dreadlock dog may look just like a mop with a tongue stick outside!
6 Adorable Dreadlocks Dogs
Some of the natural mop dogs with dreadlocks are from Bergamasco, Komondor, Poodle, Puli, Spanish water dog, and Havanese breeds. These breeds root back to the regions of Central Europe far away from Jamaica or Mediterranean shores. If you are a dog lover, you will like to know more about these beautiful dog breeds.
1. Bergamasco:
It is known as an ancient breed. As the name indicates, it has its origin from the Bergamo province of North Milan, the Italian Alps, to be exact. Bergamasco dogs look more like a sheep because of dreadlocks. With its astounding, intelligent, friendly, and independent nature, it serves as a sheep herding dog very well. It has a lifespan of approximately 15 years.
The coat develops into the final form and shape of the mat at the age of 5. Bergamasco cat’s skin layer consists of three different varieties of hair, and the two undercoats. There is a smooth one, a short one, and a rough and longer one. The topcoat is curly.
Just like anything on this earth, this weird looking coat of Bergamasco helps him to cope with the cold. It also helps with the summer heat as well. The cords that resemble the scaly skin of lizards in appearance also resemble in its protective function.
2. Havanese:
These little dogs, also named as ‘Velcro dogs’ are Bichon type. They look more like at come with the genetic coding which reaches its final shape. It happens within a much shorter period of 2 years as compared with the Bergamasco breed. They are lovely pups who display a funny, playful, and outgoing characteristic.
The corded style is best suited to this breed. As this breed is small in size, cording is a much difficult task. They require proper professional care, at least at an early age. For Havanese breed dogs, it is recommended that the cords are kept small in size. In this way, it would be easier for you to bathe and dry your puppy.
If you enjoy the company of this adorable little dog, you need some severe maintenance advice for him. This is to keep an eye on your dog’s coat. You should divide the layer into sections and check and groom it daily, for it may get tangled.
3. Komondor
Just like Bergamasco dogs, the Komondor breed has also been serving as a herding dog as well. The temperament of this breed is calm, affectionate, and gentle. It has its origins in the UK and Hungary. Right after birth, their short white curly coats grow with age. The mats develop to its full length at the age of 1 year. This is the right time to trim your mat into proper cords.
This corded coat provides the dog with insulation from cold and protection from heavy rains. Domestic Komondors are more likely to mess up their cords because when not working, they would attract the debris. Undoubtedly, it is a tough task to sort the cords of this little dog mop. Leaving the mat as it is may cause an unpleasant and lingering odor.
4. Puli
If we compare the looks of Puli and Komondor, both breeds have much more resemblance. Just like Komondor, the Puli breed has also found its origins in Hungary. It has an affectionate nature, and it is an excellent choice to be adopted as a family pet. This little mop dog is known to be very intelligent and active, as it requires 40 minutes of exercise daily.
The cord begins to develop at the age of 6 to 10 months. Clipping or shaving may increase the possibility of entangling of cords. The small size of their codes makes regular grooming necessary.
The Puli breed is prone to yeast infections over the area near the ears. The reason is that when the cords are developed, they may block air circulation. As a result, it provides the best environment for yeast to infect the area. Therefore, if you tend to enjoy the company of this beautiful little dog, you should groom it regularly. Also, keep an eye for any infections.
5. Poodle
Poodle dogs look more like a lamb than just a dog. It is versatile and elegant in its stature. The breed offers three different sizes for the dog lovers, namely miniature, toy and standard. It also provides various colors, such as black, white, brown, sable, and cream colors. The coat texture also varies among rough, soft, and wavy. When it comes to cord a poodle, it is nothing less than an art.
Not earlier than the 20th century, the corded and non-corded poodles were thought to be from different breeds. Maintaining the corded poodle includes clipping the coat and never brush again.
Poodles usually do not shed; however, if they do, you should be vigilant of its maintenance. This is because it may lead to mat formation. You should altogether avoid shampooing your pup. All you can do is to soak the cords in water and then squeeze the water out of the cords.
6. Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dog is originally from the Iberian Peninsula and does not have a natural corded look. These dogs are a favorite choice of fishermen, herders, and hunters because these dogs are so loyal. They live in a humid climate and have curly locks that are perfect for such an environment.
However, if you want to have a corded look at your dog, you need to shave the coat. Then let the coat grow out, and it will take the shape of cords. You need to pay attention to the form of the cords.
Dogs with Dreadlocks – In A Nutshell
Above mentioned breeds of dogs look cute with their dreadlocks. You can choose one according to your choice and need. Dreadlocks look cute, but they need proper grooming and cleanliness. This means that you have to spend a little extra time on them.
These are some of the cute breeds of dogs with dreadlocks. If you think they are cute, share this with your pet lover friends. Also, comment on your favorite puppy breed in the comment section below.
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