Dogs With Dreadlocks And Breeds: How To Care For Them
When it comes to our canine companions, a wide variety of fur types can be found on them. There are those with thick double coats, others with curly coats, and others with no hair.
However, were you aware that a few dog breeds naturally have dreadlocks?
These breeds are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but they all have the same endearing appearance of having been brushed with a mop.
In common parlance, these canines are referred to as “dreadlock dogs,” although the correct terminology for their coats is “cords,” “flocks,” or “mats.”
It is usually a common practice to refer to the Hungarian Puli by its nickname, the Dreadlock Dog; however, the term can also be applied to Komondors and Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
Instead of having smooth and silky hair, dog breeds with dreadlocks have long cords of fur that are stiffer. Around the age of nine months, their fine hair begins to turn coarse, causing it to mat, which results in the formation of dreadlocks naturally.
You can make it easier for your dog to maintain a reasonable temperature by thinning the fur and cutting it into narrow strips. This article will provide directions to assist you in maintaining the healthiest possible condition for your dog’s coat.
We will investigate the process of breeding or brushing them into this braided and corded shape. And the reason why certain dogs have dreadlocks while others do not.
We will provide helpful hints for taking care of the peculiar fur on your Dreadlock dog and determining which characteristics of the Dreadlock dog breed are the ideal fit for your family and how you live your life.
The Spanish Water Dog, the Poodle, and even the Havanese can all have their hair styled in dreadlocks. Therefore, the moniker “dreadlock dog” refers to this type of hairstyle.
However, most well-kept examples of the last three breeds do not normally develop dreadlocks. Have you ever had the opportunity to meet a dreadlocked dog in the flesh?
The term “dreadlocks” is most commonly applied to human beings, but did you know that certain kinds of dogs can also have their hair styled in a dreadlock fashion?
If you’ve ever seen a dog that appears to have dreadlocks, it could be one of the breeds we’ll discuss in this post. But before we discuss which breeds of dogs have dreadlocks, let’s look at the characteristics that define a dreadlocked dog!
How Do Dogs Acquire Their Dreadlocks?
Only six different types of dog breeds can have dreadlocks.
Pulis, Komondors, and Bergamasco Sheepdogs are the only ones born with them, while the rest can attain the look with a little bit of TLC at the groomer or home (like the Poodle, Spanish Water Dog, and Havanese).
The fact that the outer coat of some dog breeds naturally entwines with the undercoat is the reason why these dogs naturally have dreadlocks.
These breeds have an undercoat that is fluffy and down-like and an outer coat that is coarse and wavy. The two coats rub and twist together to give the characteristic corded appearance.
Where Did Dreadlock Puppies Originate From?
“Corded” is the term being used when referring to the coat of a dog with dreadlocks.
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that dreadlocks on dogs are the result of natural growth and that the coat takes care of itself. On the contrary, this is not at all the case!
The coat of a dreadlock dog puppy is more or less straight or very slightly wavy when it first appears after birth. When the puppy is eight or nine months old, coarse hair will start to grow amid the fine puppy hair.
This will happen sometime around the middle of the dog’s first year. When the puppy is over nine months old, his or her coat will start to develop mats, particularly around the ears, limbs, legs, and underarms.
At this point, you will need to cut the mats into thinner strips called cords. You will have an easier time tearing the mats by hand if you start the process when the dreadlock dog is still young, and the coat is still quite fine.
However, if the mats do not break easily, you will need to use mat splitters or scissors to cut the coat into strips. However, if the mats tear easily, you can skip this step. When dividing mats, you should start at the skin and work outward.
Is It Possible To Give Dreadlocks To Dogs?
Dogs with the correct hair texture to make curls, like Poodles, need a helping hand from humans, but they already have the right hair structure.
You will need to untangle and twist their curly coats into cords to get the desired effect.
Due to the enormous amount of time and effort required to achieve this look on modern dogs of breeds such as poodles, it is no longer a particularly fashionable style.
However, when it does occur, it is striking; this is especially the case when combined with the classic poodle haircut.
Dogs Breed With Dreadlocks
We know that some puppies are born with dreadlocks, and others have the appropriate coat type to be twisted to get the desired appearance.
There are a few breeds of dogs with coats that can be corded with a little extra attention and work, and there are a few breeds of dogs with natural dreadlocks.
Before we examine a few breeds whose coats can be coaxed into cords with a little bit of know-how and hairdressing expertise, let’s begin by looking at what kind of dog naturally has dreadlocks.
Puli
Puli dogs are likely the most well-known breed of canine to have dreadlocks.
They have a double coat, with the longer, coarser outer coat combined with the shorter, finer undercoat due to the difference in texture between the two layers.
The actual cords are extremely wooly and can either be flat or circular in shape. When Puli puppies are young, they begin to develop cords, which continue to lengthen as the dog gets older.
Even though a Puli is visually similar to a Komondor, greater caution is required to ensure that the Puli’s cords do not become entangled with one another.
This prevents the skin from breathing, which can lead to inflammation and illness, and it also collects dirt and oil from the environment.
Additionally, these dogs are prone to developing dreads in their ears, which can lead to infections, so you should always look out for them.
Pulis is recognized by the American Kennel Club whether they have dreadlocks or a brushed-out coat, even though they are one of the most well-known breeds associated with dreadlocks.
If you choose to brush your Puli’s coat, you should be prepared for a significant time investment due to the coat’s natural tendency to become tangled. The Pulis breed originated in Hungary and was initially developed to work.
A Puli is an excellent herding dog, so consider getting one if that’s what you’re looking for. They are attentive, intelligent, and affectionate towards their family members. They put in a lot of effort.
You should not be deceived by the fact that Pulis like to spend most of their time outdoors; despite their long coats, they are perfectly content to snooze in front of a warm fire.
Komondor
Komondors have a long, naturally occurring, and hated coat, just like Puli does.
This gives them a similar appearance. On the other hand, the dreads of this dog breed are typically much more substantial than those of a Puli.
The coat of a Komondor puppy will typically start out wavy and fluffy before transitioning into a corded appearance. These first cords are brief and develop near the skin. The dreadlocks on an older dog tend to become longer and fuller in appearance.
If a Komondor does not develop dreadlocks by the time they get to two years, they will be eliminated from the competition because this trait is considered to be of such critical importance.
These canines enjoy great renown in their country of origin, Hungary. They were initially introduced there by the Cuman tribe, where they got their name, “dog of the Cumans.”
In addition, they were employed to herd cattle and sheep and guard them. Because of their long, white coats, they could blend in with the rest of the flock and conceal themselves better against the snow.
The roughness of their coats allowed them to stay warm in the fields and shielded them from potential dangers such as predators.
Komondors are happy working dogs who also like spending time with their families and possess the intelligence and composure to do so. Because of their friendly and curious personalities, they also make excellent pets for families.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
According to the American Kennel Club, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a relatively new addition to the list of dogs with dreads.
This is at least the opinion of the American Kennel Club. These cute puppies have been around for hundreds of years, even though they weren’t officially recognized until 2015.
Not only are they an ancient canine breed, but these pooches also have something else that makes them unique: they have three different coats!
The undercoat is greasy and quite smooth, the second coat is wiry, and the third coat has a wooly feel to it. The mix of their three coats and their curly locks makes for the ideal constituents of a dreaded top coat.
The coats of these dogs create broader, flatter mats as opposed to cords like those of the Komondor and the Puli. These can be as thick as a couple of inches and come in a wide variety of brown and gray tones.
It is not uncommon for Bergamasco Sheepdogs to have mats that are a variety of colors; this contributes to the dog’s delightfully distinctive coat.
This Italian Greyhound is outgoing and friendly but capable of standing independently. They are content to toil in the fields and spend time with their family, engaging in activities such as playing and snuggling.
Bergamascos are clever dogs who enjoy keeping their brains active by working or learning new tricks. They are eager to please their owners by acquiring new skills.
Havanese
Although Havanese dogs are smaller than most others on our list, they are very cute and make excellent companions for families.
In contrast to the first three, these puppies do not necessarily always have a terrible coat. However, it is possible (albeit it would require a significant amount of work from the dog’s owners)!
Because of the rapid rate at which their fur grows, owners need to section off their pets’ hair to cord it. You must check their coat consistently and meticulously to determine whether or not any mats are forming.
The Cuban nobility produced these adorable canines for the first time in the 1800s so that they could keep them as pets.
They develop incredibly close relationships with the people in their lives (in fact, they are frequently referred to as the “velcro dog”), and they adore being the focus of attention in whatever home they join.
These dogs are not only fun, intelligent, and curious, but they can also work as assistance dogs. Because they are so devoted to their owners and develop such strong relationships with them, they are prone to experiencing symptoms of separation anxiety.
They should not be left alone for extended periods. Havanese dogs get along well with children and other animals and would absolutely adore having a companion to spend their days playing with.
Poodle
Poodles are not typically the first breed that springs to mind when discussing canines that have dreadlocks.
These canines are well-known for their distinctive curly coats and haircuts. However, they can have mats (or dreads) as well! Poodles, in contrast to other canine breeds with dreadlocks, have only one curly and fluffy coat.
They do not mat of their own accord; rather, their owners are responsible for de-matting them. Because the dogs’ hair gets trapped in the mats as it falls out, the mats get larger. However, this is not a simple task.
Giving your poodle pup dreadlocks requires a lot of attention to detail, which is why this haircut isn’t as common as it once was. Poodles can come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, and they all have the potential to have this peculiar appearance.
However, this requires the participation of a human. Poodles are very smart dogs who love learning new tricks and routines to add to their repertoire.
They can be a touch obstinate (and believe that they know best), so they require an owner who has the expertise and is capable of managing that.
These dogs have a lot of pep in their step and require a good deal of activity daily. They have a lot of fun running around, playing, and chasing after everything.
Poodles with dreadlocks are desirable puppies, despite the fact that they are not particularly fashionable these days. This is especially true when taken into consideration alongside their instantly recognizable hairdo!
Spanish Waterdog
Spanish Water Dogs, much like Poodles, only have one coat on their body.
If you want your adult dog to have the look of organically developing mats, you may have to assist them in the process, or you may find that they accomplish it on their own over time.
Some people believe it’s best to shave them first, then let their hair grow out as you twist and mold it into dreadlocks, but others disagree.
There’s more to the Spanish Water Dog than simply nice looks regarding their dreadlocks. The fact that they are corded up assists them in doing their work duties.
Because these puppies were originally intended to work as herders and water dogs, they have spent the majority of their lives assisting people who work in agriculture and fishing.
While swimming in and out of the water, their thick matted coat acts as a waterproof barrier, which helps protect their organs and keeps them warm and dry.
This Spanish breed is known for its unwavering devotion to its master and passion for spending time with him. They enjoy hunting, participating in various outdoor sports, and unwinding at home.
They tend to be headstrong like Poodles; therefore, they require a self-assured owner who can teach them the ropes.
Caring For Your Dog’s Dreads
An increased responsibility for the owner comes along with getting a dog with this particular haircut. You must take proper care of the dreads to prevent them from growing into a single, big, and uncomfortable mat.
You will most likely wish to locate a qualified groomer in the immediate area. If the coat of a dreadlocked dog is not properly maintained, it will eventually become matted into a single, massive mass.
The dog will have a great deal of discomfort due to the matted fur, which will cause the skin to be pulled and pinched and quickly become unclean.
On the other hand, dogs with dreadlocks do not shed after the cords have been properly formed and provided they are maintained correctly.
Dreadlocks present a challenge when it comes to taking care of a dog. When the dog’s coat has reached the corded stage, you will need to cut it back to a length of approximately three inches all over once a year. This must be done globally.
This coat length requires little to no upkeep and is simple to clean. You shouldn’t cut the coat of your dreadlocked dog much shorter than this since it will grow back as mats instead of dreads if you do.
Cleaning The Dreadlocks
It is necessary to clean dreads to maintain their health and prevent them from smelling bad. Oil can accumulate, and dirt, debris, and other particles of all kinds can also become lodged in the dreads.
However, you cannot just lather up a puppy with dreads like you do other types of dogs. It is necessary to first submerge each personal dread in soapy water and then completely dry them all.
It is in your best interest to get this done at a professional groomer because they should have drying equipment that can assist in preventing the development of unpleasant odors.
Brushing The Dreadlocks
In most cases, you should avoid brushing the dreads on your dog.
This will be a trying experience that is not required. To prevent mating of the cables, however, you may need to peel them apart from one another carefully.
If you have a corded puppy and want to change its appearance (for example, with a Poodle), chat with your groomer about the options you have and the method that will produce the best results.
You must monitor your Havanese’s coat and remove any mats as soon as they form if you do not want your dog to get a matted coat. This is especially important if you own a Havanese.
Dogs With Dreadlocks Living In Warm Climates
If you reside in a place that has a climate that is quite warm and you have a dog with dreadlocks, it is best to cut your dog’s hair rather than allow the dreads to continue to grow out.
A dog with dreadlocks may be more prone to overheating in the summer months than a dog with a corded coat since it was selected for its ability to keep the dog warm and dry in tough mountain conditions.
Trimming The Dreads
It truly depends on your dog’s breed and the type of coat he has.
Some dogs won’t need to have their dreadlocks clipped, while others will need to have them cut to prevent them from dragging on the ground and picking up dirt.
If your dog’s dreadlocks are getting in the way of eating or seeing, you might consider getting them trimmed. Some dogs are prone to developing dreadlocks in and around their eyes and ears.
Because they might lead to infections, you must always keep them trimmed and clean. If you are unsure, you should consult your groomer. It doesn’t matter if you like the dreaded look; you can’t dispute that these canines are beautiful in their own right.
They can also become fantastic companion animals for families if their owners are prepared to provide them with the care, exercise, and mental stimulation that is necessary for them. Do you have any interest in getting a dog with dreadlocks?
Clipping The Dreadlocks
Long-haired dogs, especially those with dreadlocks, risk having their coats dragged along the ground, where they might pick up dirt and other particles.
You are free to let the dreadlocks on your dog continue to grow long if that is what you choose, but you are responsible for keeping them trimmed so that they do not touch the ground.
When you are done with the task of cutting your dog’s coat, throw away the kitchen scissors you used, even if they are old or inexpensive.
A pair of scissors will quickly become dull while cutting through a thick coat of dreadlocks; therefore, you should be prepared to toss them out once you’ve completed the task.
To get rid of debris and dust, you must separate the cords and brush them numerous times over a week. In your best interest, refrain from giving your dreadlocked dog a bath, as the hair may take up to two days to dry after being wet.
If you are not familiar with taking care of a dog with dreadlocks, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional dog groomer.
Keep in mind that it can take a dog’s coat up to two years to develop cording, and if you make a mistake while cutting or clipping it, it could take a very long time to fix the problem.
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