10 Dogs That Look Like Mops: Shaggy, Corded & Unique Breeds

If you’ve ever seen a dog that looks like a moving mop, you’re not alone. Some breeds have such long, shaggy, or corded hair that their appearance is both unique and memorable. Learning about these mop-like dog breeds can help you choose a companion with a one-of-a-kind look and charming personality.

You’ll discover the different types of dogs with shaggy and corded coats, as well as what makes each one special. Whether you love unusual pets or just want to know more about these fascinating breeds, you’ll find helpful information in this guide.

1. Komondor

• The Komondor stands out because of its long, white, corded coat that looks a lot like a mop. Its unique fur helps it blend in with sheep and protects it from harsh weather. The cords start to form as the dog gets older and need regular care to stay clean and neat.
• You might notice that the Komondor is large and impressive in size. This breed was originally used to guard livestock in Hungary. Its thick coat not only protects against cold and heat, but also helps shield it from bites or scratches.
• If you meet a Komondor, you’ll see how strong and powerful it is. Even though their coat looks heavy, these dogs move quickly and with purpose. The Komondor’s appearance always catches people’s attention because it is so different from most other breeds.

2. Puli

• The Puli is a small herding dog from Hungary. You can easily spot it by its unique, corded coat that looks a lot like mop strands.
• This breed was first used by farmers to herd sheep and other animals. The long cords in their fur helped protect them from harsh weather and even bites.
• Pulis are very strong and agile even though they look soft and fluffy. Their coat isn’t just for looks—it gives them great protection during work and play.
• You may notice that the Puli’s cords can either be tight or loose, which adds even more to their shaggy appearance. People often describe the Puli as “mop-like” because of this unusual fur style.
• If you want a dog that stands out and has a long history as a herding helper, the Puli could be a good fit for you.

3. Spanish Water Dog

• The Spanish Water Dog stands out because of its tight, woolly curls. This coat can give the dog a mop-like look, especially when the hair grows out. You might also notice that the coat is never brushed, so the curls stay thick and natural.
• This breed is medium-sized and usually weighs between 31 and 49 pounds. Spanish Water Dogs are both herders and water retrievers. They were bred to work hard and are skilled at jobs like herding livestock and helping with fishing activities.
• The coat is considered hypoallergenic by some owners. Unlike other shaggy dogs, you do not need to brush the curls out. Regular trimming and proper grooming will help keep the coat healthy. If you want a unique shaggy breed, the Spanish Water Dog is worth considering.

4. Corded Poodle

• If you’re looking for a dog with a truly unique coat, the Corded Poodle stands out. This breed is usually known for its curly hair, but with special grooming, the coat can be trained to grow into cords.
• Corded Poodles have long, rope-like curls that can look like mop strands. The cords form naturally as the dense, curly hair mats together, but you will need to help shape and separate the cords as your dog grows.
• Cording is rare among Poodles, but it is accepted in major dog shows. The look is dramatic, but it needs regular care to keep the cords clean and healthy.
• You will need to keep the coat free from debris and avoid letting the cords tangle together too much. Grooming a Corded Poodle takes patience, but the result is a dog that looks like it just stepped out of a storybook.

5. Havanese

• The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with long, silky hair. This breed is known for its cheerful attitude and friendly nature. Its coat stands out and makes the dog look unique.
• With the right grooming, your Havanese’s coat can be styled into cords, making it look much like a mop. This is similar to how some other breeds, like the Puli, are groomed. Cording the coat takes time and patience.
• Even when the coat is not corded, the Havanese can have a shaggy look. The hair can grow long enough to cover its legs and feet, giving the dog a fluffy, mop-like appearance. Regular brushing can keep the hair from tangling.
• You may enjoy the Havanese if you want a pet that is playful, loving, and easy to train. Their adaptable nature makes them a good fit for many homes.

6. Barbet

• The Barbet is a medium-sized dog that comes from France. This breed is known for its curly, shaggy coat that gives it a mop-like look. The curls cover its body and even its face, making the Barbet easy to recognize among shaggy breeds.
• You will notice that the Barbet’s coat is dense and water-resistant. This feature helped the breed work as a water dog for hunters. It is common to see artwork from as early as the 16th century showing the Barbet in France.
• A Barbet usually weighs between 35 and 65 pounds. The name Barbet comes from the French word for “beard,” which fits the woolly fur around its muzzle. The coat needs regular brushing to avoid tangles.
• If you want a friendly, active companion, the Barbet has a reputation for being social and eager to please. They are often compared to dogs like the standard poodle because of their appearance and energy.

7. Bergamasco Shepherd

• The Bergamasco Shepherd is easy to spot because of its unusual coat. This breed has long, thick hair that forms natural mats called “flocks.” These flocks make the dog look like a mop, giving it a very unique appearance.
• You might be surprised to learn that the Bergamasco’s coat has three types of hair. These hairs blend and mat together, helping protect the dog from cold weather and injury. You do not need to brush this coat, which is very different from other shaggy breeds.
• Originating in the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Shepherd was bred to herd sheep. Its friendly nature and intelligence make it a good family dog, but its coat needs regular care to stay healthy.

8. Otterhound

• Otterhounds are not just about appearance. They were bred for hunting otters in Great Britain, which explains their love for water and their webbed feet. Their dense coat helps protect them while swimming and keeps them warm in cold weather.
• You will notice that Otterhounds come in many hound colors, giving each dog its own special look. Keeping their coat clean takes regular grooming, since the fur can get oily or tangled if not brushed often. The Otterhound’s coat is more than just decoration—it is part of what makes this breed so good in the water.
• Otterhounds are a rare breed, so it is not common to see them on the street or at your local park. They have an easy-going and friendly nature, making them good companions if you have the space and time for their care. 

9. Irish Water Spaniel

• The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the largest spaniel breeds you will find. This dog stands out for its curly, waterproof coat, which often forms loose ringlets all over its body. The curls help protect the dog from cold water when retrieving.
• You may notice one unique feature right away—the tail. Unlike the rest of the coat, the Irish Water Spaniel’s tail is smooth and hairless toward the tip, earning it the nickname “rat tail” among dog lovers. The fur is densest on the body and legs but becomes noticeably sleek further down the tail.
• This breed is usually a rich liver or deep brown color. The curls may look shaggy, but they do not mat easily if you brush your dog regularly. While not a common sight on the street, the Irish Water Spaniel’s coat is both eye-catching and practical in wet environments.

10. Tibetan Terrier

• The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a thick, shaggy coat that gives it a mop-like look. Its long hair covers its face, legs, and body, which helps protect it from harsh weather.
• You will find that the Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier. The breed comes from Tibet, where it was raised in monasteries more than 2,000 years ago as a companion dog. Monks often called them the “Holy Dogs of Tibet.”
• The Tibetan name for this breed is Tsang Apso, which means “shaggy or bearded dog from the province of Tsang” in Tibetan. These dogs were valued for their friendly nature and their strong bond with people.
• Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. If you want a dog that stands out for its unique fur and loyal personality, a Tibetan Terrier may be the right choice for you.