Discover the Dog Breed That Looks Like a Mop

Do you wonder what those funny-looking dogs with dreadlocks are called? Do you swoon over the idea of owning one? Read this article to discover the dog breed that looks like a mop.

What Are the Dogs That Look Like Mops Called?

The name of the dog breed that looks like a mop is called the Komondor Dog. These giant dreadlock pups are extremely loyal and protective. They are also independent and require someone with expert training to raise them.

The Komondor dog breed can grow to about 27.5 inches for males and 25.5 inches for females. They can weigh around 100 or more pounds. Despite their heavy bodies, Komondors are very light on their paws and agile.

The life expectancy for Komondor dogs is about 10-12 years. If you are looking for a dog to grow with you for a decade, this could be the one. However, if you are looking for a dog that will live with you for the majority of your life, this may not be the dog for you.

Grooming and Coat Care

You do not need to shave a Komondor dog. It is recommended by experts not to because they are a double-coated dog breed. This means that the fur of both layers of coats needs to be present to grow correctly. This can also prevent unwanted painful mats.

Their dreadlocks are their signature style!

While you do not need to shave the Komondor dog, you will need to bathe them. Bathing is essential to these pups to help keep their fur from collecting unwanted dirt and debris. Ideally, you will want to bathe these guys at least once a week to keep their fur clean.

When they are adults, dirt and debris can fall out without bathing. However, it may stain the fur.

Grooming and Maintenance of Komondor Dogs

1. Set aside time daily. Mop dogs are not one that you can let go ungroomed. Their cords can collect excessive dirt and grime, making them prone to skin infections. Make sure you can provide time out of your daily schedule to pick out the debris and dirt.
2. Begin to create cords. When your dog turns 9-12 months old, you can start creating cords so that the hair does not become matted. The base of the cord should be a thumb’s thickness. Begin at the skin where the cords naturally form and work your way down.
3. Recreate cords every few months. To keep up with your dog’s fur. You will need to create new cords every few months so that it continues to grow with the fur naturally.
4. Groom by hand every day. To prevent your Komondor dog from contracting skin infections, you will want to pick out the debris and grime from their cords every day. 

How to Bathe a Komondor Dog

It is important to remember that every 2-3 weeks, you will need to bathe your Komondor. Here is a brief guide on how to get the most out of your dog’s bathing routine.

You Will Need

• Diluted Shampoo
• Diluted Conditioner
• Nail Clippers
• Hemostat
• Dryer 
• Towel

Steps to Providing a Great Bath Experience

1. Apply diluted shampoo to your dog’s cords.
2. Rinse shampoo until you do not see any more suds coming off of your pop’s cords.
3. Wring out the cords with your hands.
4. Apply the conditioner and rinse thoroughly.
5. Wring out the cords.
6. Gently pat your dog’s fur with a towel. 
7. Let your dog dry for a few hours. This may take a while, but it is important so that you can prevent any excess water from getting stuck in the cords.
8. You can opt to use a professional dog dryer or shop vacuum that is clean of debris.
9. If your Komondor needs to be created, you can put them in the cage and then blow four large fans, one at each corner of the crate.
10. Finish by clipping the nails if your dog will allow, cutting excessive hair from the belly and genital area(be very careful), and cleaning their ears.

What Are Komondor Dogs Bred For?

Komondor dogs are bred to lead and protect livestock and family. Komondor dogs were originally born to protect sheep from predatory animals such as wildcats and wolves. They also served as insulation to keep the sheep warm because of their thick coats.

Their coats also provided a great disguise by blending in sheep. This made a great ally in protection from predatory animals by making it hard to recognize them.

In the times of World War 2 and the Cold War, they were raised to protect the prized livestock of farmers. Unfortunately, they also were a target in war times because soldiers knew that to get to the livestock and homes of their enemies, they would have to slay the dogs. Due to these mass killings, Komondor dogs almost became extinct.

You will be pleased to know that these powerful dogs have made a comeback and are becoming a common breed of dog once more. Komondor dogs are kept as guardians of the home and loving companions to their family in present times.

Do Komondor Dogs Have Cords?

Komondor dogs are not born with “cords.” When they are puppies, they have short, white fur. As they grow into adulthood, their coarse fur naturally grows into knots, which then have to be separated into cords so that they do not cause excess matting.

Discover the Dog That Looks Like a Mop and Their Temperament

Wondering what behavior might look like for a Komondor? 

These dogs are muscular and have a strong build. They are very loving and loyal IF you are their family. If you have guests over, it may be wise to either place them in a crate in a guest room. Komondor dogs are very cautious of people who are not family. Therefore, they may perceive guests as intruders. This is also why it is not safe or recommended to take your dog to a dog park. They may feel the dogs running loose are threats to you and may attack out of protection.

On the flip side, if you decide to raise a Komondor puppy with a dog you already have, or you decide to raise two Komondor puppies together, that will be perfectly fine because they will learn that the other pups are family.

Typically, a Komondor dog’s temperament is described as energetic, loving, and fiercely protective. If you like to play, want a loyal companion, and have a heart of gold, this breed could be a great fit for you.

Komondor Dog Breed Health Risks

While there are no breed-specific health risks, you should be wary of Hip Dysplasia, which this breed can be prone to.

Hip evaluations, Dentition Exams, and Eye Exams are highly recommended to monitor the health of your Komondor.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the hip and ball joint create friction against each other. Over time, this condition can become very painful for dogs.

Luckily, some things can be done to prevent canine hip dysplasia. However, in some cases, such as with larger breeds, this condition may not be fully preventable.

Causes

• Hereditary 
• Improper diet
• Types of exercise
• Lack of exercise
• Weight imbalances

Symptoms

• Lack of activity
• “Bunny Hopping” gait
• Swaying
• Whimpering or lack of movement due to pain.
• Swollen shoulders and thighs. 
• Shoulders may appear to be bigger due to your dog using them as leverage to avoid pain and discomfort in their hips.

Treatments

If your dog displays any of the signs of hip dysplasia, there may be a few treatment options that you can try, such as:

• Diet modification to help remove excess weight.
• Exercise limitations
• Physical therapy
• Joint supplements
• Medications to ease swelling.
• Joint-fluid modifiers

In some extreme cases, surgery may help to align the hip and ball joint into a correct posture to improve hip dysplasia.

Additional Tips For Care of Komondor Dogs

• Socialization training should begin early. Komondors need to learn who is in charge and quickly. Otherwise, they will run your household.
• Komondors require a good amount of exercise every day.
• If you do not have a yard, then you may want to let your dog roam around the house with you, provided there are not any guests coming over.
• If you cannot provide a fenced-in yard, your Komondor will need to be walked 2-3 times every day.
• The cost of a Komondor puppy can range from $1,000 or more. You will also need to account for food, spaying/neutering, and annual vet checkups. In addition to this, you also will need to put money away should your dog develop hip dysplasia or should an emergency occur. 
• If you are unable to afford a Komondor puppy, you can always opt for adopting a Komondor from a local rescue. There are plenty who need a home.

These agile, loving, and protective dogs are sure to put a smile on your face should you decide to adopt or buy one.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/volofin