No two dogs look alike. All of our furry friends have traits that are different from each other. For example, a dog with dreadlocks. Wherever they go, these dogs always turn heads with their unique appearance thanks to their prominent dreadlocks.
for us Hooman, we call them ‘dreadlocks’, but in the canine world the correct term for this type of coat is ‘cord’. Sometimes called a “flock” or “mat”.
And dogs with this type of coat are known as corded breeds. In this article, we dive into the complex world of these dogs. So, keep reading to find out more about them.
What are corded dog breeds?
Dog breeds with codes hair rather than fur. And they are not born with an umbilical cord, but rather with curly hair, which as they grow eventually begins to form as a mat, which then becomes the umbilical cord.
How do corded dog breeds get dreadlocks?
Dog breeds with cords are not born with cords. Instead, they are born with wavy hair that creases, forms mats, and becomes cords as they grow.
Dogs with dreadlocks undergo a matting process. During this process, the owner begins to get involved in properly forming the mat into the cord.
As puppies, a corded dog’s coat becomes coarser over time. And around nine months, coarse hairs begin to form mats, especially around the ears, limbs, legs and armpits.
Some breeds naturally tangle their hair when matting begins. However, in some dogs, the hair does not naturally curl or get tangled in cords. However, they have thick and curly hair, which can help their owners form the cord.
Caring for a dog with dreadlocks
Caring for a dreadlocked dog is not an easy job. Forming and maintaining the umbilical cord requires hours of painstaking care and patience.
Tangled hair is especially prone to collecting dirt, mud, twigs, fallen leaves, and dust. So here are some helpful tips when taking care of your corded friend.
form a code
It is important to know how to form a dog’s umbilical cord. Yes, some dog breeds’ hair naturally forms cords, but your help is important nonetheless. This is because the fur can form huge mats that can make your dog uncomfortable.
Here are some tips to help you shape your code.
- Do not brush or comb the mat.
- If the coat is still very fine, you can tear the mat by hand and divide it into smaller pieces.
- However, if your dog has a rough coat, do not pull it by hand. Please use scissors.
- Work over several short sessions. Splitting the mat may take some time. So don’t worry if you can’t do it the first time.
- Watch your hair begin to twist into strands after parting.
Remember that changing a dog’s umbilical cord is a long process. A dog with dreadlocks may get a perfect umbilical cord after a year or two.
code maintenance
Maintaining a dog with dreadlocks is very important. If you can’t commit to such work, it’s best to consider other dog breeds. However, with determination and drive, the following tips can help keep your dog’s umbilical cord intact.
- Once the cord is properly formed, the hair should be trimmed (not cut) to a length of about 3 inches once a year.
- Trim the hair around the eyes, ears, legs and feet.
- Bathe your dog once every few weeks or once a month, depending on your dog’s lifestyle.
- When bathing, make sure water and shampoo/conditioner are thoroughly soaked into the cord.
- Use a mild shampoo and moisturizing conditioner.
- Be sure to wash off any shampoo or conditioner on the cord.
- When drying a dog with dreadlocks, always use a blow-dry and make sure it is completely dry. This is a non-skippable step. Cords can trap dirt and encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Additionally, it may take up to 48 hours for a corded coat to air dry.
Dreadlocked dogs are definitely labor intensive. So it goes without saying that you need not only the right tools and products, but also the right attitude to make your job a little easier.
However, if you can’t do all of this yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional dog groomer.
6 popular dog breeds with cords
As mentioned above, some breeds naturally form dreadlocks and some have coats that can be corded with a little help. Hooman.
Here are 6 popular dog breeds with dreadlocks you should know about.
1. Komondor
Officially declared one of Hungary’s national treasures, the Komondor is probably the best known corded dog breed. And they are one of those dogs with dreadlocks that grow on naturally formed cords.
Moreover, it is a large domesticated guardian dog with white dreadlocks. And because of its eye-catching tangled appearance and enormous size, it’s impossible to miss this breed.
Komondors are powerful and protective, but they can also be gentle and affectionate. And thanks to its white cord, it can perfectly blend in with the flock of sheep it protects, giving predators a nasty surprise.
2. Hungarian pulley
Hungarian pulleys are similar to Komondors. They grew up on a naturally formed cord and hail from Hungary. It’s basically like a Komondor, but smaller.
Puli, unlike Komondors, are herding dogs. Therefore, they are active dogs. Its thick corded coat protects it from harsh winter conditions.
In addition, they are bred to work closely with humans, making them perfect as household pets. They are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.
3. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is also a herding dog breed. However, unlike the Komondor and the Hungarian Puli, they have a “herd”.
What is the difference between the code and the Bergamasco herd of the above breed? Unlike the code, the herd of this breed is irregularly large, flat and wide. The flock looks like a string, but the ends are fanned. This means that the dog’s overall appearance doesn’t look “mop” at all.
Furthermore, among dogs with dreadlocks, the Bergamasco Sheepdog has three coats: a woolly outer coat, a long, rough coat (called “goat hair”), and a fine, dense coat. They are very unique as they are made up of different types of hair. And an oily primer.
4. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog originates from the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. The name alone tells you what kind of dog this rustic, medium-sized dog is.
They are used for herds of cattle, sheep and goats. They are also great waterfowl retrievers, so they certainly love water. As such, their coat is water-resistant and provides a layer of insulation that keeps them warm even in the water.
Additionally, Spanish Water Dogs have unique grooming requirements for forming their cords. The coat should be shaved off completely and allowed to grow out without brushing or combing. And then the hair starts to get tangled. But of course HoomanI need some help to form the code properly.
Also, unlike other dogs with dreadlocks, the Spanish Water Dog only has a single coat. However, it has a thick, woolly coat that curls as it grows.
5. Havanese
The Havanese is the smallest dog breed with dreadlocks. Naturally, their long coat is very light and slightly wavy. And most of the time, Havanese dogs are plucked.
However, it has long, slightly wavy hair, which makes it easy to form mats. So turning hair into a cord requires the owner to tear the mat of hair and divide it into several pieces so that the cord can be formed.
However, patience is required. It can take a Havanese dog two years for him to perfect the perfect code.
6. Poodle
When we think of poodles, we think of all the ways to style their hair to perfection. But did you know that you can also tie the hair of this breed with a cord?
Even among the dreadlocked dogs I mentioned earlier, the code doesn’t come naturally to these dogs. Their thick, curly coats can definitely be tied up with a cord. HoomanMr.’s help. In addition, most poodle dogs with dreadlocks are standard he poodles, but toy and miniature hair may be tied on a cord.
Also, dogs with dreadlocks are extremely rare, as poodles do not have a naturally formed umbilical cord.
Conclusion
Dreadlocked dogs require a lot of effort, patience, and time, but they are definitely beautiful companions. Apart from their eye-catching looks, they have amazing personalities.
If you’re considering adopting or buying a corded dog, it’s imperative that you research the breed and understand its heavy-duty grooming requirements.
It is also important to make sure that you are prepared to take responsibility and to invest the time and resources to properly care for such a dog.