Ever looked at a dog and thought it resembled a fluffy blanket more than a pet? If you’re ready to explore the odd and fabulous world of dog coats, you’ve come to the right place.
The breeds in this article have some of the most unique, fluffy coats in the canine world. Some have natural dreadlock-like hair, some have springy curls, and some have wiry fur that looks permanently windswept.
These hairstyles aren’t just for show, either. Many were developed to help dogs work in tough environments, stay warm in harsh cold, and stay protected from outdoor hazards. They also need special grooming to look their best.
Ready to meet the fashion icons of the dog world? These 10 breeds have hairdos worthy of the red carpet.
Top Dog Breeds with Distinctive Coat Textures
1. Komondor
What if you woke up one day and decided to draw on your cleaning supplies, and found that your mop had four legs and began to bark?
Meet the Komondor
This massive Hungarian livestock guardian is famous for its long, white and corded coat. The cords grow as the dog’s outer coat and inner undercoat mature into their natural texture, and the outer coat becomes coarser.
This distinctive coat has traditionally proven to protect the dogs from harsh winter weather and to keep them safe in case a predator attacks. The cords of their coat can reach the ground, which gives them the iconic mop-like look according to the American Kennel Club.
Keeping this dog means that you will spend a lot of time brushing their coat to keep it healthy and tangle-free. It is your responsibility to bathe and dry these dogs so they can remain clean.
2. Puli
Pulis almost look like the cousins of the bigger Komondors.
This herding dog is of Hungarian origin, very active in its day-to-day life with a unique coat that is corded.
These dogs have a very active temperament and can perform hard farm jobs easily. They can have a corded or brushed coat, depending on the grooming style of their owners.
Did you know that Pulis are very agile and run so fast that their swinging cords look like they have a life of their own?
Their coat is somewhat unusual and requires special grooming to avoid matting and retaining too much moisture, according to CKCUSA. Beneath all of that fur lies a crafty and athletic pooch with new adventures in mind.
Training and socialization are very important in teaching these dogs new manners and helping them learn new commands.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers almost look like miniature sheep due to their white coat around their body and head.
This breed has one of the most unique looks in the canine world because of its pear-shaped head and soft, fluffy coat. Their unique coat is a mixture of fine and coarser hair, which gives them a unique texture that is neither soft nor hard, but slightly both, according to the UKC.
Did you know, these dogs were originally bred to hunt vermin in tight spaces?
They need to be groomed and trimmed on a regular basis to keep their coat in good shape and prevent matting. Training is very important for these dogs as they do have some independence in them. They are also super fast runners, and owners need to train them to make them controllable in fields and farms.
4. Barbet
The Barbet appears to be a teddy bear that had a few spills of paint and a great curly coat.
This French breed has a thick, curly, woolly coat that needs daily grooming. Its coat is not only for showing off but also aids in insulating it in wet and cold conditions.
It has a wonderfully charming, even slightly untidy appearance, thanks to its shaggy look.
Did you know that Barbet has a French origin and the word barbe means beard? Quite suitable for a dog with such a big beard.
Barbets are active, sociable dogs who love to swim and explore. They need to be combed, trimmed and checked for matting at regular intervals.
Consider them French explorers that never leave the house without their fabulous hair.
5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons appear as if they have just come back from exploring the woods.
Its coat is harsh and wiry and covered with a thick undercoat. The rugged surface provides protection as it passes through dense vegetation and in harsh outdoor conditions.
Its bushy eyebrows and facial features give it a permanently curious expression.
Did you know that the breed is sometimes referred to as the “supreme gundog” due to its all-round abilities as a hunter?
These smart dogs require daily exercise and grooming, and must have their dead coat removed properly.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel’s hairstyle is worthy of applause.
Their coat is characterized as dense, tight body hair but has relatively smooth, short hair on their face.
These dogs are one of the tallest breeds of spaniels, and they average around 21-24 inches at the shoulder in height. These dogs are expert swimmers, bred to retrieve game in water areas, and have playful personalities.
Their coat provides them protection against the cold water and weather and helps make their jobs a lot easier. These dogs need to be shampooed regularly to prevent matting and to be combed after swimming.
This dog takes its job very seriously, so training and socialization are important so they can be taught complex commands.
7. Curly Coated Retriever
Imagine a dog walks into a hair salon and says, “Make everything curly”.
The Curly Coated Retriever’s coat is very curly and close to their body. Its length is short, unlike other curly coated breeds.
These curls do not only serve aesthetically. They help protect the dog from the harsh elements of the outdoors.
Fun Fact: The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest known retriever breeds.
This is an intelligent and athletic dog, bred to retrieve game, and is still a great outdoor dog. They can shed their coat, so if you do not like a messy home, this dog is not for you.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a stuffed teddy bear that looks extremely cute.
The coat of this Italian dog breed is thick, wavy, and woolly, making it irresistibly cuddly-looking. But don’t be fooled by their appearance; Lagottos are working dogs who have been companions to truffle hunters.
They have a great sense of smell, which is how they search for truffles on all types of ground.
Did you know that this dog is the only dog breed which has been specifically acknowledged for its ancient working of truffles. It has a continually growing coat that needs frequent clipping and maintenance.
The curls of this dog breed make them ready to participate in any fashion show.
9. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog has a coat that looks like someone sprinkled tiny curls across its entire body. Its woolly coat is naturally curly and may form cords as it grows.
Unlike many breeds that require frequent brushing, the Spanish Water Dog’s coat is traditionally maintained without being brushed to preserve its natural texture.
Instead, it is periodically clipped to a relatively even length.
Fun Fact: Spanish Water Dogs have historically performed several jobs, including herding livestock and assisting with water-based work.
As a result, these dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content. Otherwise, they may resort to unwanted behaviours.
10. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog might have the most fascinating hairstyle on this entire list.
Instead of ordinary curls or cords, its coat develops broad, flat, felt-like sections called flocks.
These flocks form through the interaction of three different types of hair within the coat. The result resembles a collection of textured woolly panels.
Fun fact: Bergamasco puppies don’t arrive wearing their famous flocks. The distinctive coat develops as they mature, with the flocking process often beginning around their first year.
Originally bred for hunting in the Italian Alps, Bergamascos developed this unusual coat to help protect them in challenging conditions.
Their mature flocks require specific maintenance, but they generally shouldn’t be brushed out like an ordinary long-haired coat.
Conclusion
From the mop-like Komondor to the lamb-inspired Bedlington Terrier, all of the furry friends listed in this article have distinct coat textures that will draw admiring looks wherever they go.
But there’s more to these dogs than their amazing coats.
Each coat texture reflects a breed’s history, environment, and purpose of work. Before choosing any of these furry fashion icons, remember that unusual coats often come with unusual grooming requirements.
Make sure you take proper care of your dogs and take them to professional grooming services so they can look their best all the time. Regular brushing and special care might be required for some pups, but that is okay as long as your cute little companion stays properly maintained.
