Have you ever seen a very shaggy dog in the park, perhaps a dog that looks like a mop, and wondered what breed it could be? Then read on, because we've rounded up the most adorable dog breeds with dreadlocks for you.
But let's first understand why dogs get dreadlocks. It's actually simple. In some dogs, the undercoat and outer coat come together as they grow, forming round, rope-like “cords.” Other dogs have curly hair that naturally "tangles" or joins together to form a felt-like texture.
IMPORTANT! Dogs with dreadlocks usually don't need bathing more than 2-3 times a year and they don't shed or require brushing, but it is necessary to separate their cords regularly to keep your pet's dreadlocks from getting knotted.
History of the breed
Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs (or Bergamascos) were bred in the small Italian province of Bergamo not by professional breeders, but by farmers, so it is impossible to determine the ancestors of the Bergamasco. Actually, the name of the breed was invented from the place of breeding. Directed selection, during which breeders' attention was paid to working qualities rather than to the exterior of the breed, began in the 19th century.
Illustration from a book published in 1921!
These "herding" Bergamasco Sheepdogs were recognized by kennel clubs by 1959, at which time a breed description was compiled and a stud book was created. This marked the beginning of painstaking selection and the appearance of the Bergamasco at exhibitions, but it is obvious that for this breed working qualities and attractive appearance are incompatible things.
Representatives of this breed came to Europe through China, Central Asia, the territory of modern Russia, Persia and the countries of Asia Minor. The breed was finally formed in Persia, after which it was brought to Europe from Asia Minor.
Today, this dog breed is most often identified as “a dog with hair like dreadlocks.”
