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Taking your dog for a grooming session is like spinning the wheel of fortune. You think you know what you’re gonna see when you come pick the little furry boi or gurl up, but that’s not always how it works.
You see, in times of worldwide social isolation and our best efforts to stay home, our beloved pets haven’t had a decent wash and cut in ages. Many have grown their fur way beyond their recognizable selves, and given the first opportunity, no owner would wait any longer to take them to the grooming salon.
After the session is over, things have changed, literally. According to people on social media, their dogs are not only unrecognizable, they’re literally different dogs. Can you go from being a proud parent to a cocker spaniel with luscious locks to a cute short-haired beagle in less than an hour? Yes, you can. Is there a conspiracy that groomers around the world have been mixing up doggos and handing their owners the wrong ones? You could call it that.
Let’s see it to believe it in the most hilarious post-haircut ‘not my dog’ moments shared by confused owners and hand-selected by Bored Panda for an ultimate cuteness overload.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Dog Got A Haircut, And Now It Looks Like He Gave Up Drinking
RELATED:
#2
This Is The Same Dog. My Friend Adopted Her After She Just Showed Up On Her Porch. I Groomed Her And Made Her Brand New Babe Feeling So Fresh And Clean
She had to have all her teeth removed, she had a giant sore on her leg and under her tail and she was a giant matted mess.
#3
My Sweet Girl Cheech Is 15 Years Old. After Her Haircuts, Everyone Always Thinks She’s A Puppy
To find out more about the art of dog grooming, Bored Panda reached out to Lindsey Patton, an Indiana-based professional pet groomer with 17 years of experience. Lindsey is also a member of the International Professional Groomers Inc. and the National Dog Groomer’s Association of America. She said her “commitment and passion for my job has allowed me to assemble a loyal and steadfast client base,” and you can see some of her recent dog transformations on her Instagram account.
Lindsey explained that a good groom is always the result of the groomer and owner working as a team. “As a pet owner, acclimate and desensitize your dog (or cat!) to every possible scenario they might encounter during the grooming process.”Imagine that during the grooming session, “as professionals, our hands literally cover every square inch of your pet’s body… oftentimes more so than your veterinarian does during a routine health exam!”
And according to Lindsey, it’s the owner’s responsibility to normalize these activities to your pet at home. In fact, “the more your pet is exposed to prior to visiting the grooming salon, the more comfortable and confident they will be in a proficient salon setting,” the expert groomer explained.
#4
That's A Different Dog
#5
We Rescued A Maltese From A Puppy Mill In Georgia That Got Busted With Over 700 Dogs This Weekend. After 3 Hours Of Cutting Matted Hair And Bathing, Here Is Luna’s Before And After
#6
New Haircut, Same Smile
When it comes to dramatic pet transformations, Lindsey said that in some of the most dramatic cases she’s dealt with in her career, some dogs and cats have truly looked unrecognizable.
In cases when “the extensive matting requires them to be 'stripped' down with a very close clipper blade to safely & humanely remove a badly felted coat, we are just as shocked as the owner when we fully reveal the end result.”
However, Lindsey assured owners that “never should a professional groomer put an animal through torturous hours of de-matting just to appease a demanding human customer... Or, worse yet, for monetary gain by charging additional fees for de-matting services.”
#7
From Shaggy To Happy. Total Transformation
#8
My Friend Had To Triple Check With The Groomer To Make Sure He Was Bringing Home The Right Dog
#9
It's 32°C Degrees (90°F) Outside, So My Dog, One-Eyed Snuggles, Needed A Groomer
On other occasions, owners may be stunned not only because of an extreme case of matting, but also because of a misunderstanding of the owner’s instructions for a hairstyle. It can indeed result in “a total alteration of breed character.”
“For example, certain breeds known for their distinct traits—such as a Schnauzer's eyebrows and beard or a Poodle's trademark topknot and tail pom—look starkly different when these characteristics are taken away.”
Having said that, Lindsey said that pet owners must be willing to accept the fact that it’s not the hairdo that makes their dog who he is. “Whether their pet is meticulously coiffed or shaved down to his birthday suit, he is still the same animal who casts no judgment and loves unconditionally,” the groomer concluded.
#10
My Puppy Otis Got His First Haircut. I'm Not Sure They Gave Me Back The Same Dog
#11
Our 9-Year-Old Goldendoodle Got Her First Grooming Since Quarantine. Our Other Dog Barked At Her When She Came Home
Nela Rothenbach 4 years ago (edited)
😳 why? Do people not realise that fur is also protection? Even if it is hot. They took away way too much.
Trizyre 4 years ago
Here's the thing. Many doodleowners (not saying all of them but many) doesn't brush their dogs enough. Many of them have fur that gets matted underneath and the owners only get the top part. To get that out the groomer have to shave the dog. All that mess just hurts the dog, it is much better to shave then try and fix the matted fur!
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Susan Egan 4 years ago
Why so short? it looks like the even shaved her chest in a couple of spots. I don't think I'd return to that groomer. Unless this is what you normally ask for.
Jennifer Courtemanche 4 years ago
Aww! The other pupper thought, "Who's THAT? What did you DO with my friend?"
Shirley Heyn 4 years ago
Same as my groomer, they left the ears ragged and nails too long. . .
Shelley DuVal 4 years ago
Our dog was long haired and we had problems getting the knots out of her, so she was shaved, came out looking really good. However when we got home my other dog kept growling at her the first day because he thought she wasn't someone he knew.
*sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby 4 years ago
my small dog always barks at our poodle for 3-4 weeks after he comes back from the groomer ;-; we started shaving him at home, and in sections (so like his back legs one day, his middle the next, his front legs after that, and then finally his face) so she can get used to him and stop screaming every time he gets near her. Poor boy always looks so ugly LMAO
Chicago Dog Lover 4 years ago
There are many types of doodles-it depends what the other breed is. With the exploding popularity of doodles, many are not being carefully bred. Be careful, do your homework, and NEVER buy from a pet store!
Load More Replies... 
Hilary Mol 4 years ago
It's the dog version of a mullet! Poodle on the top, golden underneath.
Benjamin Niemet 4 years ago
Unlike all the others so far, this one is still drinking and depressed.
ISABELLA CHATHAM-STEPHENS 4 years ago (edited)
I like her more when she was fluffy. ( No offense, i just like fluffy dogs)
The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
I see it now, but at first glance the two pictures definitely did not look like they were of the same doggo.
#12
My Boy, Before And After Going To The Groomer. Went From Dirty Biker To Innocent Preacher's Kid
#13
Life Lesson Learned. Be Very Specific When Explaining How You Want Your Dog Be Groomed. Dropped Off A Shihtzu, Picked Up A Llama
#14
Fired My Groomer Today
#15
He Looked Like The Squirrel From Ice Age
#16
Took Doggo To A Groomer. Got A Different Doggo Back
#17
My Pupper After I Adopted Him, And After I Had Him Groomed
#18
Oliver, Our 8-Month-Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) Shed His Puppy Coat At The Groomers. I Didn't Recognize Him At First
#19
My Good Boy Got His Summer Haircut
Random Panda 4 years ago
This kind of haircut is bad for poms' fur., it grows back unevenly (or might not grow back at all) and doesn't look as good. Their fur is also a thermal insulator, so it keeps them warm in the winter and cold in the summer. Cutting it really short will cause them to overeat more easily and they might get sunburned. Don't do it unless absolutely necessary, like for a medical reason. There are other ways to help them cool down.
#20
What A Difference A Haircut Can Make
Mrs_ Possum 4 years ago
Aaaaw that is sooo cute! Can I boop the little nose and take him/her home?? 😄
#21
Pretty Sure We Picked Up The Wrong Dog At The Groomer's
#22
Raggamuffin To Stud Muffin. Quite The Transformation At The Groomer Today
#23
My Dog Before And After A Haircut
#24
First-Ever Big Boy Haircut
#25
What A Difference A Haircut Makes. Latest Fosters 13-Year-Old Vileda And 10-Year-Old Swiffer
#26
From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut
#27
She’s Adorable
#28
My Dog Courage Before And After Grooming
#29
Willie Had His First Haircut Today. I Think I Brought Home The Wrong Puppy
#30
To The Guy Whose Dog Got A Haircut, I Present My Dog
#31
The Difference One Haircut Can Make
#32
Bagby
#33
From Chicken Nugget To Barbie's Dog
Cupcake168 4 years ago
THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is a real groomer's work! Excellent performed! (I also like the natural look.)
#34
Before And After Grooming. Did We Bring Home The Wrong Dog
#35
We Got A Puppy. His Name Is Picasso. He Got His First Haircut Today. He’s 3 Months Old
#36
Still Not Convinced The Groomer Gave Us The Right Doggo
#37
Our Puppy Got A Haircut (She Had Matts) My Fiance Isn't A Fan. What Do You Think?
#38
I Literally Took My Baby To Go Get Groomed Because His Hair Was Getting Longer And Look I'm Crying
#39
Took Him To A New Groomer
#40
I Think The Groomer Gave Me Back The Wrong Dog
#41
It Was This Little Girl’s First Time Being Groomed And She Was An Absolute Angel
#42
Gave My Ten-Year-Old Boy A Haircut And Now He Looks Like A Puppy Again
#43
Took My Dog For A Haircut And I Think They Gave Me A Different One Back
#44
I Present You This
#45
My Dogs Had A Run In With A Bad Groomer
#46
Gave Our Puppy His First Real Haircut. Wasn't Sure If We Brought Home The Right Dog Or Not
#47
Senior Doggo Teddy That We Rescued From Animal Control. He Went To The Groomers Today And Looks Totally Different
#48
My Dog, Thor Got A Haircut For The Summer Heat. Looks Like A Totally Different Dog
#49
Our Pup Got A Haircut And We Are Still Doubting Ourselves If I Picked Up The Right Dog
#50
Derpy Dog Needed A Haircut, So I Gave Him One
#51
My BF's Dog’s Transformation. It Was Drastic. I Had No Idea Who He Was When I Got Home. His Hair After About A Month And A Half Since Grooming Looks Good
I was mad at first but realized now he can’t go back to looking homeless like that again
#52
It Actually Helped Him
#53
Tell Them Puppy Face! This Was My Puppy’s First Haircut And I Had No Idea What To Expect. Puppy Face Or Teddy Bear Cut
#54
I Took My Puppy To Get Groomed This Morning. I Hope I Brought Back The Right Dog
Nikki Bastian 4 years ago
No mistaking this guy's face, he's very distinguished with his beard!
#56
My 13-Year-Old Dog Archie Before And After Having Visited The Groomer (He Hasn't Been Since October). He's Practically A New Dog
#57
Andy Before And After A Trip To The Groomer. I Don’t Think I’ll Be Getting Him Trimmed Quite So Short Next Time. I Can’t Get Over How Different He Looks
#58
I Rather Keep Him Fluffy. They Cut His Fur Every Time
#59
When Your Dog Goes Into The Groomer As Appa And Returns As Falkor
Joe Reaves 4 years ago
Much better than the one with the show cut further up. Looks like a dog that can actually BE a dog. Although admittedly for mine being a dog consists mainly of sleeping.
#60
My Diamond Always Looks Like That After The Cut Her
#63
Finally Got An Appointment With The Groomer And Now Bob Has Been Dechonked
#64
Puppy's First Haircut. She Transformed Into A Whole New Dog
#65
I Had To Cut His Hair. He Looks Like A Whole Different Dog
#66
He Looks Like A Pokemon
#67
Billy Came Home From The Groomers A Completely Different Doggy
#68
Wesley Is Looking Dapper After His Man-Glam Makeover With Talia
#69
I'm Not Convinced It's The Same Dog
#70
I Gave Them One Dog, They Returned Another. I Had To Put A Shirt On Him Cause He Was Self Conscious
Nikki Bastian 4 years ago
Or he might have been cold... They took clippers to his insulation, remember.
#71
I Think The Groomer Gave Me The Wrong Dog
#72
Princess
sturmwesen 4 years ago
Why the freaky shorn feet and toecaps? Just trim between the toes and clip the nails.
#73
This Dog
#74
Is It The Same Dog?
#75
I Was Like I Took Jonathan Firulais And They Only Gave Me Back Firulais. I Wanted Him To Keep His Teddy Bear Cut And Just Be Reshaped. They Gave Me A Whole New Dog
#76
My Dog Got A Very Bad Haircut A Few Years Ago, We Never Took Her Back To Those Groomers Again. They Literally Shaved My Girl Bald
#77
Before And After Going To A Very Bad Groomer
#78
Took Otis To The Groomer. Still Not Convinced I Picked Up The Right Dog
#79
This Is What Happens When You Can't Get A Groomer For Over 6 Months. Poor Guy And His Matting Left Them No Choice
Cupcake168 4 years ago (edited)
No need to let them go matted. You can brush or comb a dog, if needed.
#80
Lillie Groomed By Lauren
#83
Took Away All His Fur
#84
Our 5 Month Old Puppy Jason Got His First Haircut
#85
They Definitely Played With My Baby. They Made Her Look Like A Little Boy, They Could Have At Least Give Her A Bow, But They Sent Her Back With A Lil Bandanna
I nearly cried when my mom brought her back home
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Nela Rothenbach 4 years ago
There are way too many dogs on this list who have naturally long hair but have been shaved like sheep. I feel sorry for them, they do not have any other prorection against rain, sun or even scratches from sticks or other dogs teeth (when they play bite). Why do people do this to their dogs?
Random Panda 4 years ago
I will never understand why people buy beautiful long-hair dogs like Pomeranians, and then give them an ugly short cut. It does nothing but damage.
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Kesyra 4 years ago
Dogs need their coats to be tended to, brushed and a good grooming certainly won't hurt. A professional groomer gives them the kind of care their coat needs, unprofessional shaves them like a sheep and takes your money for it.
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
If people would brush their dogs every few days, groomers wouldn't have to shave them to nothing! It's part of proper pet care, bonding and health for the dog. The breed specific cuts are what groomers would rather be doing, believe me. But no, we have to take down your lack of care to save the dog.
Load More Replies...
Mourlie 4 years ago
What's with all the poor shaved dogs? Brush your dog regularly and it won't get matted so easily. Keep your dog at a healthy weight to help it deal with the summer heat - shaving is NOT going to help much because dogs can't sweat.
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 4 years ago
Dogs sweat through their paws and tongues - they also sweat through their skin, just not as much.
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Alec 4 years ago
Love all dogs, but except for a few rescues where the extreme grooming was most definitely needed, I tend to prefer the before pics
Katinka Min 4 years ago
Most of these examples are terrible grooming jobs!!! Tehre is only a handful of breeds that you can actually shear. And any dog with an undercoat is NOT one of them! Brush you dogs, people!!! Trim the few bits of too long hair yourself. Neglecting your dog's fur out of sheer lazyness and tehn have it all cut off compeltely is lazy af and really bad for the og in the long run. After everal years of this, they have this puppy like soft down instead of proper fur are hot in the summer and cold in winter and look terrible.
Yeah, you heard 4 years ago
There's way too much anthropomorphising going on here. People say a dog looks "happier" because it is panting, but that's just because a pant looks a bit like a smile. Panting may not be a sign of happiness though.
Sid Castle 4 years ago
I would seriously avoid some of the 'groomers' on here! No respect for the dog...they've just shavec them!
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
Those dogs are adorable, but are much better when cut, rather than shaved. 🐶
Patrick James 4 years ago
I understand the people mad about the over-groomed dogs, but sometimes long haired dogs do need to be trimmed. We had one that needed regular hair cuts because food would get stuck in his beard, his paws would get matted, and poo would get stuck in his hind area. He definitely needed trims for hygienic reasons.
panDAheART 4 years ago
Funny story, my brother-in-law was sent to pick up Muffin, their blind 17 year old buff cocker spaniel from the groomer. He brought home a buff cocker, but definitely not theirs, as this one was at least a decade younger and not blind. Yup, sure enough, the groomer realized the mistake also when the other family showed up and were given poor blind Muffin. To be fair, Muffin kept her puppy-good-looks for her 18+ years
Roni Weaver-Anderson 4 years ago
Everyone of these dogs looked better BEFORE they were groomed😔
Elaine Dodge 4 years ago
I don't understand. If you don't want a dog that has long hair, curly hair, long curly hair WHY DID YOU GET ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE?! Why aren't you brushing your dog regularly so its hair doesn't get matted, why don't you bath your dog when it gets dirty and why are you trying to turn them into anime cartoon characters?
jenjie.newt 4 years ago
This is really making me think I should probably go get my own hair cut
Dorothy Cloud 4 years ago
That wasn't really pleasant. I feel for the dogs. They have fur/hair that needs to be taken care of then they shouldn't be shaved!
it's me again 4 years ago
Yes, many of these dogs look grossly undergroomed and half blind from obstructing fur. Yes it is cute before & after, but negligent :/
Liz Strevens 4 years ago
Some dog breeds, such as poodles and poodle crosses, have hair rather than fur. This means that it keeps growing, like human hair does. They have to have regular haircuts.
Ileana Sky Aviles 4 years ago
My poor little love is a toy poodle and everytime he's groomed, they shave him bald and he looks like a sphinx! He absolutely loves it though, everyone can tell his confidence levels up 100% !
Lily Mae Kitty 4 years ago
this thread reminds me why I'm a cat person. so many poor babies who are so ugly and frail looking from overbreeding. thank god people love ugly dogs(and cats) as well as the cute ones.
Al Christensen 4 years ago
I've never been a fan of long haired dogs, so they all look good to me. Many of the dogs look happier. Much happier.
Jette Wang Wahnon 4 years ago
That is rather cruel.A daily good brushing and a bath when he/she gets dirty/stinky is all you need for a Labrador.
Load More Replies... Nela Rothenbach 4 years ago
There are way too many dogs on this list who have naturally long hair but have been shaved like sheep. I feel sorry for them, they do not have any other prorection against rain, sun or even scratches from sticks or other dogs teeth (when they play bite). Why do people do this to their dogs?
Random Panda 4 years ago
I will never understand why people buy beautiful long-hair dogs like Pomeranians, and then give them an ugly short cut. It does nothing but damage.
Load More Replies... Kesyra 4 years ago
Dogs need their coats to be tended to, brushed and a good grooming certainly won't hurt. A professional groomer gives them the kind of care their coat needs, unprofessional shaves them like a sheep and takes your money for it.
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
If people would brush their dogs every few days, groomers wouldn't have to shave them to nothing! It's part of proper pet care, bonding and health for the dog. The breed specific cuts are what groomers would rather be doing, believe me. But no, we have to take down your lack of care to save the dog.
Load More Replies... Mourlie 4 years ago
What's with all the poor shaved dogs? Brush your dog regularly and it won't get matted so easily. Keep your dog at a healthy weight to help it deal with the summer heat - shaving is NOT going to help much because dogs can't sweat.
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 4 years ago
Dogs sweat through their paws and tongues - they also sweat through their skin, just not as much.
Load More Replies... Alec 4 years ago
Love all dogs, but except for a few rescues where the extreme grooming was most definitely needed, I tend to prefer the before pics
Katinka Min 4 years ago
Most of these examples are terrible grooming jobs!!! Tehre is only a handful of breeds that you can actually shear. And any dog with an undercoat is NOT one of them! Brush you dogs, people!!! Trim the few bits of too long hair yourself. Neglecting your dog's fur out of sheer lazyness and tehn have it all cut off compeltely is lazy af and really bad for the og in the long run. After everal years of this, they have this puppy like soft down instead of proper fur are hot in the summer and cold in winter and look terrible.
Yeah, you heard 4 years ago
There's way too much anthropomorphising going on here. People say a dog looks "happier" because it is panting, but that's just because a pant looks a bit like a smile. Panting may not be a sign of happiness though.
Sid Castle 4 years ago
I would seriously avoid some of the 'groomers' on here! No respect for the dog...they've just shavec them!
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
Those dogs are adorable, but are much better when cut, rather than shaved. 🐶
Patrick James 4 years ago
I understand the people mad about the over-groomed dogs, but sometimes long haired dogs do need to be trimmed. We had one that needed regular hair cuts because food would get stuck in his beard, his paws would get matted, and poo would get stuck in his hind area. He definitely needed trims for hygienic reasons.
panDAheART 4 years ago
Funny story, my brother-in-law was sent to pick up Muffin, their blind 17 year old buff cocker spaniel from the groomer. He brought home a buff cocker, but definitely not theirs, as this one was at least a decade younger and not blind. Yup, sure enough, the groomer realized the mistake also when the other family showed up and were given poor blind Muffin. To be fair, Muffin kept her puppy-good-looks for her 18+ years
Roni Weaver-Anderson 4 years ago
Everyone of these dogs looked better BEFORE they were groomed😔
Elaine Dodge 4 years ago
I don't understand. If you don't want a dog that has long hair, curly hair, long curly hair WHY DID YOU GET ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE?! Why aren't you brushing your dog regularly so its hair doesn't get matted, why don't you bath your dog when it gets dirty and why are you trying to turn them into anime cartoon characters?
jenjie.newt 4 years ago
This is really making me think I should probably go get my own hair cut
Dorothy Cloud 4 years ago
That wasn't really pleasant. I feel for the dogs. They have fur/hair that needs to be taken care of then they shouldn't be shaved!
it's me again 4 years ago
Yes, many of these dogs look grossly undergroomed and half blind from obstructing fur. Yes it is cute before & after, but negligent :/
Liz Strevens 4 years ago
Some dog breeds, such as poodles and poodle crosses, have hair rather than fur. This means that it keeps growing, like human hair does. They have to have regular haircuts.
Ileana Sky Aviles 4 years ago
My poor little love is a toy poodle and everytime he's groomed, they shave him bald and he looks like a sphinx! He absolutely loves it though, everyone can tell his confidence levels up 100% !
Lily Mae Kitty 4 years ago
this thread reminds me why I'm a cat person. so many poor babies who are so ugly and frail looking from overbreeding. thank god people love ugly dogs(and cats) as well as the cute ones.
Al Christensen 4 years ago
I've never been a fan of long haired dogs, so they all look good to me. Many of the dogs look happier. Much happier.
Jette Wang Wahnon 4 years ago
That is rather cruel.A daily good brushing and a bath when he/she gets dirty/stinky is all you need for a Labrador.
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