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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.

#1

My Dog Got A Haircut, And Now It Looks Like He Gave Up Drinking

My Dog Got A Haircut, And Now It Looks Like He Gave Up Drinking

FlaskandStein Report

#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

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.

lizabethlovescc Report

#3

My Sweet Girl Cheech Is 15 Years Old. After Her Haircuts, Everyone Always Thinks She’s A Puppy

My Sweet Girl Cheech Is 15 Years Old. After Her Haircuts, Everyone Always Thinks She’s A Puppy

darthliki Report

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!”

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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

That's A Different Dog

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like Kubo's shaggy self. But, it was probably getting hot and unruly for him.

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#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

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

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#6

New Haircut, Same Smile

New Haircut, Same Smile

MasterZPD Report

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.”

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#8

My Friend Had To Triple Check With The Groomer To Make Sure He Was Bringing Home The Right Dog

My Friend Had To Triple Check With The Groomer To Make Sure He Was Bringing Home The Right Dog

pethcir Report

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#9

It's 32°C Degrees (90°F) Outside, So My Dog, One-Eyed Snuggles, Needed A Groomer

It's 32°C Degrees (90°F) Outside, So My Dog, One-Eyed Snuggles, Needed A Groomer

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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

My Puppy Otis Got His First Haircut. I'm Not Sure They Gave Me Back The Same Dog

alanblah Report

#11

Our 9-Year-Old Goldendoodle Got Her First Grooming Since Quarantine. Our Other Dog Barked At Her When She Came Home

Our 9-Year-Old Goldendoodle Got Her First Grooming Since Quarantine. Our Other Dog Barked At Her When She Came Home

reddit.com Report

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#12

My Boy, Before And After Going To The Groomer. Went From Dirty Biker To Innocent Preacher's Kid

My Boy, Before And After Going To The Groomer. Went From Dirty Biker To Innocent Preacher's Kid

Dusty_237 Report

#13

Life Lesson Learned. Be Very Specific When Explaining How You Want Your Dog Be Groomed. Dropped Off A Shihtzu, Picked Up A Llama

Life Lesson Learned. Be Very Specific When Explaining How You Want Your Dog Be Groomed. Dropped Off A Shihtzu, Picked Up A Llama

karlest98 Report

#14

Fired My Groomer Today

Fired My Groomer Today

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#15

He Looked Like The Squirrel From Ice Age

He Looked Like The Squirrel From Ice Age

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#16

Took Doggo To A Groomer. Got A Different Doggo Back

Took Doggo To A Groomer. Got A Different Doggo Back

Pacman327 Report

#17

My Pupper After I Adopted Him, And After I Had Him Groomed

My Pupper After I Adopted Him, And After I Had Him Groomed

Marilius Report

#18

Oliver, Our 8-Month-Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) Shed His Puppy Coat At The Groomers. I Didn't Recognize Him At First

Oliver, Our 8-Month-Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) Shed His Puppy Coat At The Groomers. I Didn't Recognize Him At First

BootStiefel Report

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Cheryl Carter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with a lot of these is that some breeds like above should never have their undercoat cut. They will never get it back like they should and need.

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Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old English Sheepdogs are wonderful with full fur..I understand they too need constant grooming with a brush or ten..This boy looks bewildered already..and nothing like an OES

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Benjamin Niemet
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My eyes shall open you to the truth, just look at me and get me more treats!

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Cazzy84
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at that faaaaaaaaaaace! 😍 Just want to smoosh him! 😅

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Nina Cordova
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They decided he should look the way it pleased them. I wouldn't take him back (to that groomer, of course).

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Jelena Putinja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bobtails have sensitive eyes - they must have hair over them - fire your groomer

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Shirley Heyn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, before is a recognizable Sheepdog, after looks like a mutt. Groom to look like the breed or just get a mutt! There are plenty of mutts available to adopt. . .

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eezycheezes101
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG it looks so CUTE after!! The head tilt, those ADORABLE EYES!

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Ray Reinhard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was always my understanding that an English sheepdog is SUPPOSED to have hair over the eyes, as protection from too much sunlight. Also the "breed standard" cut clearly is longer in length all over. In fact, unless the dog was very matted, the owner could have stopped with bath, blow dry, and brushing.

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Susan Egan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they didn't shave him down as short as some of the other dogs.

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#19

My Good Boy Got His Summer Haircut

My Good Boy Got His Summer Haircut

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Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#20

What A Difference A Haircut Can Make

What A Difference A Haircut Can Make

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Mrs_ Possum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aaaaw that is sooo cute! Can I boop the little nose and take him/her home?? 😄

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#22

Raggamuffin To Stud Muffin. Quite The Transformation At The Groomer Today

Raggamuffin To Stud Muffin. Quite The Transformation At The Groomer Today

anne737 Report

#25

What A Difference A Haircut Makes. Latest Fosters 13-Year-Old Vileda And 10-Year-Old Swiffer

What A Difference A Haircut Makes. Latest Fosters 13-Year-Old Vileda And 10-Year-Old Swiffer

FamousAmosAB Report

#26

From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut

From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut

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#29

Willie Had His First Haircut Today. I Think I Brought Home The Wrong Puppy

Willie Had His First Haircut Today. I Think I Brought Home The Wrong Puppy

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#30

To The Guy Whose Dog Got A Haircut, I Present My Dog

To The Guy Whose Dog Got A Haircut, I Present My Dog

astrowoman Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like both versions, but the first one reminds me of a happy, tree-hugging hippy.

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#32

Bagby

Bagby

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#33

From Chicken Nugget To Barbie's Dog

From Chicken Nugget To Barbie's Dog

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Cupcake168
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is a real groomer's work! Excellent performed! (I also like the natural look.)

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#34

Before And After Grooming. Did We Bring Home The Wrong Dog

Before And After Grooming. Did We Bring Home The Wrong Dog

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#35

We Got A Puppy. His Name Is Picasso. He Got His First Haircut Today. He’s 3 Months Old

We Got A Puppy. His Name Is Picasso. He Got His First Haircut Today. He’s 3 Months Old

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Just Sam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd have left his hair to grow in, he was stunning before. Just trim his hair around his eyes.

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#36

Still Not Convinced The Groomer Gave Us The Right Doggo

Still Not Convinced The Groomer Gave Us The Right Doggo

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#37

Our Puppy Got A Haircut (She Had Matts) My Fiance Isn't A Fan. What Do You Think?

Our Puppy Got A Haircut (She Had Matts) My Fiance Isn't A Fan. What Do You Think?

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#38

I Literally Took My Baby To Go Get Groomed Because His Hair Was Getting Longer And Look I'm Crying

I Literally Took My Baby To Go Get Groomed Because His Hair Was Getting Longer And Look I'm Crying

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#39

Took Him To A New Groomer

Took Him To A New Groomer

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#40

I Think The Groomer Gave Me Back The Wrong Dog

I Think The Groomer Gave Me Back The Wrong Dog

Elafacwen Report

Note: this post originally had 85 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.