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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

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#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 Sheā€™s A Puppy

My Sweet Girl Cheech Is 15 Years Old. After Her Haircuts, Everyone Always Thinks Sheā€™s A Puppy

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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 Lunaā€™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 Lunaā€™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

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#9

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

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

Kushaja Report

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

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#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

#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?? šŸ˜„

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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

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#26

From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut

From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut

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#27

Sheā€™s Adorable

Sheā€™s Adorable

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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

Holbrookk42 Report

#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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#31

The Difference One Haircut Can Make

The Difference One Haircut Can Make

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#32

Bagby

Bagby

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

Bagby looks like an anime dog now. That was quite a cut and blow dry.

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

Glad to see someone knows how to do a Bichon cut. Funny how they tell you they do but don't

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

Oh no. I mean. He had to be groomed, but what the hell is this? šŸ˜‚

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

Bichon Frise show cut. I have a bichon but we don't have him cut like that. Every summer he already brings half the garden inside in his fur, I'd spend my entire life removing leaves and stuff if we used that cut.

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

The first picture is dog, the second a fashion accessory. I prefer a dog!

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

Maybe they wanted to show him and the trim was needed to get the license to breed with the dog. Don't worry -it's still a dog. And if he looked like the "before" before, I bet he'll look like it after the show. (But I think this haircut is simply hilarious)

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

Iā€™m not a big fan of this teased bouffant grooming style. Theyā€™re live animals, not stuffed toys. Let them look like dogs, long hair or short.

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

He didn't need the blow-dry, he just needed a wash and a little trim.

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

Bagby, blink twice if you need an escape route. Will send extraction forces.

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

that dog looks like he ran into a cloud and then the cloud became him

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

I really do not like the after photo...Is this a play toy or a dog? but sweet dogo

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

my therapist ; afro dog doesn't exist, it' can't cuddle! (ļ¼Ļ‰ļ¼.) me: ..... (ą¹‘ā™”āŒ“ā™”ą¹‘) afro dog: ....(ļ¼µ^Ļ‰^)

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

Where are its paws šŸ¾ and ears ? šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚

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

OMG! Bagby looks like Bob Ross sans paint brush.

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

And over here, we'll pee on some Happy Little Trees! The Bob Ross Cut!

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

A bichon frisƩ named Flynn won Best in Show at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show -- the second to do so. https://www.foxsports.com/westminster-kennel-club/video/1161177155977

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

This dog is clearly a bichon frisƩ and the new "look" is a beautiful, classic bichon "show cut."

veda15 avatar
Judy Rofe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh Sh*t. What the? He came out of the dryer lint free I guess.

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

Poor Bagby. Maybe someday heā€™ll look like a real dog again šŸ˜‰

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

Now thatā€™s a nice cut. Most of these the groomers havenā€™t had any lessons.

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

I have seen this style done on many Asian dogs. It makes me think of the dog as a sculpture. It looks as if the legs don't have any joints and no ears. For show purposes I guess it is considered excellent. For me . . . I prefer my pup to have ears and fur that flies in the breeze and I am not afraid to cuddle and tumble with it.

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

Bagby looks like someone photoshopped his face onto the body of another dog.

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

Looks puffed up...like a puffy tutu...adorablešŸ„°

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

Iā€™ve never felt more compelled to touch a dog in my life.

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Lokiā€™s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't this type of dog haircut a huge trend in some Asian countries? I believe it was called "Asian Fusion Grooming" and the various cuts would "transform" dogs into little lambs and teddy bears. I think they look more like anime/cartoon characters than actual dogs. Oh well, to each their own.

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

You're correct that odd cuts are popular in some Asian countries. This cut, however, is the standard for any bichon frisƩ entered in a dog show.

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Sabse
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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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. Heā€™s 3 Months Old

We Got A Puppy. His Name Is Picasso. He Got His First Haircut Today. Heā€™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

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