Thursday, November 26, 2009

10 Peculiar Pet-Grooming Trends

By WomansDay.com Staff

We don’t condone it, we just report it—and by “it” we mean modern pet grooming trends in popular practice, near and far. Have you ever seen a poodle groomed to look like a bison? Or a chow chow painted to personify a country’s beloved endangered species? (We hadn’t either.) Catch a glimpse of those two creations plus eight other wondrous pet-grooming fads below.


Red, White and Pooch

This dyed Westie was photographed mingling with the GOP outside the Republican National Convention—though we’re not sure the D-O-G necessarily approves. Photo by Getty Images.


Pretty in Panda

The Giant Panda is a beloved species in China, so we assume painting a pup’s fur to mimic the bear’s appearance is the country’s temporary, if not slightly crazed, way of honoring its significance. Photo courtesy of DailyMail.co.uk.


Body Mohawk

We don’t know whether we owe this trend to pop star Rihanna or celebrity tot Maddox Jolie-Pitt, but the spiked hairstyle seems to have pawed its way from Hollywood to the pound. Photo courtesy of Patrick via Flickr.com.


Unbraided Enthusiasm

Gone are the days when little girls practiced braiding on dolls. Expect the days of a Lassie-like loyalty to follow suit (we wouldn’t jump down any wells looking like that either). Photo courtesy of Maartje Van Boerdonk via Flickr.com


Feline Ink

Hairless kitty tattooing has caused quite the uproar in Moscow, but the fad hasn’t spread too far outside the Russian city. For fun, we virtually inked the Sphynx shown above with a tribal tattoo and we still don't see the appeal. Photo by iStockphotos.


Piercing Pedigree

We’d be sporting the same wide-eyed expression if we were this little guy—especially if we had that much metal in our brows. (Don’t even get us started on the bull-nose ring.) Photo by iStockphoto


Wiggin’ Snout

They say pooches eventually end up looking like their owners. Here's one that got a little help thanks to a temporary hairpiece. Photo by Getty Images.


Undercover Poodles

Each year, specialist grooming shows and competitions churn out a crop of creative poodle grooming designs. Allegedly, the dye is temporary, the dogs love the attention and the transformations are awe-inspiring—like this camel design...

and this bison design...


and this pony design... Photos courtesy of Ren Netherland.

Related Articles at WomansDay.com:

12 Pet-Pampering Procedures

10 Unbelievable Pet Products

Dog-Friendly Destinations
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 20
  • melissa's Avatar
    Posted by melissa Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:00am PDT

    I dont see anything wrong with grooming your pet creatively. Its hair and unless the pet hates it, I dont see a problem. I have two standard poodles. One would love the attention and would be up for it, the other would be growly and would be ticked off. for him it would be abuse, so I wouldnt do it.

    As for the tattoos and piercings.....that is animal cruelty. Its painful, the animal didnt ask for it, and it serves no medical purpose like spay and neutering does. Its simply the owners being selfish and self indulgent. they dont deserve to be pet owners and should be charged with a crime as far as I'm concerned, as should the people who performed the piercings and tattooings.

    Report Abuse
  • 2poosmom's Avatar
    Posted by 2poosmom Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:55am PDT

    Like all fads they go away......hopefully soon!

    Report Abuse
  • Mychelle's Avatar
    Posted by Mychelle Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:40am PDT

    This is the most asinine thing I have ever witnessed.

    Did any of these animals ask to be peirced or give consent ?

    Would these people if they have children allow this of them?

    These pets are there responsibility,not there barbie doll toys......Grow up

    Report Abuse
  • KB's Avatar
    Posted by KB Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:42pm PDT

    How could they do this to these poor animals!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Abuse
  • ANGEL IN THE WINGS's Avatar
    Posted by ANGEL IN THE WINGS Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:10pm PDT

    This FAD is the most ASSinine idea from people who have Nothing OR No One else in their life! So They torture their Pets! I can't imagine ANY CAT sitting still 4 one minute 2 be treated like these poor animals have! They should be arrested 4 animal abuse! They are Not pieces of ART!

    Report Abuse
  • God Loves Insanity's Avatar
    Posted by God Loves Insanity Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:36pm PDT

    Aside from the fact that the animal just may pull out the piercing, it's really no more harmful than a shot or a mirochipping. (Have you ever gotten something pierced? It doesn't hurt THAT much)

    Report Abuse
  • God Loves Insanity's Avatar
    Posted by God Loves Insanity Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:39pm PDT

    oh my god! i'm sorry for the second post, but i had to say: right when i was submitting the comment, i looked at the post by "angel in the wings"! she felt the need to type "4" and "2" instead of "for" and "to", but actually typed out "one" instead of using the number! want to really talk about assinine, honey, read your post.

    Report Abuse
  • valerie's Avatar
    Posted by valerie Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:49pm PDT

    As if Pugs don't have enough problems with their bulging eyes and short snouts, now their owners want to torture them with piercings!! Do you honestly think they just sat there without yelping at every jab.(I seriously believe that people who do this to their pets would not even consider using a numbing block). Horrible!!!!!

    Report Abuse
  • PamelaC's Avatar
    Posted by PamelaC Sat Oct 31, 2009 6:05pm PDT

    This is outrageous. If you choose to get pierced, that's fine. I have 2 piercings myself. But i would NEVER pierce my pup! WTF. Its a personal choice, and they have no say in this. And yes, the piercing may not hurt THAT MUCH, but thats not the point here. Its unnecessary, and beyond limits.

    Report Abuse
  • Kat's Avatar
    Posted by Kat Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:14pm PDT

    I think dying their hair and piercing them could be dangerous to their health. Get a barbie doll for Gods sake and leave these precious pups alone!

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 20

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Updates Chatter on Shine…

Pet Byte

Being calm and comfortable is one of the best ways to help your dog feel the same.