My doodle puppy looks like a Bichon!

[Flora Wan]

I took my Goldendoodle puppy Ellie for her first grooming today (she's 4 months old) mainly because the fur is covering her eyes. I thought that I would get back a dog that looks pretty much like what she was before so imagine my surprise when I picked up my puppy and she looked like a large Bichon Frise! Even my neighbour who HAS a Bichon says that she looks like one!!

Is this a normal grooming look for a Goldendoodle puppy? I can't seem to get the big patch furry hair on top of her head to settle down and her cheeks look so puffy. How do I tell the groomers that I want a Goldendoodle "look" or is there even such a thing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I've attached two before (at the park) and after (at home) pictures.

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Flora -- your doo is totally adorable. How lucky are you to have found her!
My multi-gen labradoodle also can sport that look. Her first groom freaked me out – she looked like a large Bichon. Her fur is dense. I miss that “crazy professor” wispy puppy coat that had been trimmed off. A good misting takes the pouf down.
: -)

[Tammy & Gracie]

Oh, she is beautiful Regardless, any grooming reverts to a more natural look within a day or two, I have had Gracie groomed 3 or 4 times and only this last time has pleased me. But it all grows out faster than you can imagine. Take pics to the groomer and try another if you stay unhappy. Ask around your area. The groomer I used last visit came recommended to me by doggie daycare employees. They have several groomers at the facility and finally when I was questioning them, they said Mary was best with doodles while the others were best with.....

[Flora Wan]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I am slowly getting used to the new haircut although she still looks like she has "bangs" or a big furry hat on top of her head : P

Would it help to ask for the length of hair on her face and head to be the same? I thought maybe this would be a better look compared with just shaving the area around the eyes. With her haircut now it looks like her eyes are sunken in between a big white puff ball.

By the way, this forum is wonderful! It's great to be able to talk with so many friendly doodle owners! :)

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

being an "Ellie" myself, I have to put my two cents in here! Better a Bichon than a shaved Monk like Beau's first (or maybe it was the second) grooming at Petsmart! I cried the whole way home. Now I found myself a groomer I love, and actually I bathe him myself most of the time. You'll find the right thing for Ellie....I have confidence. The first couple of groomings were very traumatic for me too.

[Flora Wan]

Hi Ellen, thanks for the support. Beau is beautiful (like the namesake!), your groomer did a great job :)