Charli, now a SchuazerDoodle

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I had a CRAFTs moment and Charli is paying the price. My goal was to trim her head down a little bit since it was getting very round on top. I combed her out, used a 1/4" comb over the blade. Took the comb off to clean it since I hit a snag in her hair. Combed out the snag and started up the clippers again. I was so impressed how well I combed her since I didn't hit 1 snag. Then I looked again and I saw that I forgot to put the comb back on the clippers! What a fool!! I got the rest of her head to the same extremely short head.  I love the shortness but the doodle bump in the middle of her head is huge and it sticks out like she has a tent on her head. Nothing I can do about that but wait for it to grow in.  I do have to trim those Schnauzer eye brows done.

I didn't touch her ears. They are full the way I love them but with this shearing they are too full (she looks like the Flying Nun).  Here's the question:

Do I trim the top of the ears and shape them and leave them as full as possible? or totally trim them short to her flap? What about her beard? 

I know it will all grow back but I am seriously irritated with myself.

She is really much prettier then she is in these pictures. She was not cooperating at all. 

Check out that skull point!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

hahaha. Sorry to laugh at your pain, but been there, done that. I did this kind of thing at grooming school with a spaniel's leg and the teacher just about killed me. She doesn't look bad at all. I would cut her beard short and blend in the ears a bit and just keep trimming those parts until her head catches up again. Do you have blending shears? They would help.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I need blending shears, Barb. Which one do you suggest?

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I don't have a favorite. Mine are old and that company doesn't exist now. Maybe some of the others have new ones they like.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Adrienne! It will grow. I bet in a week it will look great. I'm giggling a little though because I could easily do the same thing. Give her a kiss and put your feet up. Tomorrow will be a better day. ;o)

[Linda And Loo]

One good thing about short hair is that it grows out and usually faster than you think! I don't think you will have to put her in doggy therapy over this hair cut! I like it! Don't beat yourself up!

[Rosemarie, Roxie & Kirby]

I think she looks fine, maybe trim the beard a little but the ears look great :)  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Adrianne, you are a trend-setter in New Jersey.   The good news is that it will grow. When my daughter grew her bangs out at about age six to avoid my crooked trimming of her bangs, I got the hint!   This is why I don't even make an attempt at grooming my dogs. :-}

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Thanks Nancy! I will tell Charli not to be embarrassed by her Mom's screw up! I have been grooming all doodles in between the professional appointments and never have made such a mistake! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

 Oops! Wow, she really DOES have a serious head bump! Isn't it amazing what you find under all that hair? I think she looks good. I wouldn't do anything more with her ears. You might consider trimming her beard a bit. It think it would help balance the face/head a little more and tone down the Schnauzer look.

[Bob Johnston]

I think it looks good to. Her super curly coat lends itself well to a shorter cut nicely. I have done that a few times when trimming my own facial hair. Zip and off went half my goatee.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I've had a similar goof up using regular shears instead of thinning shears on my own bangs! Big OOPS! I think Charli looks good, but I do agree with others that trimming the beard would help to create a more 'balanced' look. The ears look fine to me. Her hair will grow out before you know it!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Anyone have a suggestion how to get her thick, curly beard cut down? And with what tool?