Cool or Cruel? Extreme Animal Paint Jobs

Creative grooming goes to the next level – but does it go too far?

Published on August 10, 2012 06:00 PM

PANDA

If this giant panda looks too fluffy to be right, that’s because this panda is a dog. Animal photographer Ren Netherland travels the United States photographing subjects at creative grooming conventions, and his portraits showcase the wackiest in cuts and dye jobs.

02 of 05

MUPPET MELANGE

“Every dog, every cat is different,” he told PEOPLE. “There is always something very unique about every animal.” When it comes to this dog, that’s putting it mildly.

03 of 05

ANIMAL

The National Association of Professional Creative Groomers touts practices that are used “without compromising the comfort or safety of the animal involved.”

04 of 05

OWL HABITAT

Standard poodles, with their large frames and good-natured demeanors, make expansive canvasses for creative groomers.

05 of 05

"CHAMELEON"

An iguana, a banana and something that looks a little like Clifford the Big Red Dog constitutes a chameleon. That’s where the “creative” part of creative grooming comes into play.