How to Groom a Bichon Frise

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How to Groom a Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise are beautiful dogs, but as their powder puff image suggests, they require a lot of high-end grooming. Here are our top tips on how to care for these adorable dogs withhigh-maintenance grooming needs.

Does a Bichon Frise need a lot of grooming?

With a double-layered coat of a smooth, dense inner layer and a curly, thick outer layer to help regulate their temperature, they require consistent and careful grooming to prevent uncomfortable matting.

Does a Bichon Frise shed?

Although they have double coats, Bichon’s are typically a low-shedding breed.
Most of the hair they shed gets tangled in their coats, so it’s important to keep
on top of their at-home grooming routine to prevent any loose or dead hair from getting caught up in their coats.

If your Bichon Frise begins to shed excessively, this could be down to their diet or an allergy, so consult your vet for further advice and next steps.

How often should you groom a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise grooming can be very high-maintenance. Due to the nature of their coats, it’s recommended that your dog should see a professional groomer every four weeks for a full groom to remove any matting and to keep everything in check.A groomer may also recommend the benefits of brushing your Bichon at least twoto three times a week (or preferably daily) to prevent any mats from forming. Establishing a good at-home grooming routine will also mean that your Bichon will be calmer and more used to being handled when it visits professional groomers.

Can you Groom a Bichon Frise at home?

Grooming a Bichon Frise can be both difficult and time-consuming, so it's worth bearing in mind that whilst achievable, it may take you a while to successfully master your Bichon Frise's grooming routine. A professional groomer may be the best choice for more restless or rowdy dogs that struggle to sit still, but if your dog is happy to be pampered and you have the time, the introductory steps to grooming your Bichon are as follows:

Brush before bathing

You should already be brushing your Bichon daily, but doing it before a bath is essential. Water can tighten mats and make them difficult to brush out, so a simple once-over with your slicker brush before bathing can be a great solution.

Bathing

For a full Bichon grooming session, start at the head and wet down towards the toes with warm water before following with a dog whitening shampoo. Allow the shampoo to sit for a while to brighten the coat, and apply extra to the paws and face, avoiding the eye area, to remove any staining. Bichons have sensitive skin, so it's important to choose a natural or breed-specific shampoo and avoid bathing your dog too often, as this can remove the necessary oils that keep their coats and skin healthy.

Drying

Start by gently towel drying your Bichon until they're damp. Then, brush in downward strokes with a slicker brush, working from the shoulder to the paws, under the eyes to the bottom of the muzzle and from the top of the head backwards. Blow-dry your dog, then brush their fur in every direction to pull it straight. After one last brush, your dog is ready to be clipped.

What are the Best Clippers for a Bichon Frise?

When considering grooming a Bichon Frise, the clippers you choose are essential to the process. Bichons have thick fur, so you must choose high-quality clippers that glide through their coat without tangling or pulling at them. If your dog is nervous, choose quiet clippers to keep them calm. A high speed, quiet clipper built for thick fur, will remove mats with ease, without upsetting your anxious dog.

Grooming scissors will be your best asset when trimming your Bichon, but clippers will be most useful for trimming its body. For best results, clip in downward strokes, then use blending scissors at the top of your dog's legs to blend cut and clip lengths. Moving onto the legs, use straight-edge scissors pointing down the leg length to cut a straight line from the body to the ends of the paws.

How to Groom a Bichon Frise head?

Grooming a Bichon Frise head and face is one of the trickiest parts of its grooming routine.

Grooming a Bichon Frise head and face is one of the trickiest parts of its grooming routine.

Start by brushing the fur on your Bichon’s head with a slicker brush to lift away any undercoat hairs, then use a pin brush to brush the hair up away from the face, rather than flat against the skin. This will keep the fur fluffy, enhancing your dog’s powder puff image. Be mindful of your dog’s eyes when grooming its face.

How do i trim my bichon frise's Eyes?

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How do you wash a bichon frise face?

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How do you remove tear stains from a bichon frise face?

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Can you shave a bichon frise face?

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How do you bathe a bichon frise puppy?

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At what age should a bichon frise be groomed?

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