Bichon Frise Grooming: Powder-Puff Trim and Coat Care
The Bichon Frise looks like a cloud with a face. The cotton-soft coat is delightful and demanding, and the breed's classic look requires professional skill. See also the Bichon Frise breed profile.
The coat
Bichons have a fine, silky undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat. The hair is continuously growing and sheds little, so loose hair stays in the coat and mats if not brushed out. White hair shows stains. See curly-coat grooming.
Brushing
Brush daily, to the skin, in sections.
- Mist with detangling spray. See detangling sprays and conditioners.
- Part the coat and brush each layer with a slicker brush.
- Comb to check.
Mats form behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar. See how to prevent dog hair matting.
Bathing and fluff drying
Bathe every three to four weeks. Brush first, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and dry thoroughly. The classic Bichon look comes from fluff drying: drying the coat while brushing it upward and outward with a slicker brush and a dryer on cool. See how to dry a dog after a bath.
The powder-puff trim
The traditional style shapes the coat into a rounded cloud with a round head. It needs skilled scissoring. Most pet owners choose a simpler puppy cut or teddy bear cut. See how to give a dog a puppy cut at home and dog haircut terms to tell your groomer.
Tear stains and face care
Bichons are prone to staining. Wipe the face daily and keep hair trimmed. See how to remove tear stains from dogs and how to trim the hair around a dog's eyes.
Ears
Bichons have drop ears with hair in the canal, so check regularly for wax and infection. See how to clean a dog's ears.
Skin
Bichons often have sensitive skin and allergies. Watch for itching, redness and flaking. See dog skin allergies.
Teeth
Small breeds need regular dental care. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
Nails, paws and sanitary areas
See how to trim dog nails safely, how to trim hair between dog paw pads and how to do a sanitary trim.
Professional grooming
Book every four to six weeks. See how often should you take your dog to the groomer.
A daily Bichon routine
- Wipe the eyes and face.
- Mist and brush the coat in sections, then comb through.
- Check the ears and under the legs.
- Brush teeth and give a reward.
The first year
Bichon puppies need to be introduced to professional grooming early, ideally by four or five months, so they accept the dryer, scissors and table. The adult coat comes in over several months, so brush daily during that time. Aim to build a trusted relationship with your groomer, who will help you adjust the style as the coat develops.
The takeaway
Daily brushing, regular baths and a manageable trim keep a Bichon looking like a cloud.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a Bichon?
Daily for a longer coat, at least every other day for a short one.
How often should I bathe a Bichon?
Every three to four weeks.
Do Bichons shed?
Very little, though loose hair stays trapped.
Do they need professional grooming?
Most do, every four to six weeks.