Bichon Frise Grooming: Keeping That Powder Puff Perfect

The Bichon Frise, with its bright white, fluffy coat, looks like a living cotton ball. Maintaining this signature look requires commitment and proper techniques.

Understanding the Bichon Coat

Bichon coats are unique:

Double coat with soft, dense undercoat
Curly outer coat
Continuously growing hair
Low shedding but high maintenance
Pure white (though cream is acceptable)

Daily Care Requirements

Brushing (Daily is Best)

Use a slicker brush
Brush in sections
Get down to the skin
Follow with a comb
Check for mats

Facial Care

Wipe eyes daily
Clean tear stains
Keep beard clean
Trim hair around eyes if needed

Professional Grooming Schedule

Bichons need grooming every 4-6 weeks:

Full bath with whitening shampoo
Scissor or clipper cut
Detailed shaping
Ear cleaning and plucking
Nail trimming

Classic Bichon Styles

Show Cut (Powder Puff)

Round, domed head
Fluffy body following contours
Requires expert scissoring
Maximum fluffiness
Most maintenance required

Puppy Cut

Even length all over
Shorter and practical
Still fluffy but manageable
Most popular pet style

Lamb Cut

Shorter body
Fuller legs
Rounded head
Moderate maintenance

Utility Cut

Very short all over
Easy to maintain
Good for active dogs
Less “Bichon-like” appearance

Dealing with Tear Stains

Tear staining is common in Bichons:

Prevention

Keep face dry
Clean eyes daily
Use filtered water
Consider food allergies
Keep hair trimmed around eyes

Treatment

Use tear stain removers
Apply daily until clear
Maintain with regular cleaning
Address underlying causes

Bathing the Bichon

Frequency

Every 2-4 weeks

Products

Whitening shampoo
Brightening conditioner
Avoid harsh chemicals

Technique

Brush out completely first
Wet thoroughly
Apply shampoo, lather well
Rinse completely
Condition
Rinse again
Dry with blow dryer
Brush while drying

Keeping White Coats White

Tips for maintaining brightness:

Regular bathing with whitening products
Quick spot cleaning when dirty
Avoid rolling in dirt and grass
Clean face daily
Good nutrition
Avoid iron-rich water

Common Bichon Issues

Matting

Happens quickly without brushing
Worse behind ears and in armpits
Prevention is essential
May require shaving if severe

Skin Allergies

Common in the breed
May cause discoloration
Work with vet for treatment

Dental Problems

Prone to dental disease
Brush teeth regularly
Regular dental checks

Keep your Bichon looking like a cloud! Book a grooming appointment.