How to Groom a Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a naturally happy, well-behaved dog that loves the company of others, man or beast. Be warned, if you like a self-sufficient dog which doesn't require a lot of physical care, you are barking up the wrong tree. Bichons frises need general grooming twice a week and full grooming every 3 to 5 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Slicker brushes
• Pin brushes
• Steel combs
• Matting rake
• De-matting spray
• Clippers
• Blades

1. Comb and de-matt the dog frequently. If shed hair remains in the dog's undercoat because of lack of combing, it can get tangled over a period of time or once it becomes wet. Extreme matting can lead not only to discomfort for your bichon, but also poor skin health.
2. Remove tear stains from around the eyes.
3. Bathe your bichon once a month.
4. Trim around the eyes and ears using an unsharpened pair of scissors.
5. Contact a professional groomer for a monthly full grooming. You can learn some tricks along the way, but the professionals are best with such a high maintenance pup, especially if your bichon is a show dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Some groomers recommend using corn flower when combing a bichon frise's coat to keep it white and fluffy.
• Hand fluff dry the bichon frise only with a professional level dryer.
• People considered bichons frises one of the "yuppie puppies," or a dog which was popular with "yuppies" in the 1980s.
• Bichons frises have a life expectancy of 15 or more years.
• This breed is good for those suffering from allergies.
• Watery eyes, cataracts, skin and ear ailments, epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps are all somewhat common afflictions of this breed. They can be very sensitive to flea bites as well.