How to Home Groom a Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a small white or cream-colored dog with a double-layer coat of hair. Because the curly hair on a bichon frise grows continuously without shedding properly, the hair can mat and tangle. Mats can lead to skin problems and discomfort if they aren't dealt with immediately, so use the proper technique to ensure both layers of hair are properly groomed. The bichon frise requires daily brushing and full grooming monthly to maintain a fluffy, healthy coat.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Medium greyhound comb
  • Grooming scissors
  • Cotton balls
  • Large cup (optional)
  • Conditioning dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Styptic pencil
  • Dog toothbrush
  • Dog toothpaste
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a comfortable area for you and your bichon frise. Lay the dog on its side.

    • 2

      Brush the dog thoroughly with a pin brush. Start at the head or the tail, and brush with firm pressure up and away from the coat to remove tangles or mats and fluff the hair. Don't tug at mats, as this can cause pain. Turn the dog onto its other side, and brush thoroughly.

    • 3

      Comb the dog's hair with a medium greyhound comb. Comb in an upward motion, applying medium pressure to remove any mats or tangles.

    • 4

      Trim any mats carefully with grooming scissors.

    • 5

      Trim any excess hair growing between the toe pads with the grooming scissors.

    • 6

      Place cotton balls in the dog's ears to prevent water from seeping in and causing an ear infection.

    • 7

      Run the water in a bathtub, utility tub or sink and feel the temperature. Make sure the water is lukewarm or warm to the touch, but not hot. Place the dog in the tub or sink and thoroughly wet its coat using a sprayer or large cup.

    • 8

      Pour enough conditioning shampoo into your hand to lather the dog and thoroughly massage its coat. Make sure to wash the dog's entire body, but avoid getting shampoo in its eyes.

    • 9

      Rinse the dog thoroughly with a large cup filled with water or a sprayer.

    • 10

      Dry the dog with a clean towel to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

    • 11

      Brush the dog's hair up and outward with a slicker brush. Brush in small sections at a time while the dog's hair dries. Allow the dog's hair to air-dry completely.

    • 12

      Hold the dog's paw firmly and trim the nails with clippers. Avoid trimming the quick, which can cause bleeding. Use a styptic pencil if any bleeding occurs. If you don't think you can clip the nails safely, take the dog to a vet or professional groomer.

    • 13

      Brush the dog's teeth and gumline with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Use the amount specified on the package.