Grooming Instructions for a Bichon

Bichon Frises, with their trademark powder puff look, must be groomed carefully and regularly. These dogs are very susceptible to matting, so proper bathing and brushing is essential to keeping your Bichon looking its best.

Things You'll Need

  • Coarse comb
  • Pin brush
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog grooming scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Toenail clippers
  • Styptic
  • Toothbrush
  • Dog toothpaste
  • Hair dryer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      As a Bichon grows, it begins to develop a double coat of fur. Because the Bichon does not shed, the dead hair underneath can form knots and begin to mat. It's important to brush your Bichon daily, starting when it's a puppy. Start with the pin brush to remove knots, then comb through the coat. You may need to brush your Bichon twice a day. If mats begin to form and are not removed, the dog may need to be shaved to the skin or have mats broken up and removed individually, which is painful for the dog. You can have your dog professionally groomed, but that can be expensive.

    • 2

      Check your Bichon's teeth and gums weekly for tartar buildup. Brush its teeth often to maintain good dental health. Clip the Bichon's toenails every other week, taking care to avoid the red vein running the length of the toenail. If the toenail does begin to bleed, quickly stop the flow using a styptic. Be sure to use scissors to cut away any hair growing around the toe pads. This hair can form knots if not removed.

      Bathe your Bichon at least once a month, using a shampoo designed for white dogs. Human shampoos can leave soap in the coat that can damage the skin. Make sure to brush the dog thoroughly before bathing. Wetting knots in the coat can make them even tighter and much more difficult to remove.

    • 3

      When brushing a Bichon, it is more comfortable for the dog to lay on its side. Brush the hair up and away from the skin. Brush the hair on the head toward the face. Use the end tooth of the comb to work out any mats or knots. Remember to brush and comb the legs, ears and tails since knots can form easily in these areas. Pay extra attention to the legs, especially if your Bichon tends to lick or chew itself. You may want to invest in a detangling product which can be sprayed on the dog's hair before brushing.

      Towel dry the dog immediately after bathing, and comb out any mats missed before bathing using the pin brush. Dry the Bichon's hair using a hair dryer on a cool setting, and follow up with the slicker brush to remove the curl, creating the trademark "powder puff" look.