Grooming Tips for the Bichon Frise


COAT 

The texture of the coat is of utmost importance. The undercoat is soft and dense, the outer coat of a coarser and curlier texture. The combination of the two gives a soft but substantial feel to the touch which is similar to plush or velvet and when patted springs back. When bathed and brushed, it stands off the body, creating an overall powder puff appearance. A wiry coat is not desirable. A limp, silky coat, a coat that lies down, or a lack of undercoat are very serious faults. 

CHARACTER 

Gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed and one should settle for nothing less. 

 

RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS: 

TEXTURIZING SHAMPOO 

RECONSTRUCTOR – Conditioner 

 

Problem   Solution 
Detangling/Dematting  Apply full strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 15 minutes. Pull mat gently apart with fingers or comb. Another approach is to shampoo, rinse and dry the coat first. Then apply Moisture plus full
strength, let sit 10-15 min. and blow out rather than work with fingers.
Dry, damaged Coat   Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in hot towel for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse.
Dingy White Coat Use Cleansing Shampoo on the first lather, wait 5 minutes then rinse.
Follow with Texturizing Shampoo lather and rinse.
Increase Under Coat Use Reconstructor routinely at bath time while coat is developing
Breakage From Friction  Between shows, spray with dilute mixture of water and Moisture Plus (5:1) before wrapping and rewrapping
Reduce Scissor Marks  Mix Super Coat 50/50 with water. Spray lightly into damp coat and blow dry. Refresh as needed by spraying above the dog and allowing mist to all onto coat
Spot Whitening/ Urine Stains  Use a small amount of Cleansing Shampoo full strength, wait 5 minutes and rinse

 

The Bichon Frise is a breed that requires regular, professional grooming to maintain its signature appearance. Most owners schedule professional grooming appointments, including a bath and haircut, once a month. In between, weekly maintenance at home is essential to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. T.

Recommended Grooming Tools

Grooming for Puppies (Up to 4 Months Old)

For puppies, begin brushing every few days using a pin brush. Place the puppy on an elevated, non-slip surface to help them understand that grooming time is separate from playtime. Always keep one hand on the puppy to prevent falls and injury.

Grooming After 4 Months

At this stage, switch to using a soft slicker brush, followed by a comb to ensure you reach the skin. Brush gently until the comb glides effortlessly through the coat. As your puppy grows, brushing sessions should become more frequent. This is also a good time to check for any skin issues, lumps, or sores.

Coat Change: 8–12 Months

As your Bichon transitions from a puppy to an adult coat, matting may occur more frequently, especially behind the ears, armpits, and at the body-leg junctions. During this coat change, daily combing may be necessary to prevent mats from forming. Neglected mats can turn into felt-like patches that are painful to remove, often requiring shaving or extensive detangling.

Weekly Grooming Routine

  1. Bathing: Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, bathe every 1–2 weeks. Always brush out tangles and mats before bathing.
  2. Shampoo Selection: Use our Cleansing Shampoos or Moisturizing shampoo
  3. Conditioner : Moisture Plus 
  4. Thorough Rinsing: Massage shampoo throughout the coat and rinse well. Rinse for double the time you lathered to prevent itchiness from product residue.
  5. Drying and Brushing: After towel drying, use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to dry completely to the skin. Brush and comb during the drying process to straighten curls and achieve the fluffy, plush look characteristic of the breed.

Monthly Grooming

Schedule a full-service grooming session with a professional every 4 weeks. This includes trimming the pads of the feet, nail trimming, bathing, and a haircut. Ensure your groomer has Bichon-specific training or experience to achieve the breed’s signature scissored look.

Dental Care

Good oral hygiene is crucial for your Bichon’s health. Brush their teeth weekly using pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes. Schedule professional dental cleanings with your veterinarian annually. Many vets offer discounts during Pet Dental Months in January and February.

For Show Dogs

Whether your Bichon is a show dog or a beloved companion, the basic care remains the same: proper nutrition, hygiene, and coat maintenance. However, show dogs may require additional grooming for styling and coat management. Consult your breeder for specific recommendations to prepare your Bichon for the show ring.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Bichon Frise stays healthy, comfortable, and beautiful.