Bichon Frize (pronounced bee-SHON free-ZAY) dogs are a small but active breed of dog that is known for their sweet temperament. This breedis thought to be a descendant of the water spaniel and was known in the Mediterranean area as far back as the Middle Ages.They make great family pets and are generally very easy to care for. Bichons are also known for their curly hair, which can be any color but typically are white with shades of cream, buff or apricot. Bichons themselves are similar to poodles in terms of their powder-puff coat, which consists of a silky but curly outer coat and soft undercoat.
The most frequent questions that people ask about the Bichon Frize:
1. Do Bichon Frize shed?
Bichon Frize have minimal shedding. They have hate and not fur coats that need to be cut and groomed regularly.
2. Are Bichon Frize hypoallergenic?
No dog is purely hypoallergenic but Bichons have soft hair that produces less dander than fur, which is less likely to produce an allergic response in people with allergies. The Bichon Frize has a double coat that is made up of two layers: a dense undercoat and a softer outer coat. The undercoat is where most of the shedding occurs. The outer coat includes longer, softer hair that does not shed as much. This combination of coats makes the Bichon Frize an ideal breed for people with allergies.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Grooming A Bichon Frize:
There are many different styles for bichon frize haircuts, but the most popular way to cut their hair is a short style that falls well below the ears. This look can be achieved by using a clipper on the side or top of the head and cutting just enough hair to cover the ear canal.
It is very important to get your bichon used to the idea of standing still for a period of time while being groomed. So, start your Bichon Frize grooming routine as early as possible. Figure out the best time of day to carry out the ritual, then stick to it religiously.
When choosing a haircut for your bichon frize, make sure that it is stylish and practical simultaneously – a good length for these dogs is about 1 inch shorter than their height.
Tools You Will Need to Groom a Bichon Frize:
Your Bichon Frize will need two types of regular coat care: regular (preferably daily) maintenance brushing, and full grooming every one to three weeks. Brushing helps to remove any trapped hair, dirt or debris and keep tangles and mats from forming. The only time the Bichon Frize should ever be shaved is when the coat has become sufficiently tangled or matted that sorting it out would cause your dog undue discomfort. Otherwise, the hair should always be left at a medium-length even clip.
Professional grooming, which includes a bath, ear cleaning, anal glans squeezing, nail trimming and coat trimming, takes care of the whole dog. Some owners are comfortable doing basic grooming at home. But this is also something a professional groomer can do if you don’t feel confident doing these tasks yourself.
You need to gather several items in order to groom your pet dog. Prepare your tools ahead of time. Get your tub filled with room temperature or warm (not hot) water. Prepare your coat specific shampoo & conditioner. Make sure your bath has a non-slip surface. Have a designated towel, hair dryer and brush. You can also use a hair dryer if needed (on a cool setting). Here is a general tutorial for how to groom a Bichon Frize at home:
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Start by brushing your pup’s hair to remove any dirt, debris, or knots. Be sure to use a brush that is appropriate for your dog’s coat type.You may want to brush the body region first and then move on to finer areas where mats and tangles are more likely (legs, tail, face).
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Next, bathe your dog using anall natural shampoo made specifically for dogs. Avoid getting water in your dog’s ears and eyes.
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After the bath, dry your dog off thoroughly with a towel (or hairdryer).
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Finish by brushing the dog’s coat again and topping off with a nice spritz of The Proud Scent.
In case you need a refreshment between the baths, try using waterless dog shampoo, which is a quick & gentle way to freshen up your pup!
How Often Should You Groom a Bichon Frize?
Bichon Frize grooming might look complicated, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Ideally, your Bichon should have a full-service groom including a bath and haircut with a professional groomer every 4 weeks. For adult dogs, groomers typically recommend that you do a thorough at-home brushing session at least two to three times per week and preferably daily. Your Bichon’s stylist will trim the pads of the feet, trim the nails, bath, and haircut during the appointment. Groomers are good about finding any issues that may need veterinarian attention.
Make no mistake, the Bichon is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to their grooming needs. There’s work that’s part of their adorable package; a lot by you and some by your favorite dog groomer. But of course, you just know that they are totally worth it.
