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Bichon Frise grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding

A practical grooming routine for the Bichon Frise: coat care, baths, nails and ears.

Line brushing is the method most groomers teach: part the coat in rows and brush each row from the skin outwards, using a slicker brush, then check with a metal comb. Do this at least every other day, daily for dogs with a longer coat. Focus on the areas that knot fastest: behind the ears, the armpits, the collar line and the inner thighs.

Bath every 3 to 4 weeks and blow-dry the coat straight while brushing, which prevents tangles and gives the classic rounded look. A professional trim every 4 to 6 weeks is typical, and many pet dogs wear a shorter cut that is kinder to their owners. Wipe the eyes daily to limit tear staining, check ears weekly, and trim nails every 3 weeks.

Bichon Frise grooming in numbers

This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.

TaskPlanning example
BrushingDaily
BathingEvery 3 to 6 weeks
SheddingMinimal
Nail trimEvery 3 to 4 weeks
Ear checkWeekly
TeethDaily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful

Coat

Double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser corkscrew outer coat that stands away from the body in a rounded powder-puff shape.

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Grooming guides for similar-sized breeds