🐶 Dog · curly coat

Coat care: Bichon Frise

White, voluminous coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly topcoat that stands away from the body after bathing and brushing.

The Bichon Frise has a white, voluminous coat: a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly topcoat, which together give it a plush feel. The breed sheds very little, because the loose hairs stay trapped in the undercoat; if they are not brushed out regularly, they quickly form mats. That is why care at home includes brushing down to the skin several times a week or daily, regular bathing with thorough drying, and a trim roughly once a month.

🛁 Bathing

Usually every 1–4 weeks, depending on the dog's lifestyle, and at least once a month. Before bathing, work out all the tangles, rinse for longer than you lather, and dry the coat completely down to the skin with cool air. Dilute concentrated shampoos according to the label.

🪮 Brushing

At least two or three times a week, and ideally every day. Use a soft slicker brush, followed by a medium-toothed comb, combing down to the skin until the comb glides through freely. For puppies up to about 4 months, a pin brush every few days is enough to get them used to grooming.

🍂 Shedding and coat change

Between about 8 months and 1 year of age, the puppy coat is replaced by the adult coat. During this period tangles form much faster and daily combing may be needed.

Tips for home

  • Wipe the area around the eyes with a damp cloth; if there is heavy tearing and staining on the white coat, consult a vet.
  • Trim the nails regularly.
  • Work out tangles before bathing – water tightens them.
  • The coat is usually trimmed about every 4 weeks.

Shampoos and conditioners for Bichon Frise

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe a Bichon Frise?

The Bichon Frise is usually bathed every one to four weeks, depending on the dog's lifestyle, and at least once a month. Work out all the tangles before bathing. Rinse for longer than you lather and dry the coat completely down to the skin with cool air while brushing – this gives the coat volume and keeps it from matting after the bath.

Does the Bichon shed?

The Bichon sheds very little, but that does not mean the coat does not renew itself. The loose hairs stay trapped in the dense undercoat and, if they are not brushed out regularly, form mats. That is why the Bichon needs brushing down to the skin several times a week or daily, especially between 8 months and 1 year, when the puppy coat is changing.

How do I keep my Bichon from matting?

Brush down to the skin at least two or three times a week, and ideally every day: first with a soft slicker brush, then with a comb, until it glides freely through the whole coat. Work out tangles before bathing and dry the coat completely. Mats that have reached the skin can often only be removed by shaving the coat off, so regularity is what matters most.

Care for other breeds

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This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.