Bichon Frise grooming guide
Bichon Frises are popular Florida lap dogs — small, hypoallergenic, and stunning when properly groomed. They're also one of the highest-maintenance breeds. The signature "powder puff" look requires a skilled groomer and constant home care.
Bichon coats don't shed but grow continuously and tangle easily. Brush daily with a slicker brush, working in sections from the skin out. Skip a day and you'll find mats forming under the surface.
The classic Bichon cut: rounded body, perfectly spherical head shape ("teddy bear face"), no part lines, even all over. This is harder than it looks — it requires a groomer with serious scissor skills. Not every Florida salon has someone who can do it well. Ask to see photos of their previous Bichon clients.
Schedule grooms every 4–5 weeks to maintain the shape. Longer than 6 weeks and the coat loses its structure.
Tear staining is severe in Bichons. Their light coat shows every drop. Daily wipe-down, weekly whitening rinse, and a high-quality whitening shampoo are all required.
Florida humidity makes Bichon coats fluff up — which is the look you want — but also accelerates matting. The tradeoff favors more frequent brushing rather than longer intervals between salon visits.