The Bichon Frise is a sweet little dog who boasts a beautiful, white coat and a cute face with eyes that are sparkling with love and fun. The coat is very dense and has either a curl or wave to it. It is not nearly as difficult to keep up their fine appearance as the beauty of the breed might suggest. If you are the owner of an Bichon Frise (as myself), or are thinking about acquiring one, it is very important that you understand that though they aren't as difficult to keep up as some breeds, they do have grooming needs that you will be responsible for maintaining regularly. They need to be taken care of in order to keep them clean and healthy.
Some owners may find it easiest to go to a self-grooming facility that has the proper tables, hoses, and other equipment to make things easier when a full bath is needed. This is especially true for those dogs that simply hate the process and/or are bothered by even the sight of water when it's coming from a faucet. Grooming can be done at home, however. If you intend to do your own grooming and want to do so at home, it is a good idea to start when the dog is young so that he or she gets accustomed to the process before they get more fearful and/or stronger-willed.
Aside from the cosmetic side of the fur upkeep, there is also the comfort of your dog to consider. Untended and/or overgrown hair can get matted or get things stuck in it, such as outdoor debris that can be poking the dog when he or she sits or lies down. An ungroomed Bichon Frise is one that may be in a great deal of pain, or at least some degree of discomfort. Keeping your dog groomed is one of the ways that you show that you care for him or her.
The coat will need to be shampooed monthly to keep it looking clean and white. Be sure that the fur is rinsed thoroughly so that there is not soapy residue left behind. Shampooing the dog too often can result in the coat being stripped of the natural oils it has to keep it shiny and healthy, so it is just as important not to overshampoo as it is to shampoo when needed. There are shampoos that are specifically formulated for white coats and these are the ones that most owners prefer for the Bichon Frise. Dry completely with a hairdryer on low to medium heat. If the dog is not thoroughly dried and goes outdoors, the dirt will stick to the damp areas and your nice, clean dog will once again be a dirty dog. In cooler weather, a damp dog can easily become a sick dog, as well.
If your Bichon Frise has hair that tangles easily, it may be difficult to comb through. There are many wonderful products to help with this. Paul Mitchell, the same company that produces hair supplies for people, has a line of dog grooming products. They have a detangler that works quite well and smells fantastic. Spraying this on the coat and letting it set for a few seconds before attempting to comb through the coat cna make it much easier for you and more pleasant for your dog, as well. Never use products on your dog that are not approved specifically for them. This can cause skin irritations, rashes, and/or inflammations.
Using a stiff-bristled dog brush, you will need to begin at the top of the head and brush towards the back and then move downwards. Don't forget to get the legs and the front of the neck. This will remove anything that is stuck in the coat, including dust and dirt, keeping the dog clean between baths. If you run across matting, you will need to gently remove it. In extreme cases, mats may need to be cut out carefully. These dogs are very light shedders and some may not shed at all.
For the short styling of the Bichon Frise, you will need a set of dog clippers to keep the coat length evenly where you want it all over the body. The area around the eyes and the nose should be trimmed with blunt-nose scissors to remove any hair that may be getting into the eyes, causing irritation. Fur on the feet should be trimmed with scissors and rounded. The legs, tail, and face will also need to be trimmed with scissors.
Next, it is time to put that shine on the gorgeous coat. There are brushes designed for this purpose that slip right on over the hand. They have fairly soft bristles and will bring out that natural sheen this dog has. Your final touches will include clipping the nails with dog nail clippers, cleaning around the eyes which can get tear-stained, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the insides of the ears, drying thoroughly to prevent infection. Most owners take the Bichon Frise to the professional groomer several times per year to get the full treatment, including the cleaning of the anal gland.
I love taking care of my sweet companion!!
To learn more about this wonderful breed I'd highly recommend you check out this resource at: bichon-frise-lovers.com
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