A Bichon Frise needs two kinds of grooming: short maintenance sessions at home and a full bath-and-trim cycle. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing at least two or three times a week, with daily brushing preferred, plus bathing and clipping at least monthly. Many pet owners schedule a professional groom every four to six weeks.
A workable grooming schedule
- Daily or at least three times a week: brush in small sections and follow with a metal comb to find tangles the brush missed.
- After wet or messy activity: rinse when needed, dry to the skin, and check high-friction areas.
- Every few weeks: check nail length and trim based on growth and wear. Clicking on hard floors is a sign nails need attention.
- About every four to six weeks: full bath, thorough drying, clipping or scissoring, pads, nails, and sanitary maintenance.
- Teeth: daily brushing is best; use dog toothpaste and ask the veterinarian about dental exams.
Where mats start
Check behind the ears, under the collar and harness, in the armpits, on the lower legs, and around the tail. Work from the skin outward in small sections. If a mat is tight against the skin, do not cut underneath it with scissors; skin can be pulled into the mat. Ask a groomer to clip severe matting safely.
Adjust the schedule to coat length
A short pet trim is easier to maintain than a full rounded coat, but it still tangles. Puppies, seniors, dogs in harnesses, and dogs that swim or wear clothing may need shorter, more frequent sessions. Skin disease or medicated bathing should follow a veterinarian's instructions rather than a generic calendar.
Bathing and drying
Comb out tangles before the bath, use a dog-formulated shampoo, rinse completely, and dry the coat to the skin. Leaving dense curls damp can encourage tangles and conceal irritation. Stop if the skin is red, painful, crusted, or odorous and arrange a veterinary check.
When to use a professional groomer
Professional help is sensible for scissoring near the eyes, compacted mats, nail anxiety, or a dog that cannot be handled safely. Tell the groomer about skin problems, recent surgery, pain, seizures, or behavior concerns before the appointment.