Bichon Frise
Breed Description

The Bichon Frise is known by several names that reflect its French heritage and distinctive characteristics. The breed name "Bichon Frise" is French, with "Bichon" deriving from the Middle French word "bichonner" meaning to pamper or spoil, while "Frise" means curled or frizzed, referring to the breed's characteristic curly coat. The pronunciation is typically rendered as "BEE-shon free-ZAY" in English-speaking countries. In French, the name could be translated as "the curly lap dog" or "the pampered dog with curly hair," both of which aptly describe this cherished companion breed.

Historically, the breed has been known by several other names. Before the modern breed name was standardized in the 1930s, these dogs were called "Tenerife dogs" or "Bichon Tenerife," referencing the Canary Island of Tenerife where Spanish sailors discovered them and brought them back to Europe. The breed has also been referred to as the "Bichon a Poil Frise," which translates to "Bichon with the frizzy hair," and simply as "Bichon." During periods when the breed performed in circuses and with street entertainers, they were sometimes called "circus dogs" or "trick dogs" due to their intelligence and trainability.

The Bichon Frise belongs to the larger Bichon family of breeds, which includes the Bolognese, Maltese, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, and Lowchen. All these breeds share a common ancestry tracing back to small white dogs from the Mediterranean region. The Bichon Frise specifically developed in the Mediterranean area, possibly originating in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, and was brought to continental Europe by Spanish and Italian sailors during the 14th century.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Bichon Frise in 1972, placing it in the Non-Sporting Group. This classification reflects the breed's primary purpose as a companion dog rather than a sporting, working, or herding breed. The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1973, and since then, it has steadily grown in popularity, consistently ranking among the top 50 breeds in the United States. The Bichon Frise Club of America serves as the national parent club, working to protect and promote the breed.

Internationally, the breed is recognized by all major kennel clubs. The United Kennel Club recognizes the Bichon Frise in its Companion Dog Group. The Federation Cynologique Internationale classifies the breed in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds), alongside its close relatives. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognizes the breed in the Toy Group, and it has been popular in the UK since its introduction there.

The Bichon Frise Club of America, founded in 1964, serves as the official parent club for the breed in the United States. The BFCA works closely with the American Kennel Club to establish and maintain breed standards, promote responsible breeding practices, and educate the public about the breed. The club organizes national specialty shows, provides breeder referral services, and offers extensive educational resources for owners and prospective owners. The BFCA also supports health research initiatives aimed at improving the breed's overall health and longevity.

The breed standard for the Bichon Frise describes a small, sturdy dog with a cheerful disposition and a distinctive powder-puff appearance. The ideal Bichon stands between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder for both males and females, with a weight range of 12-18 pounds. The body should be slightly longer than tall when measured from the point of shoulder to the point of rump, creating a rectangular silhouette. The dog should move with an effortless gait that shows reach and drive, appearing light on their feet.

The head is one of the breed's most important features, with a rounded skull, well-defined stop, and a muzzle that comprises roughly one-third of the total head length. The eyes should be round, black or dark brown, and positioned to look directly forward. The expression should be soft, inquisitive, and alert. Black eye rims, nose, and lips are required, providing dramatic contrast against the white coat. The ears are drop ears covered with long, flowing hair, set slightly higher than eye level.

The coat is perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise. The breed standard calls for a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat. The coat should be profuse and should stand off from the body, creating the breed's signature rounded appearance. When properly groomed, the Bichon should present a powder-puff look with a rounded head and body. The coat color should be white, though cream, apricot, or buff shadings around the ears or on the body are acceptable. The breed standard specifies that trimming should create a rounded appearance and reveal the body outline, but should not dramatically alter the dog's natural appearance.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale standard for the Bichon Frise emphasizes similar characteristics but may have slightly different measurements and emphases. The FCI standard describes the breed as lively, cheerful, and never nervous or aggressive. The temperament section notes that the Bichon Frise should be a happy dog with a self-assured gait. The standard specifically states that shyness or aggression are serious faults.

The Bichon Frise Club of America maintains an extensive code of ethics that member breeders must follow. This code emphasizes health testing for breeding dogs, including evaluations for patellar luxation, eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, and hip evaluations. The code also requires breeders to provide lifetime support to puppy buyers, to breed only dogs that conform to the breed standard in structure and temperament, and to ensure all puppies are well-socialized before going to their new homes. Breeders are expected to screen potential puppy buyers carefully to ensure puppies are placed in appropriate homes and to take back any dog they bred at any time if the owner can no longer care for it.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Recognized since 1972 - Non-Sporting Group"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Companion Dog Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 9, Section 1"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Recognized - Toy Group"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized - Non-Sporting Group"

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog that presents an elegant appearance despite its compact size. Standing just 9.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, this breed possesses surprising substance and strength within its small frame. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular rather than square silhouette, with well-sprung ribs and a level topline that remains steady during movement. The overall impression is of a white powder puff of a dog, seemingly floating above the ground with light, effortless movement.

The head of the Bichon Frise is one of the breed's most distinctive and important features. The skull is rounded and proportionate to the body, neither too large nor too small. The stop, the transition point between the forehead and muzzle, is moderately defined, creating gentle contours rather than sharp angles. The muzzle is shorter than the skull but not excessively short, maintaining proper balance and proportion. A properly structured muzzle allows for healthy breathing and prevents the respiratory issues sometimes seen in extremely short-faced breeds.

The eyes are perhaps the Bichon's most expressive feature, being round, dark brown or black, and positioned to look directly forward rather than to the sides. The expression should be soft, inquisitive, and alert, conveying the breed's intelligent and friendly nature. The eyes are accentuated by prominent black or dark brown eye rims, often described as "halos," which stand out dramatically against the white facial hair. This eye makeup, combined with the black nose and lips, creates the characteristic sweet, appealing facial expression that makes the Bichon so endearing.

The ears are drop ears, hanging close to the head and covered with long, flowing hair that blends into the coat on the neck and head. They are set slightly higher than eye level and, when extended, should reach approximately to the middle of the muzzle. The ears frame the face nicely and add to the breed's soft, approachable appearance. The tail is another important breed characteristic, set on level with the topline and carried gracefully curved over the back, though it should not touch the back. The tail is well-plumed with hair and adds to the breed's elegant, balanced appearance.

The Bichon Frise coat is the breed's most defining and attention-demanding physical characteristic. Unlike many breeds, the Bichon has a double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat. The outer coat feels somewhat silky but has enough texture to stand away from the body rather than lying flat. The coat grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, which means regular trimming is necessary to maintain the breed's characteristic appearance. When properly groomed, the coat should be profuse, standing off from the body in soft, corkscrew curls that create the powder-puff look for which the breed is famous. The coat on the head is trimmed to create a rounded appearance that frames and accentuates the face.

The Bichon Frise has a rich and colorful history spanning several centuries, originating in the Mediterranean region and achieving fame among European nobility before nearly disappearing and then being revived in the 20th century. The breed's ancestors were small white dogs that lived around the Mediterranean, possibly descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel and related to other Bichon-type breeds including the Maltese, Bolognese, and Havanese. These ancient dogs were known collectively as "Barbichons" or "Bichons," and they eventually divided into four distinct varieties, one of which became known as the Bichon Tenerife after the Canary Island where it developed.

The specific history of the Bichon Frise as we know it today likely begins in the 14th century when Spanish sailors discovered these charming white dogs on the island of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Spanish traders used the dogs as items of barter, trading them for goods during their travels around the Mediterranean. Italian sailors also discovered the breed and brought them back to Italy, where they quickly became favorites among Italian nobility during the Renaissance period.

From Italy, the Bichon Frise spread to France, where it reached its peak of popularity during the 16th century reign of King Francis I and continuing through the reign of Henry III. King Henry III was particularly devoted to his Bichon Frises and was famous for carrying them in a basket attached to ribbons around his neck wherever he went, even to official court functions. This royal endorsement elevated the breed's status to that of ultimate luxury and prestige. The breed remained popular with French nobility throughout the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV.

The breed also found favor in Spain, where it became a favorite of the Infanta, and portraits from this period show Spanish nobility with their beloved Bichon Frises. Artists throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods depicted Bichon Frises in their paintings, including works by Goya, Titian, and other masters. These artistic representations help document the breed's long history and its importance in European aristocratic society.

The French Revolution in 1789 marked the beginning of a decline for the Bichon Frise, as the nobility who had been the breed's primary patrons lost their power, wealth, and often their lives. Suddenly, Bichons that had lived pampered lives in palaces found themselves on the streets, abandoned or released by owners who could no longer afford to keep them. The resourceful little dogs survived by becoming performers, entertaining on street corners with organ grinders and in circuses. Their intelligence, trainability, and natural showmanship made them successful circus performers, and they became known as excellent trick dogs.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bichon Frise had fallen from its aristocratic heights to become primarily street dogs and circus performers. The breed's numbers declined significantly, and it teetered on the edge of extinction. Fortunately, after World War I, French breeders began taking an interest in preserving and reviving the breed. In 1933, the Société Centrale Canine, France's kennel club, officially adopted a breed standard, and the breed was registered with the FCI. It was at this time that the breed received its official name "Bichon a Poil Frisé," later shortened to "Bichon Frise."

The breed was brought to the United States in 1956 by a French family named Picault, and the first litter was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. American breeders quickly became enchanted with the cheerful little dogs, and interest in the breed grew steadily. In 1964, the Bichon Frise Club of America was formed, and breeders worked diligently to promote the breed and gain AKC recognition. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Bichon Frise in 1972, admitting it to the Non-Sporting Group in 1973. Since then, the breed has grown substantially in popularity in the United States and has become a beloved companion breed worldwide.

The Bichon Frise is renowned for its cheerful, affectionate, and vivacious personality, often described as having one of the most delightful temperaments in the canine world. This breed seems to approach every day as though it is the best day ever, greeting each morning with enthusiasm and joy. Their perpetually happy disposition and friendly nature toward everyone they meet make them ideal companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. The Bichon's temperament is remarkably stable and even-keeled, with appropriate confidence balanced by friendliness.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Bichon Frise is their sociability and love of people. These dogs are not content to be left alone for long periods and genuinely need human companionship to thrive. They form strong attachments to all family members, not typically showing favoritism to one person, and they want to be involved in all family activities. The Bichon is often described as a "velcro dog" because of their tendency to follow family members from room to room, always wanting to be where the action is. This need for companionship means they are best suited to homes where someone is present most of the time.

The playful nature of the Bichon Frise is legendary. They are natural comedians who seem to delight in making their families laugh with silly antics, funny expressions, and entertaining behaviors. Many Bichon owners report that their dogs seem to have a sense of humor and deliberately perform behaviors that they know will get a laugh. This playfulness persists well into adulthood and even into their senior years, with many Bichons maintaining puppy-like enthusiasm throughout their lives. They enjoy interactive games, toys, learning tricks, and especially any activity that allows them to be the center of attention.

While friendly and outgoing, Bichon Frises are also intelligent dogs with minds of their own. They typically respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement methods involving treats, praise, and play are used. However, they can show a stubborn streak if they perceive training as boring or if harsh corrections are used. The breed's intelligence means they can learn quickly but also that they can figure out ways to get what they want, whether that's extra treats or access to forbidden furniture. Consistency in training and household rules is important.

Bichon Frises get along exceptionally well with children, showing patience and gentleness even with rambunctious youngsters. They are sturdy enough to handle appropriate play from children while being gentle enough not to accidentally knock over small kids. Many Bichons seem to have a special affinity for children and will seek them out for play and cuddles. Supervision is always important with any dog and children, but the Bichon's temperament makes them one of the better choices for families with kids.

With other dogs, Bichon Frises are typically friendly and sociable. They usually enjoy canine companionship and often do well in homes with other dogs. Their play style is appropriate and not overly dominant or aggressive, making them welcomed playmates at dog parks and in group settings. They can also live peacefully with cats and other pets, showing little prey drive or desire to chase smaller animals.

The Bichon Frise adapts remarkably well to various living situations, making them suitable for apartments, suburban homes, and even rural settings. Their moderate size and energy level mean they do not require extensive space, and they can thrive in smaller living quarters as long as they receive adequate exercise and, most importantly, plenty of companionship. The Bichon's adaptability is one of the reasons they have become so popular in urban environments and with people living in various housing situations.

An ideal home for a Bichon Frise is one where family members are home most of the time or where the dog can accompany owners to work or on errands. These dogs genuinely suffer from loneliness when left alone for extended periods, and separation anxiety can develop if they are regularly isolated. Families where at least one person works from home, retirees, or those with flexible schedules that allow them to include their dog in daily activities provide the best environment for this breed. The Bichon wants to be part of everything, whether that's watching TV, cooking in the kitchen, working at a desk, or running errands around town.

Daily life with a Bichon Frise revolves around companionship, play, and grooming. These dogs wake up ready to start the day with enthusiasm, eager for breakfast, morning walks, and time with their families. A typical Bichon day includes two or three short walks totaling 30-40 minutes of exercise, multiple play sessions with toys or family members, training or trick practice, grooming activities, and lots of cuddle time on the couch or in laps. They are equally happy playing fetch in the backyard, learning a new trick, or simply lying on their owner's lap while everyone watches television.

Bichon Frises typically integrate well into multi-pet households. Many owners find that having a second dog can provide companionship for the Bichon and help reduce separation anxiety when humans need to be away briefly. However, the second dog should not be viewed as a replacement for human companionship, as the Bichon will still require substantial interaction with people. When introducing a Bichon to other pets, gradual introductions with positive associations help ensure successful integration, though the breed's generally friendly nature usually makes these transitions smooth.

Family dynamics with a Bichon tend to be positive and filled with laughter. These dogs have a talent for lightening moods and bringing joy to their families, which can be particularly valuable during stressful times. They are sensitive to human emotions and will often respond to family members who are sad or upset by offering comfort through their presence and affection. The Bichon's playful antics provide entertainment, and their need for grooming and care creates structured activities that can bring families together.

One important consideration for Bichon owners is the financial and time commitment required for grooming. Professional grooming every four to six weeks, combined with daily brushing at home, represents both a financial investment and a time commitment. Families should budget for these regular grooming expenses and be prepared to maintain daily coat care. Additionally, the breed's tendency toward dental problems means regular veterinary dental care may be needed, which is another expense to consider. However, for families willing to make these investments, the Bichon Frise provides years of joy, laughter, and devoted companionship that most owners find well worth the effort.

Training a Bichon Frise is generally a rewarding experience, as these intelligent dogs are eager to please and enjoy learning new things. The breed responds best to positive reinforcement training methods that emphasize rewards for correct behavior rather than punishment for mistakes. Bichons are sensitive dogs who can shut down or become stubborn if training becomes too harsh or if they sense frustration from their handler. Patience, consistency, and keeping training sessions fun and engaging are the keys to success with this breed.

Early socialization is essential for Bichon Frise puppies to help them develop into well-adjusted, confident adults. While the breed is naturally friendly, proper socialization ensures they remain comfortable in various situations and around different people, places, and experiences. Puppy socialization classes provide excellent opportunities for young Bichons to meet other puppies in a controlled environment while beginning basic obedience training. These classes help prevent the development of shyness or excessive excitement and teach important social skills like appropriate greeting behaviors and impulse control.

Basic obedience training should begin as soon as a Bichon puppy arrives in their new home, typically around eight weeks of age. Commands like sit, down, stay, come, and leave it form the foundation of good manners and safety. Bichon Frises generally learn these commands quickly due to their intelligence and food motivation. Training sessions should be short, typically five to ten minutes, and should always end on a positive note with a command the dog knows well. Using high-value treats and lots of praise helps maintain the dog's interest and enthusiasm for training.

Housetraining requires patience and consistency with Bichon Frises, as small dogs can be more challenging to housetrain than larger breeds due to their small bladder capacity. Establishing a consistent schedule of taking the puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after play sessions, and before bedtime helps establish good habits. Many Bichon owners use crate training as a housetraining tool, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Some owners successfully train their Bichons to use indoor potty solutions like pee pads or artificial grass systems, which can be convenient for apartment dwellers or during inclement weather.

The Bichon Frise's exercise requirements are moderate and easily met in most living situations. These dogs need approximately 30 to 40 minutes of exercise daily, which can be divided into two or three shorter sessions. A morning walk around the neighborhood, combined with an evening stroll and some indoor playtime, typically satisfies their physical activity needs. While Bichons enjoy walks and exploring their environment, they are not marathon runners or hiking companions. Rather, they prefer moderate-paced walks that allow them to sniff, investigate, and spend time with their owners.

Indoor exercise and mental stimulation are equally important for the Bichon Frise. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, games of hide-and-seek with treats or toys, and trick training provide mental challenges that keep the breed's sharp mind engaged. Bichons excel at learning tricks and love to show off for their families. Teaching behaviors like spinning, rolling over, playing dead, backing up, or retrieving specific objects provides entertainment for both dog and owner while strengthening their bond.

The Bichon Frise can participate in various canine activities and sports. They often excel in rally obedience, which combines obedience skills with a course format that keeps training fun and engaging. Some Bichons compete successfully in competitive obedience trials, demonstrating precise responses to commands and excellent focus. Agility is another activity where some Bichons excel, navigating obstacles like jumps, tunnels, and weave poles with enthusiasm. The breed's intelligence, trainability, and desire to work with their handlers make them suitable for trick training competitions and even service dog work. Many Bichons serve as therapy dogs, bringing joy and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings where their cheerful temperament and portable size make them ideal for therapeutic visits.

The Bichon Frise is generally considered a healthy breed with an impressive lifespan of 14-15 years, and many individuals live even longer with proper care and preventive health measures. The breed benefits from responsible breeding practices over many generations, though like all purebred dogs, Bichons can be predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who conduct appropriate health testing on breeding dogs to minimize the risk of inherited conditions.

One of the most significant health concerns in Bichon Frises is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. This orthopedic problem is common in small dog breeds and can range from mild cases that cause occasional limping to severe cases requiring surgical intervention. Dogs with patellar luxation may exhibit a skipping gait, hold up a leg periodically, or show reluctance to run or jump. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise helps manage mild cases, while more severe cases may require surgical correction to prevent arthritis and chronic pain.

Dental disease is a major health issue for Bichon Frises and is actually one of the leading causes of health problems in the breed. Small dogs are particularly prone to dental problems due to crowding of teeth in their small mouths, which promotes plaque and tartar buildup. Without proper dental care, dogs can develop periodontal disease leading to painful infections, tooth loss, and bacteria entering the bloodstream that can damage the heart, kidneys, and liver. Daily teeth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is ideal, though brushing several times weekly still provides significant benefits. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia may be needed periodically to remove tartar and address any dental problems.

Bladder stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, occur more frequently in Bichon Frises than in many other breeds. These stones form in the bladder and can cause painful urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination attempts, and potentially life-threatening blockages, especially in males. Symptoms include straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, or accidents in the house. Treatment may involve dietary management for certain types of stones, increased water intake, or surgical removal of stones. Some veterinarians recommend feeding Bichons prescription diets designed to prevent stone formation, especially if they have a history of bladder issues.

Allergies are relatively common in Bichon Frises and can manifest in several ways. Environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, or other allergens often cause itchy skin, scratching, paw licking, and ear infections. Food allergies can cause similar symptoms along with digestive upset. Flea allergy dermatitis can cause severe itching and skin problems even from a single flea bite. Identifying and managing allergies may require working with a veterinary dermatologist, implementing environmental controls, dietary trials, or immunotherapy treatments.

Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, becomes more common in Bichon Frises as they age. This condition involves deterioration of the heart valve that separates the left atrium and left ventricle, leading to blood flowing backward and the heart working less efficiently. Early signs may include coughing, especially at night or after exercise, reduced exercise tolerance, or difficulty breathing. Regular veterinary examinations that include listening to the heart can detect murmurs that may indicate valve problems, allowing for early intervention with medications that can slow disease progression.

Cataracts and other eye problems can affect Bichon Frises, particularly as they age. Cataracts cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye and can eventually lead to vision loss or blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is a hereditary condition that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, eventually resulting in blindness. Responsible breeders have their dogs examined by veterinary ophthalmologists and avoid breeding dogs with hereditary eye conditions.

Preventive veterinary care is essential for maintaining a Bichon Frise's health throughout their life. Puppies require a series of vaccinations to protect against dangerous diseases including parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and rabies. Regular parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms should be maintained year-round. Annual or biannual wellness examinations allow veterinarians to catch developing health problems early when they are most treatable. Senior Bichons, typically those over seven years old, benefit from twice-yearly checkups and bloodwork to monitor organ function and detect age-related conditions. Regular veterinary care helps ensure Bichon Frises live long, healthy, happy lives as beloved family companions.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Bichon Frise's health and longevity.

Grooming is undoubtedly the most time-intensive and demanding aspect of Bichon Frise ownership, requiring daily commitment from the owner and regular professional grooming to maintain the breed's health and signature appearance. The breed's double coat, while beautiful and minimally shedding, requires meticulous care to prevent matting, keep the skin healthy, and maintain the powder-puff look that defines the breed. Prospective owners must seriously consider whether they have the time and financial resources to meet these substantial grooming needs.

Daily brushing is absolutely essential for the Bichon Frise and should become a non-negotiable part of the daily routine. Owners should plan to spend at least 15-20 minutes each day thoroughly brushing through the entire coat using a quality pin brush or slicker brush followed by a metal comb. The process should be systematic, working in layers from the skin outward to ensure the brush reaches all the way through the coat rather than just skimming over the surface. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting, including behind the ears, under the front legs, in the groin area, and on the rear legs. Many Bichon owners find it helpful to establish a grooming routine at the same time each day, often in the evening while watching television, to help both owner and dog accept this as a normal part of daily life.

Bathing a Bichon Frise should be done every three to four weeks to keep the coat clean, fresh, and in optimal condition. Use a high-quality dog shampoo formulated for white coats to help maintain brightness and prevent yellowing or staining. Before bathing, thoroughly brush through the coat to remove any tangles or mats, as water can set mats and make them much more difficult to remove later. Wet the coat thoroughly with lukewarm water, apply shampoo, and work it gently through the coat, being careful not to create additional tangles by rubbing or circular motions. Rinse completely, ensuring all shampoo is removed, as residue can cause skin irritation. Follow with a conditioner to help keep the coat soft and manageable.

After bathing, the drying and brushing process is crucial to achieving the Bichon's characteristic fluffy appearance. Towel dry gently to remove excess water, then use a blow dryer on a low or medium heat setting while brushing the coat with a pin brush or slicker brush. Blow the coat in the direction of hair growth, using the brush to lift and fluff the coat as you dry. This process can take 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the dog's size and coat density. Allowing a Bichon to air dry will result in a matted, tangled coat, so proper blow-drying is essential.

Professional grooming every four to six weeks is necessary for most Bichon Frises to maintain their coat in good condition and to achieve the proper trim. Professional groomers have the expertise and tools to create the rounded, powder-puff appearance characteristic of the breed. A full grooming session includes bathing, blow-drying, brushing, trimming the body coat to an even length, rounding the head, trimming around the eyes and face, scissoring the feet to create round paws, and trimming sanitary areas. The groomer will also typically clean the ears, trim the nails, and express anal glands if needed. Professional grooming represents a significant ongoing expense, typically ranging from fifty to one hundred dollars per session depending on location and the condition of the coat.

Some owners choose to keep their Bichons in a shorter "puppy cut" that maintains about one to two inches of coat length all over, which is much easier to maintain at home but still requires daily brushing and regular bathing. Even in a short cut, professional grooming every six to eight weeks is advisable to keep the coat even and properly shaped.

If you're looking to adopt a Bichon Frise, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Bichon Frises waiting for their forever homes.