Clinical & Salon Overview
The Bichon Frise is a little white powder puff with a big, cheerful personality — and a coat that demands the Poodle-level commitment most owners don't expect. That curly, non-shedding coat mats fast, the white shows everything, and the famous round head doesn't happen by accident. Here's how our Memphis groomers keep Bichons fluffy, white, and happy at All About Pawz.
Bichons wear a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a curly, corkscrew outer coat
Bichons wear a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a curly, corkscrew outer coat — plush rather than wiry, which gives the breed its powder-puff look. It grows continuously and sheds minimally; loose hair stays trapped in the curls, which is why it mats instead of landing on your sofa. White is the only acceptable color, which means tear stains, beard staining, and paw licking all show. The coat's texture is softer than a Poodle's, which mats even faster — Bichons are genuinely one of the highest-maintenance small breeds.
Daily brushing with a slicker — yes, daily.
Daily brushing with a slicker — yes, daily. The soft, dense curls felt at the root within days if skipped. Use line brushing: part the coat to the skin and work thin sections, because Bichon mats start underneath the fluffy exterior. Follow with a steel comb — the rule is absolute for this breed: if the comb doesn't glide, there's a mat. Focus on the friction zones: behind the ears, under the collar and harness, armpits, and the belly. A light detangling spray makes daily sessions gentler. Ten minutes a day beats a shave-down every time.
Every two to three weeks with a gentle whitening or brightening dog shampoo
Every two to three weeks with a gentle whitening or brightening dog shampoo — white coats show everything, and a clean Bichon coat resists matting far better than a dirty one. Always brush out completely before the bath; water tightens mats into felt. Shampoo twice, condition lightly, and rinse until the water runs clear — residue dulls white coats to gray. Blow-dry on warm while brushing with the slicker (fluff-drying), which straightens the curls and creates the plush, powder-puff texture. Air-drying produces tight curls that tangle overnight. Never clip a dirty Bichon — the cut comes out uneven and the blades suffer.
Professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Professional grooming every four to six weeks. The signature Bichon look is the breed clip: rounded head, plush cylindrical body, shaped legs — the powder puff. The teddy bear cut is the popular pet alternative: slightly less sculpted, equally adorable, and a touch easier to maintain. Between grooms, keep the face, sanitary area, and paw pads tidy. The round head is a scissor skill — it takes a groomer who knows the breed to get that perfect globe. Communicate clearly: show your groomer a photo of the look you want, because "Bichon cut" means slightly different things to different groomers.
Tear stains are the breed's cosmetic signature
Tear stains are the breed's cosmetic signature: wipe under the eyes daily with a damp cloth, keep the area dry, and keep facial hair trimmed away from the eyes. If staining is heavy or the skin looks irritated, ask your vet about tear duct issues rather than just bleaching the symptom. Nails every three to four weeks — Bichons are light and won't wear nails down. Ears: floppy and hairy, so check weekly and clean with a vet-approved solution; ask your vet or groomer about managing ear-canal hair. Teeth: small mouths mean dental disease is common — brush as often as possible and ask your vet about professional cleanings.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Daily | Line-brush with slicker; comb check; wipe under eyes |
| Every 2–3 weeks | Nail trim; bath, fluff-dry, brush-out |
| Every 4–6 weeks | Professional haircut |
| Ongoing | Teeth brushing; weekly ear checks |
Standing appointment every four to six weeks
Standing appointment every four to six weeks — Bichons are not a breed to stretch, because the coat punishes every skipped week. If mats have formed tight to the skin, book before bathing; a pro will assess honestly whether careful dematting or a humane short clip is kinder. Bichon puppies should meet the groomer at 12 to 16 weeks for short, happy visits — and here's the breed's gift to groomers: Bichons are famously cheerful about handling, which makes them delightful grooming clients for life when started right.
Serving Pets Across Greater Memphis & Shelby County
Whether you live near Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Arlington, All About Pawz offers full salon appointments and concierge pet care.