A cheerful, happy dog, the Bichon Frise is small and sturdy with a dark-eyed inquisitive expression and a plumed tail it carries merrily over the back. The breed is often compared to a cotton ball due to its curled double coat, which consists of a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat. The coat must be white, but may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body.
A Look Back
The Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th century as a descendent from the Water Spaniel. Traded by Spanish sailors and transported from continent to continent, the breed eventually became a favorite of those in the 16th century French royal courts. The breed was also favored by the painters of the Spanish school, who often included them in their works. Although the breed’s colorful past includes use as a circus dog, today the Bichon is enjoyed primarily as a companion animal.
The Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th century as a descendent from the Water Spaniel. Traded by Spanish sailors and transported from continent to continent, the breed eventually became a favorite of those in the 16th century French royal courts. The breed was also favored by the painters of the Spanish school, who often included them in their works. Although the breed’s colorful past includes use as a circus dog, today the Bichon is enjoyed primarily as a companion animal.
Right Breed for You?
The Bichon is a naturally gentle, playful dog. He loves activity and requires regular exercise. His hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats. Bichons also tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers.
The Bichon is a naturally gentle, playful dog. He loves activity and requires regular exercise. His hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats. Bichons also tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: Bichon’s have a curly coat that does not grow to a specific length, it keeps growing; so it needs regular grooming every 4 – 6 weeks. Bichon’s actually do shed and need to be brushed on a regular grooming routine.
Ears: Ear Powder is used to help grab the hair that grows down into the ear canal. Pulling ear hair will help prevent ear infections. Do not pull ear hair unless you are properly trained how by your vet or groomer. Follow up with Ear Care to remove dirt and debris form the ear canal. Do not clean further than you can see.
Eyes: Optisoothe should be on hand incase the eyes need to be flushed. Use opti soothe after shaving the face to help remove and tiny hairs which might have gotten into the eyes.
Coat Care: Brushing is a must for a Bichon. Mats need to be removed before the bath. Be sure you can get a comb through the hair before the bath. Mats are like wool and shrink down to the skin as they dry. Once they shrink down they are very difficult to remove and the dog might have to be shaved down by the groomer. Use tools listed below for the best coat care. Aloe Hydrating Spray should be sprayed on the coat before brushing. Brushing a dry coat will cause the coat to break. Detangling and dematting Spray or Quick Finish Spray on the tangled areas will help get the brush and comb to get through the trouble spots.
Bathing: After combing out the dog you are ready to bathe. The first bath is for general cleaning to take off the dirt and grime. Any of the Classic Care or Professional Care products are ideal. Follow up with the second bath and target the need of the dog. Bichon’s with normal skin and coat can be bathed with any of our wonderful scent renewal products for long lasting fragrance. Be sure to end the bath with conditioner. This will help with brushing out your pet and keep the coat hydrated to protect against harsh weather conditions.
Paws: : Paw Balm should be used weekly as well, paw pads that are soft and pliable are less likely to dry and crack due to weather conditions or from rocks or stickers in the field.
Common Problems: Bichon’s are prone to allergies, especially during spring and summer. Be sure to check their skin regularly to insure the proper coat care is being done. Hot Spot Foam and 3 in 1 Healing Cream is used to keep your dog from licking and chewing the area and allow the area to heal.
Show Dog Tips: Freeze! Hair Gel can be administered at the base of the coat of the top knot and the bevels of the feet before drying and brushed while fluffing to help create the perfect profile. Boost! Volumizing Spray can be sprayed in as well to add in volume to help hold up the topknot. Quick Finish Spray as a finishing spray while scissoring makes for the perfect scissored profile.
Tools: A brush and a comb are basic essentials to keep your Bichon in tip top shape. After brushing you need to check the dog over with a metal comb to be sure the coat is mat free. Your groomer may need to use a dematting tool to help remove the tangles, if the tangles are too bad shaving might be the best option.
