Quick Answer:
Bichon Frise grooming costs $60-$100 every 4-6 weeks. Their signature fluffy white coat requires professional grooming to maintain the rounded "powder puff" look. Daily brushing prevents matting. They're hypoallergenic but high-maintenance.
Bichon Frise Grooming Costs
Here's what to expect for professional Bichon Frise grooming based on size and service type:
| Size | Weight | Basic Groom | Full Groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bichon Frise | 12-18 lbs | $60-$75 | $75-$100 |
Annual grooming costs: $720-$1,200 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).
For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.
Bichon Frise Coat Type & Care
Bichon Frises have a unique double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a curly, coarser outer coat. The combination creates their signature fluffy appearance. Their white coat shows dirt easily but doesn't shed.
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Shedding | Non-shedding (hypoallergenic) |
| Grooming Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Brushing | Daily |
| Grooming Difficulty | High |
Popular Bichon Frise Haircuts
Here are the most popular grooming styles for Bichon Frises:
Show Cut (Powder Puff)
Best for: Show dogs, breed enthusiasts
Classic round head, body scissored to appear cylindrical. Requires expert grooming and daily maintenance.
Maintenance: Very High - daily brushing required
Puppy Cut
Best for: Easy maintenance
Body trimmed to 1-2 inches all over. Face rounded but simpler than show cut.
Maintenance: Medium - brush every 1-2 days
Teddy Bear Cut
Best for: Cute, manageable look
Similar to puppy cut with extra rounding on face and head for teddy bear appearance.
Maintenance: Medium - brush every 1-2 days
Lamb Cut
Best for: Different silhouette
Body clipped shorter with legs left slightly fuller. Face neat and rounded.
Maintenance: Medium - regular leg brushing
Bichon Frise Grooming Schedule
Follow this schedule to keep your Bichon Frise looking and feeling their best:
- Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
- Brushing: Daily
- Bathing: Every 2-3 weeks or at professional groom
- Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
- Ear cleaning: Weekly (prone to ear issues)
Puppy Grooming
Start grooming early. Bichon puppies have softer coats that transition to adult texture. Establish daily brushing routine from the start.
Senior Dog Grooming
Older Bichons may have thinner coats and sensitive skin. Shorter cuts are often more comfortable. Gentle handling essential.
Find a Bichon Frise-experienced groomer
Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Bichon Frises and similar breeds.
Find Groomers Near MeCommon Bichon Frise Grooming Problems
Matting
The curly coat mats quickly, especially in friction areas and when moisture is trapped.
Prevention: Daily brushing to the skin. Pay attention to behind ears, armpits, and rear. Never let coat air dry.
Tear Staining
White facial hair shows reddish-brown tear stains prominently.
Prevention: Daily face cleaning. Keep hair around eyes trimmed. Address underlying causes if persistent.
Ear Infections
Hair in ear canals and floppy ears trap moisture.
Prevention: Weekly ear cleaning. Professional removal of ear hair. Watch for head shaking or odor.
Yellowing Coat
White coat can yellow from sun, saliva, or urine staining.
Prevention: Regular bathing with whitening shampoo. Keep face and rear clean. Limit sun exposure.
At-Home Bichon Frise Grooming
Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Bichon Frise's coat at home.
Essential Tools
- Slicker brush
- Metal comb
- Detangling spray
- Eye wipes for tear staining
- Whitening shampoo
- Ear cleaner
Grooming Tips
- Brush daily - Bichons mat quickly
- Mist with detangling spray before brushing
- Brush to the skin, not just surface
- Clean face daily to prevent tear staining
- Keep coat dry - wet coat mats faster
Finding a Bichon Frise-Experienced Groomer
Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Bichon Frise:
- Look for experience with curly-coated breeds
- Ask about their scissoring skills - Bichon cuts require expertise
- Check photos of their Bichon work
- Ensure they know the breed standard look
- Ask about whitening treatments
For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to groom a Bichon Frise?▼
Bichon Frise grooming costs $60-$100 per session. Basic grooming runs $60-$75, while full show-style grooming costs $75-$100.
How often should a Bichon Frise be groomed?▼
Bichon Frises need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing at home is essential to prevent matting.
What is the best haircut for a Bichon Frise?▼
The Puppy Cut or Teddy Bear Cut are most popular for pets. They're easier to maintain than the show cut while still looking adorable.
Do Bichon Frises shed?▼
Bichon Frises don't shed in the traditional sense - their loose hair gets caught in the coat instead of falling. This is why regular brushing is essential.
How do I keep my Bichon white?▼
Regular bathing with whitening shampoo, daily face cleaning for tear stains, and keeping the coat clean and dry maintains the white color.
Can I groom my Bichon Frise at home?▼
You can do daily brushing and maintenance at home, but the breed-specific cuts require professional scissoring skills. Most owners groom at home between professional appointments.
The Bottom Line
Bichon Frise grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Bichon Frise looking and feeling their best.
Find a groomer experienced with Bichon Frises, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Bichon Frise will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.
Related Breed Guides
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