Quick answer: A Bichon Frise has a dense, curly, low-shedding coat that mats fast and needs daily brushing. The most popular UK cuts in 2026 are the puppy cut (a short, even trim) and the show cut (the round, full coat). Book a professional full groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Tear staining under the eyes is common and is managed with daily face wiping. Allergies are also common; a sensitive-skin shampoo and a vet-recommended diet help.
The Bichon Frise coat
A Bichon Frise has a dense, curly, low-shedding double-layer coat. The outer coat is soft and curly; the undercoat is dense and mat-prone. The coat grows continuously and does not shed in the way a Labrador or a Beagle sheds. The result: a dog with very little loose hair around the house, but a coat that mats within days of a missed brush.
The mat-prone areas are the same as a Cockapoo: behind the ears, in the armpits, around the trouser area, and along the chest. The difference is the speed. A Bichon will mat faster than a Cockapoo, and a missed brush is more visible.
Brushing routine
A practical Bichon Frise brushing routine:
- Daily: a 5 to 10 minute brush with a slicker brush, in sections, then a metal comb through. Focus on the mat-prone areas.
- Every 2 to 3 days: minimum. A Bichon left for 3 days without a brush is a Bichon heading for a mat crisis.
- Weekly: a thorough 15 to 20 minute session, with a bath if needed.
The slicker brush is the workhorse. Pair it with a metal comb to find hidden mats. See our best slicker brush guide.
Popular cuts in the UK
Two cuts account for most Bichon grooms in the UK.
Puppy cut
The most popular. A short, even trim across the body, legs, and face. Length: 1.5 to 2.5 cm all over. The face is rounded, the ears are tidied, the tail is fluffy.
- Maintenance: the lowest of the two. Daily brushing is reduced to every 2 to 3 days.
- Best for: active Bichons, Bichons in hot weather, owners with limited time.
- Difficulty: the easiest to maintain at home.
Show cut
The traditional Bichon look: a long, full, round coat. The body is brushed out to its full length (4 to 6 cm), the face is rounded into a "powder puff" shape, and the legs are cylindrical and fluffy.
- Maintenance: the highest. Daily brushing is non-negotiable. Professional grooming every 4 weeks.
- Best for: show Bichon owners, owners who want the traditional look, owners with the time to brush daily.
Tear staining
Bichon Frise tear staining is one of the breed's most common cosmetic issues. The hair under the eyes discolours red or brown, and the staining can become permanent if the area stays damp.
A practical tear-stain routine:
- Daily: wipe the area under the eyes with a damp cotton pad or a vet-recommended eye wipe. Dry thoroughly after.
- Weekly: check the corners of the eyes for hair growth. A groomer can pluck the under-eye hair to reduce staining.
- If staining persists: see your vet. Persistent tear staining can be a sign of a blocked tear duct, an allergy, or an eye irritation.
Most Bichon tear staining is cosmetic. Switching to a stainless steel or ceramic water bowl (instead of plastic) sometimes helps. Filtered water instead of tap water also helps in some cases.
Allergies
Bichon Frise are prone to skin allergies. The signs are scratching, red patches (especially on the belly and the armpits), and recurrent ear infections. The most common triggers are:
- Food: chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy are common culprits. A vet-recommended hypoallergenic diet helps.
- Environmental: pollen, dust mites, grass. Wiping the coat and paws after a walk reduces exposure.
- Flea allergy: a single flea bite can trigger a reaction. Year-round flea prevention is part of the routine for an allergic Bichon.
If your Bichon is scratching more than usual, see your vet. An allergy left untreated becomes a chronic skin issue that is much harder to fix.
Coat change
A Bichon Frise puppy starts losing the soft puppy coat at 4 to 6 months and finishes the change by 10 to 12 months. The change is the most mat-prone time of the dog's life. Daily brushing during the change is not optional.
The first full groom is usually at 5 to 6 months, after 2 to 3 short "puppy tidy" visits. See our puppy first groom guide and puppy coat change guide.
Cost
A Bichon Frise full groom in the UK in 2026:
- Bichon Frise (under 7 kg): £45 to £70
- Bichon Frise (7 to 10 kg): £55 to £80
- London premium: +£10 to £20
A face and sanitary tidy between full grooms is £10 to £20 at most salons. For a full breakdown, see our dog grooming cost by breed UK guide.
Common mistakes
- Skipping daily brushing. A Bichon left for 3 days without a brush is a Bichon heading for a mat crisis.
- Bathing without brushing first. A wet mat is a clipper-out mat.
- Skipping the tear-stain wipe. Persistent staining becomes permanent.
- Clipping the coat very short in summer. A Bichon's coat grows back slowly and may change texture. A puppy cut is fine; a 5 mm clipper cut is not.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Bichon Frise be groomed?
Every 4 to 6 weeks for a full groom. A Bichon's coat mats fast, so a longer interval risks a clipper-short reset at the next visit. A 2 to 3 week face and sanitary tidy between full grooms keeps the cut in shape.
Do Bichon Frise shed?
Very little. Bichons have a low-shedding double-layer coat, which is why the breed is popular with allergy households. The trade-off is that the coat grows continuously and needs regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting.
How do I stop my Bichon's tear staining?
Wipe the area under the eyes daily with a damp cotton pad, and dry thoroughly. Pluck the under-eye hair at the groomer to reduce staining. If the staining persists, see your vet; it can be a sign of a blocked tear duct, an allergy, or an eye irritation. Switching to a stainless steel or ceramic water bowl and using filtered water sometimes helps.
Pair Bichon care with our handmade dog accessories - gentle on sensitive Bichon skin.
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