Bichon Frise Grooming Guide — Cost, Styles & Care Tips

Grooming Guide

Curly coat doesn't shed much but mats easily. Daily brushing is ideal. The signature "powder puff" look requires expert scissor work. Tear staining is common on white coats.

Popular Bichon Frise Haircut Styles

Breed Standard Powder Puff

A popular grooming style for this breed.

Maintenance: Medium Add-on: Varies

Puppy Cut

Even length all over (usually ½–1 inch), clean face and feet. Simple, practical, and comfortable — ideal for active dogs or warm climates.

Maintenance: Low Add-on: +$0

Teddy Bear Cut

Uniform 1–2 inch length all over, rounded face — the most popular pet cut. Gives a cuddly, puppy-like appearance that's easy to maintain between grooms.

Maintenance: Medium Add-on: +$0–$10

Lamb Cut

Short body with fluffy legs, giving a "lamb-like" appearance. Body is clipped close while legs are scissored to a fuller length.

Maintenance: Medium Add-on: +$5–$15

At-Home Care Tips

Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat healthy and distribute natural oils
Trim nails every 2-4 weeks or use a Dremel for smooth edges
Clean ears weekly — this breed is prone to ear infections
Regular bathing every 4-8 weeks helps keep the coat clean and healthy
NEVER shave a double-coated breed — the coat insulates against both heat and cold and may not regrow properly

See Detailed Grooming Costs View All Haircut Styles

Boarding & Daycare

Happy, social dogs that typically enjoy boarding. Separation anxiety can be an issue. Benefits from extra attention from staff.

Key Stats

Energy Level

Separation Anxiety

Trainability

What to Tell Your Boarding Facility

Energy level: Moderate energy — daily walks and some play time

Social style: playful, curious — prone to separation anxiety, benefits from extra attention

Should be in small-dog play groups only

Grooming during boarding: Daily brushing recommended to prevent matting

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bichon Frise grooming cost?

Professional grooming for a Bichon Frise typically costs $50–$80 per session. The exact price depends on your location, the dog's size within the breed range (12–18 lbs), coat condition, and the style you choose. Severely matted coats may incur additional dematting fees.

How often should a Bichon Frise be groomed?

Bichon Frises should be professionally groomed every 4–6 weeks. Between professional visits, regular at-home brushing is important — even though this breed is a low shedder.

Are Bichon Frises good for boarding?

Happy, social dogs that typically enjoy boarding. Separation anxiety can be an issue. Benefits from extra attention from staff.

What is the best haircut for a Bichon Frise?

The most popular Bichon Frise haircuts are Breed Standard Powder Puff, Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear Cut. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, how much brushing you want to do at home, and your dog's comfort level with grooming.

Do Bichon Frises shed a lot?

Bichon Frises have a shedding level of 1 out of 5. They are considered very low shedders, making them popular for allergy sufferers.

How much does a Bichon Frise weigh?

Bichon Frises typically weigh 12–18 lbs. They are classified as small dogs. Weight affects grooming prices — larger dogs within the breed range will generally cost more to groom.

🐶 Bichon Frise Grooming Guide