Bichons have a dense double coat of soft, curly, non-shedding hair that mats faster than almost anything else its size. Professional grooming runs $60–$100 every 4–6 weeks, and daily brushing at home is genuinely not optional.
Why the Bichon coat is hard work
The Bichon has a soft, dense undercoat beneath a coarser, curly outer coat. Neither sheds meaningfully. Loose hair stays trapped in the curl and knits into the growing coat, which is why a Bichon can go from "looks fine" to pelted in under a fortnight.
The signature rounded "powder puff" look is entirely a grooming creation — scissored by hand into a sphere. It's one of the more skilled finishes in pet grooming, which is part of why the price sits where it does despite the dog's small size.
Cut options
- Show / powder puff — the full rounded silhouette, hand-scissored. Highest maintenance.
- Puppy cut — one to two inches all over with a rounded head. The sensible default.
- Teddy bear — slightly fuller face, shorter body.
- Short practical clip — half an inch or less. Best for hot climates and coats that have got away from you.
What it costs
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full groom, puppy cut | $60–$100 |
| Show-style scissored finish | $85–$140 |
| Bath & tidy | $35–$60 |
| Dematting surcharge | $15–$30 per 15 min |
Annual cost: roughly $600–$1,100.
Tear staining and the white coat
Like other white breeds, Bichons show tear staining clearly. Wipe under the eyes daily with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly — damp fur is where staining sets. Keep the hair short around the eyes, and use steel or ceramic bowls. Sudden or worsening staining is a reason to see a vet, not to buy another product.
Home care
Line brush daily. Part the coat to the skin, brush the exposed section outward, move up an inch, repeat. Follow with a steel comb — if it catches, that area isn't done.
Never bathe a matted Bichon. Water tightens mats into a pelt. Brush out completely first.
Watch the friction points: behind the ears, armpits, collar line, hindquarters.
Check ears weekly. Bichons grow hair in the ear canal and are prone to infections.
Frequently asked questions
How often do Bichons need grooming?
Every four to six weeks professionally, with daily brushing between visits.
Are Bichons hypoallergenic?
They shed very little, which suits many allergy sufferers. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and low shedding is exactly why the coat mats.
My Bichon has to be shaved. Did I fail?
No — it happens to most Bichon owners at least once. Shaving is the humane option for a pelted coat, and it regrows perfectly well.
Related guides
Costs are typical U.S. ranges for 2026 and vary by region and coat condition.
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