Do you want to adopt a Bichon Frise puppy? And you are not sure about their shedding habits and patterns? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have all the answers to your questions, including do Bichon Frise shed.
This canine belongs to the group of bichon-type dogs, alongside the likes of Havenes, Bolognese, and Maltese. These dogs are known as hypoallergenic breed puppies. But how much is true about their non-shedding patterns?
According to the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise is a low-shedding breed. They have a hypoallergenic coat. So, if you want a dog that will help you cope with allergies, the Bichon might be the right one for you.
Understanding Bichon Frise Coat
Let’s talk more about the Bichon Frise coat. The puppy looks like he walked into a cloud and decided to shake it off. This hypoallergenic dog has a single-layer coat. Once he reaches 12 months of age, his top layer begins to grow. Combine that with the tight curls, and the shedding schedule is different compared to other dog breeds.
The Bichon Frise does shed, but very lightly compared to other double-layered coat dogs. Yes, the Bichon has a double coat. But as a puppy, he is born with a single coat.
The two layers of the coat work together to keep the puppy warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Depending on the season, hair grows or falls off. Bichon Frise is a seasonal shedder.
So, if you have one at home, instead of heavy shedding seasons and clumps of hair everywhere, you will notice some hair here and there.
Here is a bit of irony. If the humans in the home have white-colored hair, you might not notice any difference at all.
Bichon Frise Coat Color
As we mentioned before, the Bichon has a white-colored coat. There is one primary color of the dog breed, and that is white. Some Bichons are entirely white, while some have apricot, buff, and cream accents.
No matter the coat color, all Bichons shed the same.
How Much Grooming Do They Need?
Now that we answered Do Bichon Frise shed, let’s talk about grooming. No matter the coat color, these puppies shed the same and need the same amount of grooming. Their curly coat makes them less likely to shed.
But their trademark curls catch the shorter undercoat as it molts. But while that prevents shedding, it might result in matting and tangling. You need to brush your Bichon Frise puppy daily to prevent tangling.
In fact, you might need to brush him after every walk, because Bichons are known to have grass and dirt tangled up in their coat.
If you want your dog to look different, take him to a professional groomer. An expert will be able to choose different haircuts and hairstyles for your furry friend.
Why Don’t They Shed As Much As Other Dogs?
How much a dog molts depends on the breed and the rate at which their hair grows, stops growing, and falls out. That is the regular hair growth cycle.
The more delayed the hair cycle is, the longer the hair needs to grow and the less to shed. So, if your dog has a long hair cycle, it will shed less than usual.
Bichon Frise is a small dog, and there is so much hair that can drop off in comparison with a larger dog breed.
Generally speaking, you are not going to notice much hair floating around the home if you adopt a Bichon Frise. If you keep your pet groomed regularly, there will be even less hair.
What To Do If You Notice Excessive Shedding?
While Bichon Frise does not shed much, there are things that can cause excessive shedding, also known as molting. Those include allergies, poor diet, fleas, and more.
The moment you notice heavy shedding in your Bichon, you should consult with a veterinarian.
Does Bichon Frise Have a Blowout Season?
Yes, the Bichon Frise sheds two times per year, during the blowout season. But that is nothing compared to other dogs with a double coat.
Most of your dog’s old hair will fall back into the cloud. You won’t see most of it until you brush or wash your dog.
To summarize, it means less hair on your floor and clothes.
Is There A Difference Between A Bichon Frise Puppy And An Adult?
Yes, there is a difference in shedding between a young Bichon and an adult Bichon. As your puppy grows, you need to implement a daily brushing routine care to get rid of dead hair.
As we said before, Bichon puppies are born with a single layer of coat. But as they grow older, their second coat starts growing. Brushing will prevent tangling and matting as the second layer of the coat grows.
Some people even decide to cut the hair of their Bichons short during this period. Yet, even if you cut your dog’s hair short, you still need to brush regularly to keep the silky puppy hair get out past the growing adult’s coat.
Here is a fun fact. While puppies shed more, adults do not shed as much. The Bichon Frise does not shed at all as an adult. The good news is, that small dog breeds like the Bichon reach adulthood sooner.
Can You Shave Your Bichon?
Some pet parents decide to have their Bichons clipped down to a reasonable length. It is often referred to as the puppy cut. Now, if you are that type of Bichon Frise owner, it is your choice. But it is never a good idea to completely shave your dog with an undercoat right down to the skin.
The undercoat is what helps insulate your dog and protect his skin from sunburn and other weather conditions. Bichons do have an undercoat according to the official American Kennel Club breed standard.
