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Do Bichon Frise Shed?

Dr Shamsul Alam Roky
Reviewed by:
Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky
Veterinarian

Best known for its adorable teddy bear face and winning personality, the Bichon Frise is a gentle-mannered pooch picked not only for its “hypoallergenic” coat but also for its playful yet even temperament.

With hair that large, you’d wonder whether these tiny but mighty dogs suffer from excessive shedding. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the Bichon Frise’s coat. With this guide, there’ll be no bad hair day for you or your Bichon!

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How Much Do Bichon Frise Shed?

If you thought you’d get away hair-free with this breed, unfortunately, you’re sorely mistaken. These dogs shed just like other dogs. But the good news is, despite their double coat, they don’t shed as much!

The Bichon Frise shed very little for most of their lives due to the density and texture of their coat. When their undercoat begins to shed, it tends to get tangled with their outer coat. This is why this dog breed needs to be brushed regularly.

Do Bichon Frises shed more during certain seasons?

Bichons shed lightly year-round but may be susceptible to heavier, albeit small, shedding during the shedding seasons.

As mentioned above, their undercoat can get caught in their outer coat, so you won’t be able to see old loose hair until you’ve brushed or washed it out. Grooming is essential to these coats, regardless of the light shedding.

If you think your Bichon is losing more hair than normal, consult your local veterinarian, as there may be underlying health conditions.

Do Bichon Frises shed more as puppies?

Bichon Frise puppies are born with a single-layer coat, but once a Bichon puppy reaches six months old, they’ll begin shedding quite a bit. This is the only time in the dog’s life you’ll experience more hair floating around.

Regular brushing and grooming are important to ensure their puppy coat isn’t becoming matted with their adult coat.

What Type of Hair Do Bichon Frises Have?

With an ultra-puffy and fluffy white coat, incredibly soft to the touch, you could mistake the Bichon for a ball of cotton.

The Bichon Frise coat is made up of a thick undercoat and the iconic outer curly coat. Once this pooch grows in its adult coat, the top layer of its coat will begin to grow through. This curly coat means the Bichon Frise’s shedding schedule is different from other dog breeds.

Bichon Frise Shedding Tips: How To Minimise

Although a low shedding breed, a good amount of upkeep and coat maintenance is required for Bichon Frise dogs. Most Bichon Frise owners prefer sending their Bichon to a professional groomer, while others choose to do it themselves.

For those wanting to tackle it on their own, here are some great tips for minimising their shedding.

Daily brushing

All dogs require a good amount of brushing. Without regular brushing and proper maintenance, your Bichon’s coat will soon become a living nightmare of mats and tangled hair.

Use the right shampoo

Using the right shampoo for your Bichon will keep their puffy coat clean, well-groomed, and tangle-free. Bichons can be prone to itchy and dry skin, so regular bathing with pet-friendly shampoo is important for promoting a soft coat and healthy skin.

A good diet

A well-balanced diet plays a major role in your Bichon’s health. Just like people, a dog’s coat is made up of 90% protein and if given a poor diet, its coat will suffer and turn dull. Feeding your Bichon a top-quality diet can keep their coat healthy and shed-free.

Are Bichon Frises Hypoallergenic?

According to the American Kennel Club, Bichons are hypoallergenic dogs. Most pet owners that suffer from allergies are recommended the Bichon because of its low shedding. However, this is only because the shed hair is trapped.

A common conception is that it is dog hair that sets off allergies when, in fact, the culprit is dead skin (dander). That said, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the hair shed from your Bichon can still cause an allergic reaction.

Before committing to a Bichon Frise, spend some time with the breed first.

Final Thoughts on Bichon Frise Shedding

So, do Bichon Frise shed hair? They do. But on the bright side, the Bichon Frise sheds much less than other dogs. So, there’s no need to whip out the roller every time you cuddle your Bichon. Despite the high maintenance and regular grooming that is required, this cuddle-worthy breed makes for good family dogs.

All things considered, be sure that you’re committed to the short period of shedding that will occur and the maintenance of their coats before bringing your Bichon Frise puppy home.

Learn more about: Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information

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