The Bichon Frise’s coat is one of its most iconic features—fluffy, white, and irresistibly soft. But beyond its adorable texture, the Bichon’s hairstyle also plays a big role in the breed’s charm and visual identity.
According to the Kennel Club and breed standards, the Bichon Frise traditionally has only one official hairstyle—the Classic Show Cut. This formal style is used in conformation dog shows to reflect the breed’s purity, structure, and elegance, highlighting signature features such as:
The perfectly rounded head
The correct angulation of the front and rear legs
The arched tail that curves gracefully over the back
When groomed in this style, the Bichon Frise looks like a pristine white cloud with legs, a living cotton puff full of personality.
However, modern grooming trends have introduced fresh, playful variations that highlight the Bichon’s joyful, cuddly nature. These newer cuts maintain the breed’s cuteness while offering easier maintenance and more personalization based on climate, activity level, and owner preferences.
Let’s explore the most popular Bichon Frise haircut styles trending today, with their defining features, seasonal advantages, and visual appeal.
🏆 1. Classic show cut
This is the only haircut recognized by major kennel clubs for competitions and dog shows.
Key Features:
Perfectly rounded head like a snowball
Symmetrical trimming on legs and body
Tail arched over the back, forming a feathered plume
Sculpted body for a cloud-like silhouette
This cut is labor-intensive, requiring professional grooming every 3–4 weeks and daily brushing to avoid mats.
It’s elegant and regal, ideal for pet owners who want their Bichon to look show-ready at all times.
🧸 2. Teddy bear cut
The teddy bear cut is one of the most popular styles among everyday pet owners.
Key Features:
Fluffy, rounded ears that stand out—hence the “teddy bear” resemblance
Uniform, plush length throughout the body (slightly shorter than the show cut)
Soft, rounded face with expressive eyes
This style gives the Bichon the appearance of a cuddly toy and is perfect for those who love a more adorable, approachable look. It’s also easier to maintain than the show cut while still keeping the signature Bichon fluff.
⚪ 3. Giant head cut
This playful and eye-catching style emphasizes the head’s volume, making it look bigger than the body.
Key Features:
Hair is kept short or medium on the body
The top of the head is sculpted to be extra full and round
Ears and cheeks blend into the head, creating a balloon-like effect
This modern look gives your Bichon a comedic, stylized appearance, great for owners who want their pup to stand out.
🐣 4. Puppy cut
The puppy cut offers a youthful, low-maintenance look, ideal for warm weather and active dogs.
Key Features:
Ears are longer and not rounded, creating a bell-like appearance
The body coat is trimmed shorter, especially around the torso, for breathability
Legs are fuller, flared slightly to retain the fluffy Bichon look
Perfect for spring and summer, this cut keeps your dog cool while still showing off its sweet personality.
🐾 Final thoughts: finding the right Bichon Frise hairstyle
From the elegant show cut to the sweet teddy bear cut or playful giant head look, there’s a perfect Bichon Frise haircut for every dog and every lifestyle.
The style you choose should also take into account the weather where you live:
Cold or winter climates: Opt for longer, fluffier styles (like the show cut or teddy bear cut) to keep your dog insulated and warm.
Hot or summer climates: choose medium to short cuts (like the puppy cut) to help your dog stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion.
While the breed standard highlights the Bichon’s beauty and structure, modern trends allow more freedom to express personality, reduce grooming time, and keep your pup comfortable year-round.
Whatever cut you choose, remember:
Always consult a professional groomer with experience in curly-coated breeds.
Maintain a brushing routine at home to prevent mats and tangles.
Adapt the haircut to your climate, activity level, and grooming schedule.
A well-groomed Bichon Frise is more than just a pretty pup, it’s a happy, healthy, and confident companion.