A prospective owner, then, must be prepared
to brush and bathe a bichon more often than most other breeds. 

Because the bichon coat is a double coat with a tendency to matt profusely when wet,
special care must be taken to brush and comb a bichon daily if possible
and always before a bath.  

Afterward, the coat must be blown thoroughly dry
(by hand, while brushing!)
in order to maintain it's fluffy texture and to prevent matts from forming.

 

If your bichon is ever lost for a matter of days
she may not look as fluffy and white when found.

After a day hiking in the mountains, and after a swim in the lake
the bichon below appears to be an entirely different breed ...
and reminds us about a time in history when they were not so carefully maintained.

 

ran wild
in the streets
of France.