| The Bichon pictured here has a soft, silky coat with a mixture of curly and straighter hair. The head has a more flowing look, and will not maintain the fluffy, cotton ball look of the curlier Bichons. The advantage of this type of coat is that it is easier to maintain. This seems to be the preferred coat type of Bichon owners in France. This coat is less likely to mat, and somewhat easier for the pet owner to maintain. This Bichon has a medium texture coat. There is some fullnes to the head, and fluff to the coat, but it still doesn't have a perfectly round-headed, "show dog" look. This coat needs to be groomed a little shorter and more frequently than the one pictured above. When not brushed out regularly, this coat will mat, and will revert to little curls, similar to a poodle. With regular grooming, this coat is very maintainable, yet has the signature "Bichon" look, without too much maintenance! This is the classic Bichon coat and style. To maintain the round profile of the head, the coat must be quite thick, and needs to have a pronounced double coat. This coat type will also revert to very tight little pincurls if not brushed out regularly. The "powder puff" look is achieved only by blowing out the coat with a wire brush and blower, and requires more frequent professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain the overall shape. While this is an elegant and classic look, it does require discipline on the owner's part to maintain.
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