7 Best Bichon Frise Dog Hair Clippers + Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Bichon Frise hair requires regular trimming and maintenance, often more than other dogs due to the texture and density.

To keep a Bichon Frise’s coat from painful matting, it is crucial to groom them frequently and correctly. Many Bichon Frise owners have chosen to forgo the frequent groomer visits and take trimming into their own hands. Grooming your Bichon yourself is a convenient, money-saving alternative and, with the correct tools, it can be easy to do!

Although it is not for everyone, grooming your Bichon at home is an excellent alternative to typical groomer visits because you can create a great bonding experience between you and your pup, and all you need are the right dog hair clippers to do it properly.

Below we will discuss our choices for the seven best Bichon Frise dog hair clippers on the market today as well as some tips for using the clippers.

Different Types of Clippers and Blades

Before getting into our top clipper picks for Bichon Frises, it is essential to understand the different types of clippers and blades available.

Cordless vs Corded Clippers

The main, and most obvious, difference between these two types of clippers is that one has a fixed cord and the other is battery powered. While professional dog groomers typically prefer one over the other, some will have a collection of both.

One of the biggest advantages to a corded clipper is that you have constant power and don’t need to stop to recharge. In general, corded clippers provide more power than a cordless clipper. Even though most corded clippers come with long cords, it can be difficult to trim your Bichon with a cord in the way and these types of clippers aren’t as portable since you need an outlet nearby.

Cordless clippers are great to have on hand because they allow you to trim hard-to-reach places a little easier and you can move more freely. If you find that trimming your Bichon outside or even in an empty bathtub, a cordless clipper might be a better option. Since cordless clippers don’t have constant power. Always make sure it’s fully charged or you have a sufficient supply of batteries on hand.

Blades

Both cordless and corded clippers come with a variety of different size blades, typically ranging from #3 to #50. Depending on the clippers you buy, you may only receive one blade, like the commonly used #10. The good news about most blades and clippers is that the majority are interchangeable, which means you can use one brand of blades on another brand of clippers.

Clippers come with different size blades ranging from #3 to #50. The higher the number of the blade, the closer the shave will be. To put this range into perspective, #40 blades are often used when dogs are shaved for surgery to get a close shave to the skin.

Tips For Determining The Best Possible Clipper And Blade For Bichon Frises

We recommend using a professional clipper on your Bichon because of their thick and curly fur. Simple clippers won’t do as good of a job as professional-quality clippers.

It’s a good idea to try out a few different sized blades out on your Bichon because usually, one size isn’t enough. You might come across several resources that recommend certain blade sizes for specific breeds. While some information may differ, blade sizes that are common with Bichon Frises include:

• Face and head: #10-#15
• Body: #7
• Legs: #3-#5
• Tail: #10-#15

The size of blade you choose will depend on the style or cut you’re trying to achieve. Remember, the larger the number, the shorter the cut.

Many Bichon Frise owners opt to use #10 blades near the head and tail to keep the hair short and tidy, but again it all depends on how you want your Bichon to look. If you’re not sure where to start, ask fellow Bichon Frise owners or talk with people who have experience grooming.

Now that you know more about the basics of clippers and blades, let’s review our top 7 best Bichon Frise dog hair clippers!

7 Top-Rated Grooming Clippers For Bichon Frises

Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit

The Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit is our top choice as the best Bichon Frise dog hair clipper. It is a 5-in-1 cordless clipper that is perfect for Bichon Frises. Its ability to cut through all coat types make it ideal for the thick and matted Bichon Frise coat. It is lightweight and comes with a 5-position blade. The slim, simple, and cordless design allows you to get into all of the hard to reach places. It is perfect for a Bichon Frise’s face, paws, ears, as well as an overall body trim.

This kit comes with a clipper, two batteries, a charging base, a carrier case, a cleaning brush, blade oil, and four guide combs that snap on. Each battery can run for 80 minutes and has a 75 minute charge time. The clippers can be cleaned easily using your blade oil and cleaning brush.

The 5-in-one blade allows you to switch between sizes easily. The attachments include a #9, #10, #15, #30, or #40 blade. The cuts range from 0.4mm in length to 2mm. The blades come all together in the same unit, so you don’t have to worry about changing out the blades for different areas. All you have to do is change the setting on your clipper to fit your specific needs. This is a wide variety of options that allow you to trim, shave, and clip your Bichon’s fur exactly how you want to.

For long hair trimming, Wahl provides stainless steel clip-on guide combs that allow the blade to slide with ease minimizing tangles risk of burns and slipping. These range from 1/8th inch tall to 1 full inch. These guide combs make your trim consistent and glide smoothly over the dog’s skin.

Overall, the Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit is a perfect full kit for Bichon Frise owners. With over 100 years of pet clipper production, Wahl products are reliable and excellent for grooming. Your product comes with Wahl’s one-year limited professional warranty.

The versatility of this clipper combined with the price makes this our favorite on the market for at-home Bichon Frise grooming.

Pros:

• Cordless clipper
• It can be used on other breeds and animals.
• It is good for full-body grooming.
• It is lightweight.
• The clippers come in 5 colors.
• It is easy to clean.
• You can easily adjust between 5 blade sizes.
• The batteries equal 160 minutes of grooming time.
• The product includes a one year warranty.

Cons:

• The battery life diminishes over time.
• The product is on the expensive side.

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Oster Power Max 2-speed Pet Clipper

The Oster Power Max 2-speed Pet Clipper is another excellent option for Bichon Frises. This clipper has two speeds and a lightweight body. It has a rubber grip and a smooth glide to help you contour your Bichon fur however you wish.

The Oster runs quietly, which helps keep your Bichon relaxed while grooming. It also comes with antibacterial coating for clean clipping! It reduces the growth of mildew, bacteria, and mold in your Bichon’s coat. The Oster Power Max comes with detachable blades that can be switched out. Oster claims that this product is perfect for all dog sizes, breeds, and coat types.

The kit comes with a size #10 blade, a blade guard, grease, two extra drive tips, blade oil, and an antibacterial-coated blade. It has a 12-foot cord, and it can switch between 3700 and 4200 strokes per minute. Oster includes a one year warranty.

Although this is not our top pick, this clipper is simple and easy to use, making it a top contender in the seven best Bichon Frise dog hair clippers. If you are new to dog grooming or searching for something basic, this product is worth purchasing!

Pros:

• It has two speeds.
• The blades are suitable for any size dog.
• The product is corded, so you don’t have to worry about batteries dying.
• It is compatible with all A5 blades.
• It includes a one year warranty.

Cons:

• The trimer only comes with one blade.
• You must purchase different size blades separately.
• The cord can make it hard to reach certain areas.

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Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Dog & Cat Clipper

Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Dog & Cat Clipper has everything you need for Bichon Frise grooming. This two-speed clipper can switch between 3400 and 4400 strokes per minute for quick and easy trimming. The Andis AGC2 is cool and quiet to help make your Bichon more comfortable when being groomed.

It is a useful tool for any type of dog fur and comes with a detachable blade for easy cleaning. The cord is a generous 14 inches making it possible to reach all areas of the dog. This trimmer also features a locking system so that the timer will not shut off while you are using it.

This clipper works with all UltraEdge, ShowEdge, Oster A-5, and CeramicEdge blades. They must be bought separately, though. It is available in 5 different colors and is handcrafted in the USA.

What makes this Andis model worthy of our list is that it is practically maintenance-free. Unlike our other timmers, there is no oil or grease required. There is no need to oil these clippers every 20 minutes as some products suggest.

Pros:

• Has a long cord
• It is low maintenance.
• You can cut through thick and curly coats.
• It is made in the US.

Cons:

• It only includes one blade.
• It doesn’t mention any warranty when you purchase it.
• The product is more expensive than others on this list.

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Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit

The Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit comes with everything you need for Bichon Frise grooming. With five colors to choose from, this cordless beauty is sleek and practical. It is quiet and lightweight, and its cordless design makes it easy to reach all angles of your Bichon. The Bravura is designed to be used on paws, ears, face, and all other sensitive areas, as well as a full-body trim.

Its lithium battery makes for a whopping 90-minute full-speed run time and a 60-minute charge. Additionally, you can use it with the cord while it is charging. The lithium charges new every time, reducing the loss of battery life over time.

These clippers come with a 5-in-1 blade. You can easily adjust between a #9, #10, #15, and #40 blades without removing the blade. It can power up to 5500 strokes per minute! The six provided guide combs allow you to adjust to your desired coat length easily—the trimmer guides through thick and curly fur with ease.

This kit includes the clippers, the detachable blade set, six guide combs, a cleaning brush, a storing case, blade oil, a charging stand, and a charge cord.

With so many trimming, speed, and length options to choose from, this Wahl clipper is by far the most versatile clipper on the list. You can produce show Bichon Frise trims with all the versatility the clipper offers.

Pros:

• Comes with five blades.
• It can be used cordless or with a cord.
• The battery lasts 90 minutes.
• It is lightweight and low maintenance.
• The trimmer can be used on a variety of dogs and animals.
• It is sold with a one year warranty.

Cons:

• It might be too pricey for some buyers.

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Andis Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

Andis Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper has low speeds to trim around sensitive areas, and high speeds are used for a full coat cut. The five-speed motor goes up to 4500 strokes per minute. Its blade detaches for easy cleaning, and it comes with an anti-slip grip.

The clipper comes with #10 CeramicEdge detachable blade and blade oil. It’s USA made and perfect for Bichon Frise fur. The blade can be purchased in Indigo blue or Fuschia. It’s durable and long-lasting and works with UltraEdge, CeramicEdge, ShowEdge. Although these clippers are highly rated, they are the most expensive clippers on our list.

Pros:

• The clipper has five speeds.
• It is made in the USA.
• It comes with a detachable blade.

Cons:

• It requires a cord.
• It is the most expensive trimmer on our list.

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Wahl KM5 Rotary 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper Kit

Wahl KM5 Rotary 2-Speed Professional Dog and Cat Clipper Kit is another top contender for Bichon Frise grooming. This 14 foot corded trimmer is made to cut through matted fur. It is perfect for Bichon Frises thick coats. This trimmer can be used in sensitive areas, including ears, face, and paws. It’s quiet and comes in purple, pink, and blue.

This Wahl KM5 comes with a #10 blade cleaning brush, and lubricating oil. This clipper works at 3000 or 3500 strokes per minute.

Pros:

• Has a 14 foot cord.
• It comes with a one-year warranty.
• The trimmer can be used on sensitive skin.
• It comes with a #10 blade.
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• It only comes with one blade.

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Oster Pro Trimmer with Tug-Free T-Blade Pet Clipper

Oster Pro Trimmer with Tug-Free T-Blade Pet Clipper is the best option if you are looking for something that’s budget-friendly and works for clipping shorter hair or for quick touch ups. Although it’s not the best for thick Bichon Frise fur, it gets simple jobs done. The Oster Pro with T-Blade Pet Clipper is used mostly for touch-ups and is ideal for grooming things like the face, paws, ears, and stomach area. It is not meant for a full-body trim, but is best used for touch-ups between groomer visits.

The Pro Timmers tug free t-blade makes for a comfortable trim and features a single loop for precise control and makes very little noise.

This clipper works best on small Bichon Frises and isn’t ideal for bigger dogs. You can order replacement blades and guards for the product. Although this is our least recommended product on the list, if you are looking for a simple product to touch up your Bichon, the Oster Pro will do the trick.

Pros:

• Compact size.
• Budget-friendly option.
• It is perfect for touching up face and paw areas.

Cons:

• It is made for the upkeep of face and paw areas.
• It cannot be used for full-body grooming.

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7 Tips To Using Clippers On A Bichon Frise

1. Training your Bichon to be groomed from a young age will reduce stress and anxiety in both you and your pup. Starting them young teaches the dog that the clippers are not something to be afraid of and can actually be a calming experience.
2. Groomers recommend stroking or brushing your Bichon with the clippers initially turned off to get them used to the presence, feel, and smell of the clippers.
3. Next, you can turn on the clippers away from your Bichon to slowly introduce them to the noise. Always brush out your Bichon’s coat to reduce knots. Remember, the key is to take it slow and go at your Bichon’s pace.
4. Keeping the experience positive with treats and praise will help your Bichon feel relaxed each time the clippers come out.
5. Choosing quiet clippers is critical with anxious dogs because it is usually the noise that induces fear.
6. Start with a small section first and then go longer next time. Don’t expect to do a full-body trim your first time.
7. Keep practicing! Your first trim will likely not be perfect but keep practicing to see great results.

FAQs

Why Do Bichon Frises Need Specific Clippers?

Bichon Frises need high-quality clippers because they have different coats than other dogs. Bichon Frises have dense, single layer coats while most breeds have two layers of fur. When looking for clippers, it is important to get clippers that are good for dense coated dogs and work well on matted hair.

How Do You Maintain Your Clippers?

Clipper maintenance is a big part of at-home grooming. Taking proper care of them will ensure that they are going to last.

Make sure you clean all of the hair out of your clippers and blades between each use. Hair can make its way down into the clippers and cause problems over time. After a shave, take apart all of the pieces and clean them individually with a toothbrush or scrub brush.

It is important to oil your blade. Each product has different recommendations on how often to apply the oil, but applying regularly will keep it running smoothly and will prevent friction. To oil your trimmer, hold it at a downward angle. Turn on the clippers and drop 2-3 drops of oil onto the blades.

It is important to keep the blade facing down when you oil it. If the blade is pointing straight up, then the oil could leak down into the product and cause problems in the motor’s functionality.

What Are the Most Significant Risks When Grooming at Home?

Although grooming at home can save you money, it is not always the best choice. There are risks associated with trimming your Bichon.

Do your research on how to use the product before you begin grooming your Bichon. Improper use of your tools can result in burns, cuts, and bruises, which is why it is so important to choose the correct equipment and know-how to use it. Intermittently checking your blade’s temperature and using the correct blade size will help keep your Bichon safe.

Final Thoughts

If you are debating what clippers you should purchase for your Bichon, hopefully, this list has helped you weigh the options. With thick and curly fur, Bichon Frises need durable and reliable clippers. Choosing the right clipper for your Bichon will help prevent stressful and painful grooming sessions.

Overall, our favorite clippers are the Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit and the Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Cordless Dog & Cat Clipper Kit. The Wahl products provide excellent grooming materials at a reasonable price for what you get. They are versatile and will make grooming your Bichon a fun and exciting task!