I am currently researching the breed of my next dog and was wondering if anyone could answer some grooming questions for me. I am looking at the Bichon breed and was wondering how often they needed grooming to maintain as a pet (not show) cut. I would be very eager to learn how to groom at home (is this something that can be learnt by reading books, watching grooming videos...and practise?) or would it be wiser to send pup off to the professionals?? What type of grooming do they require?? Every dog I seem to see that has been groomed, just seems to have been shaved (Westies in particular)...will that type of thing ruin the coat, or is a Bichon ok to be clipped?? (although I prefer a longer coat, than a real close one)

Any info on grooming a Bichon would be very helpful! Ive never owned a high maintanence dog in the grooming deparment, so any advice is welcome!!

Many thanks!

A Bichon needs thorough grooming to keep the coat knot free.  It should be scissored all over, not clipped.  Groomers clip them because it's quick and it takes skill and practice to scissor well.  If you buy a pup from a breeder who scissors their own dogs, there is no reason why they couldnt teach you to trim yours. :D

ah thank you Val, I didnt think of that! It is really something I would love to learn to do, and at least I know it wont come back looking like Shaun the Sheep.

So, Im guessing, at first I will need to do very short daily grooming sessions to get the pup used to being groomed...Is it best to keep grooming seesions quite formal (ie, not with dog laid on your knee on the sofa) so that they will get used to standing to be cut...(I just visions of a squirmming dog..and me with a pair of sharp scissors....)

Yep.  Grooming should be a 'job' that needs to be done and not playing.  If you stand them on a table (doesn't need to be anything posh, just a table or worktop that's the right height for you with a piece of carpet on top to stop them slipping) then it's better for your back and quicker long term.  A discreet hook in the wall to tie the lead onto will save the pup taking a dive onto the floor!  That and a good pair of scissors and you're away.
A good Bichon breeder who shows their dogs will trim their own dogs and be delighted that you want to keep one of their pet puppies looking like a Bichon!  They will also have given the pup a first trim before it goes to its new home and started the grooming training, as opposed to a pet breeder who will probably send their Bichon to be clipped at the local parlour and not be able to give you the backup and support that you deserve.:)

It's easy once you get the hang of scissoring a Bichon and they look so much better than the ones that have been butchered with clippers :d