Browse ›
Older Black woman in an apron bathes a sudsy white Bichon Frise in a galvanized metal tub in the backyard. 36 / 37

Grandma Loretta Filled the Old Metal Tub With Suds. Cotton Saw It Coming.

AI imagebichon frisedog bathbackyard

Bath day has arrived in the backyard. Grandma Loretta has filled an old galvanized washtub with warm, bubbly water, and she's leaning over it in her olive t-shirt and splattered work apron, gently scrubbing suds into Cotton's curls. The little Bichon stands in the tub up to his chest in foam, his white coat soaked and frothy, looking straight ahead with big dark eyes and an expression of calm, slightly long-suffering patience. A blue laundry basket, a pile of towels, a pair of slippers and a scatter of fallen leaves surround the tub on the grass.

Bichon Frises have a dense, curly coat that grows continuously and benefits from regular grooming. Many owners bathe their Bichons every few weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo, since human shampoos can irritate a dog's skin. Brush the coat thoroughly before bathing, because water can tighten existing mats. Use lukewarm water, avoid getting water in the ears and eyes, and rinse very well, as leftover shampoo can cause itching. Afterward, towel-dry and then blow-dry on a low, cool setting while brushing, which helps achieve that classic fluffy Bichon look and prevents dampness near the skin. Many Bichons also see a professional groomer for regular trims.

Cotton may not be thrilled about the tub, but he'll be the fluffiest dog on the block by evening. A little patience now earns a whole lot of compliments later.

More from this collection

All 37 →
Older Black woman in a blue cardigan brushes the curly white coat of a Bichon Frise sitting on her lap on wooden back steps.Brushing Day on the Back Steps, and Cotton Has Finally Made His Peace With ItOlder Black woman with short silver hair holds birdseed over a tray feeder of sparrows as a white Bichon Frise sits nearby.Grandma Loretta Was Feeding the Sparrows. Cotton Had to Show Some Serious Restraint.
Older Black woman in glasses paints a landscape at an easel at dusk while a white Bichon Frise sleeps beside it.Grandma Set Up Her Easel Under the String Lights. Her Assistant Had Other Plans.Smiling older Black woman in a green cardigan leans toward a happy white Bichon Frise wagging its tail in a sunny kitchen.Grandma Loretta Started Swaying in the Kitchen. Cotton Wasn't About to Miss It.Older Black woman in a denim jacket walks a happy white Bichon Frise on a leash past crates of fresh market produce.Grandma Loretta Was Shopping the Farmers Market. Cotton Had His Own Agenda.Older Black woman in a green hoodie hoses down a dark car as a white Bichon Frise jumps up on its hind legs beside her.Grandma Turned On the Hose to Wash the Car. Cotton Thought It Was for Him.