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Older Black woman in a blue cardigan brushes the curly white coat of a Bichon Frise sitting on her lap on wooden back steps. 37 / 37

Brushing Day on the Back Steps, and Cotton Has Finally Made His Peace With It

AI imagebichon frisegroomingback steps

The back steps are worn gray from years of use, and the screen door behind them stands open to the cluttered little mudroom. Grandma Loretta sits on the steps in a soft blue cardigan and plaid shirt, glasses pushed up on her head, working a wire slicker brush carefully through Cotton's curls. Her face is calm and focused. Cotton sits snug against her lap, his fluffy white head turned to the side and his dark eyes half-lidded, the picture of a dog who has decided this grooming business is actually rather nice. Potted plants, folded towels, a pair of gloves and a few spray bottles crowd the steps around them.

A Bichon Frise's coat needs more care than many breeds. Their soft undercoat and curly outer coat trap loose hair rather than shedding it onto the floor, which is why they're often described as low-shedding, but that trapped hair can quickly form mats if it isn't brushed out. Many owners brush a few times a week, or even daily, using a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to check for tangles down to the skin. Pay special attention behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar. Regular brushing also keeps the skin healthy and gives you a chance to spot any lumps, ticks or irritation early.

Cotton's curls will be fluffier than ever when Loretta's done. And from the look on his face, this little ritual on the back steps is one of his favorite parts of the week.

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