Ensure your Bichon Frisé’s well-being with daily brushing, regular baths, and professional trims. Prioritize dental, nail, ear, and eye care, and schedule routine veterinary check-ups. A balanced diet and regular exercise contribute to their overall health and happiness.

Brushing:

• Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and maintain the Bichon Frisé’s distinctive coat.
• Use a slicker brush or comb to gently remove tangles and loose hair, paying extra attention to sensitive areas like ears and underarms.

Bathing:

• Bathe the Bichon Frisé every 3-4 weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy.
• Use a mild dog shampoo, and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation.

Haircuts:

• Professional grooming or a regular trim every 6-8 weeks is necessary to maintain the Bichon’s signature appearance.
• Focus on the face, paws, and sanitary areas for a neat and well-groomed look.

Dental Care:

• Regular dental care is crucial to prevent dental issues. Brush their teeth several times a week with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Provide dental chews or toys to promote oral health.

Nail Care:

• Trim the Bichon’s nails every 2-4 weeks, ensuring they do not become too long to avoid discomfort or potential injuries.
• Use a proper dog nail clipper, or seek professional help if unsure.

Ear Cleaning:

• Clean the ears regularly to prevent infections. Use a damp cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution.
• Be gentle and avoid pushing debris further into the ear canal.

Eye Care:

• Check and wipe the Bichon’s eyes regularly to prevent tear staining.
• Use a damp cloth or eye wipes, and consult a vet if there are signs of excessive tearing.

Regular Check-ups:

• Schedule routine veterinary check-ups to monitor overall health and address any specific grooming concerns.
• Discuss vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and other health-related topics with the veterinarian.

Nutrition:

• Provide a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support the Bichon’s coat health.
• Consult with a vet to determine the appropriate diet for their age, size, and activity level.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation:

• Bichons require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep them physically and mentally engaged.

By following these grooming guidelines and incorporating them into a comprehensive care routine, you can ensure that your Bichon Frisé remains healthy, happy, and looking its best.

Your clever little monkey-terrier needs training to ensure they learn manners and to understand that they aren’t the ones in charge (though, similar to small terriers like the Silky Terrier, they would really, really like to be). Affenpinschers are smart cookies, and they quickly pick up commands like sit, stay, shake or speak. Building obedience skills also builds confidence, and and means a happier pup and pet parent alike.

Housebreaking an Affenpinscher can be challenging depending on their personality traits, but consistency and patience go a long way. Start potty training immediately. If an accident happens, remember your puppy is energetic and a little bit stubborn—not malicious. Your dog is smart, so trust they will learn in good time.

Just like any other dog, start socializing your Affen while they’re puppies to get them used to many new people, dogs and situations. Puppy preschool is a great place to start. Your pup gets to meet other puppies and learn how to play nicely with other dogs, and they get to interact with other adults.

Finally, set yourself up for success by prepping your space before you bring an Affenpinscher home. What tiny spaces might they escape into? Which items should you place on a shelf instead of the floor so your pup isn’t tempted to investigate where they shouldn’t? (Remember, the Affenpinscher breed is nosy—er, we mean, curious.) Plan to use positive reinforcement and a few treats to teach your Affenpinscher which spaces and furniture are allowed versus off-limits.

Affenpinschers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food diet. Your veterinarian can help you nail down how much, how often and what to feed your dog. As your dog ages, you might also need to adjust to a dog food formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, or senior).

Because Affenpinschers are so small, one extra pound can adversely affect your pup’s health. This is why it’s so important to keep your pup healthy. As you’re portioning out meals, don’t forget to include the snacks you give during training and just because you love your pup. (Those calories count, too!) If you see your pup gaining weight, consult your vet. They can help you put together a mealtime and exercise plan to help your pup shed the extra weight and maintain the nutrition your Affen needs to stay healthy.

“Jeopardy!” whizzes and “Wheel of Fortune” aficionados, come on down! If mental activity really gets your heart—and your brain—pumping, you have something in common with the Affenpinscher. These dogs require more mental than physical activity, but they do still need brisk walks and romps in the park. (Aim for 30 minutes every day.) Pet parents should plan to exercise their Affenpinscher once or twice a day, whether it’s a walk, a playful tussle or a fun chase around the house.

Don’t forget to exercise their minds as well. When Affenpinschers don’t have the opportunity to use their smarts and their social skills, they may get into destructive behaviors or sink into depression. A game of fetch, a chase around the apartment or an opportunity to learn new tricks can help them burn off energy. Keep in mind that Affenpinschers’ exercise needs and speed will change as your dog ages.

Thinking about welcoming an Affenpinscher into your home? The good news is that size doesn’t matter! These dogs need lots of affection, but they don’t need much space as long as their exercise needs are met. An ideal environment for Affenpinschers is one where they have plenty of companionship from humans who offer consistent, positive reinforcement and guidance.

Because they’re so active, Affenpinschers aren’t ideal for families with young children. Not only could your Affen’s sudden movements scare toddlers, but a tiny tot’s sudden movements or rough play may frighten your pup. They also have a stubborn streak, so they need an experienced pet parent who has time to train them, nurture their curiosity and stay steady and calm when they try to make their presence known as the head of the house.

Because the Affenpinscher is the nosy type, be sure to look at your home from their POV before bringing your new friend home. What curious things are at their level that you may need to place out of reach, like a child’s toy that looks a lot like your Affen’s toy? Or, are there small spaces they can escape to for an impromptu game of hide-and-seek you didn’t know you were playing?