Daisy Dog Grooming

The Daisy Dog (DD) is a unique hybrid of several breeds, most notably the Bichon Frise, the Shih Tzu, and the Mini or Toy Poodle. As such, DDs can have some variation in their coats--but most often this crossbreed's coat is short to medium in length, thick and wavy, and low-shedding. These dogs are excellent companion dogs, in part because their grooming needs are fairly low overall.

See below for further details on maintaining the Daisy Dog coat.

As a hybrid of at least three purebreds, this crossbreed can have some variation in coat length and texture--but short- to medium-length, thick, and wavy is most common. Overall Daisy Dog grooming doesn't take too much work: they'll need brushing 2-3 times per week, baths every couple of months, and depending on the hairstyle, haircuts will be necessary 3-4 times per year.

Brushing: Both a small pin brush and a 2-in-1 comb will be needed when brushing your Daisy Dog. Brush as follows: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle (and you can mix in a bit of de-tangling solution if desired). Then starting at the shoulders, use the typical line brushing method over the entire coat. You might find it easier to go through any facial hair with the comb instead. If you encounter a tangle or mat, first try working through it with your fingers, then continue working it out with the comb.

Bathing: Your DD might be small enough to bathe in the kitchen sink; if not, a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose will work. To bathe: first give the dog a thorough brushing. Wet the entire coat, then apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back (and be sure to use canine shampoo and conditioner, as the kind made for humans can irritate the dog's skin). Lather well, working downward as you go. (And don't forget the legs, tail, and underbelly!) Rinse completely, then repeat the process with conditioner; after the final rinse, towel- and/or blow-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look neat and clean.

Haircuts: Because they're mixes of several different breeds, numerous hairstyles are possible with Daisy Dogs. Depending on your DD's coat length and style, these dogs will need haircuts every three months or so. And while it's entirely possible to give the cut yourself, at least one trip to a professional groomer is a good idea. The groomer can demonstrate the proper hair cutting method, discuss possible styles for your DD, and offer tips on how to groom a Daisy Dog in general.

These dogs generally need baths every couple of months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order.

When bathing a Daisy Dog, it's important to use shampoo and conditioner made for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. The best shampoo for a Daisy Dog includes brands like Earthbath, Burt's Bees, and Vet's Best--all of which have canine conditioner products as well.

Before your Daisy Dog bath, give the dog a good brushing. Your DD might be small enough to bathe in the kitchen sink; otherwise, a bathtub or an outdoor plastic pool (using a garden hose) will work. First wet the coat thoroughly, then apply some Daisy Dog shampoo to the dog's back. Lather well, working downward and outward; don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail! Clean the face, head, and ears with a washcloth, then rinse the coat completely. Repeat the process with conditioner.

Towel-dry the dog, then continue drying the coat with a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting, brushing the hair out as you dry. Finish with another quick brush-through to make the coat look clean and neat.