![A Bichon in Title](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/bichon-title.png)
![Portie Lion Clothing](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/portie-lion-clothing.png)
by Blake Hernandez
![T](/assets/2022/12/t-dropcap.png)
![Dye being applied to dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0016_fig-1.webp)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 1) To start, apply a dark brown or black dye all over except the feet, muzzle and area around the point of chest. I don’t use anything to block the colors or create sharp, clean lines because Porties are not marked perfectly. They have inconsistencies with dots of black or choppy color transition, so it all looks natural.
![Clipping back of dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0015_Fig-2.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 2) From the dog’s last rib, you’re going to clip the back end all the way to the toes with a #5F blade.
![Holding back of dog while using clippers](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0014_fig3-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 3) Using a ½” inch guard comb, clip down the trunk of the dog, omitting the chest and skimming into the front legs to blend them into a longer length.
![Shaving the front of dogs upper arm](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0013_fig4-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 4) Be sure to clip in front of the upper arm return so you can angulate the dog.
![Using clippers to shave underside of dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0012_fig5-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 5) The deepest part of the brisket is done with a 3/8” guard comb.
![Using clippers to shave the throat of dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0011_fig6-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 6) Clip the throat latch in reverse with a #5F blade.
![_0010_fig7-bichon Trimming top of poodle's legs](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0010_fig7-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 7) I clipped the point of chest on this dog with a 3/8” inch guard comb, but this will vary greatly based on the dog’s front anatomy.
![Using pink scissors to trim the dogs feet](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0009_fig8-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 8) Trim the feet tight and round.
![Using pink curved scissors to trim back of dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0008_fig9-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 9) Use a big curved scissor to create definition between your two different lengths at the back of the dog’s jacket.
![Using straight scissors to trim legs](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0007_fig10-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 10) Using a straight scissor, create small column legs for this pet-length variation
![Using clippers to shave jaw](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0006_fig11-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 11) Clip the bottom jaw with a #4F in reverse.
![Using curved scissors to trim muzzle](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0005_fig12-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 12) Bluntly round the hair around the front of the muzzle while making sure not to make the muzzle appear too narrow.
![Using blending shears to clean up muzzle](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0004_fig13-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 13) Then use a blending shear to create a robust and clean muzzle shape. Make sure to flare out once you get behind the corner of the lip.
![Using curved scissors to trim eyes](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0003_fig14-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 14) Use a curved reverse scissor to open up the eyes.
![Trimming head of dog with curved scissors](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0002_fig15-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 15) Round the bottom of the ear directly up against the tip of the ear.
![Trimming top of head with curved scissors](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0001_fig16-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 16) The top of a Portie head is to be broad, so make sure not to give it too much height and roundness or it will look like a Bichon head.
![Using straight scissors to clean up neck of dog](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/0000_fig17-bichon.jpg)
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/yellow-circle-divider.png)
Fig 17) Use a straight scissor to clean up the back of the neck.
The dye is obviously only an option, but the trim will be completed the same either way. This can be a good option for a dog with a matted tail or rear legs as this is a style that doesn’t require the coat to be too long.
![](https://digital.groomertogroomer.com/assets/2022/12/orange-yellow-circle-divider-1.png)