What happens if a Bichon Frise is tail-docked?

Tail docking makes a Bichon’s body proportions look more coordinated and can meet the standards of certain dog shows or some owners’ aesthetic preferences. However, for the Bichon itself, the benefits of docking are not obvious and it may even cause some harm. For example, docking prevents the Bichon from expressing emotions through its tail, limiting its communication with peers.

Second, the docking process is fairly painful, and if care is improper it may cause severe infection. Finally, some studies point out that docking may also affect the dog’s sense of balance and direction. Therefore, if the owner can accept the look of a long-tailed Bichon, it is recommended not to dock its tail if possible.