Siberian Husky Coat Care: Shedding and the Double Coat
The Siberian husky has a spectacular double coat, made of a dense undercoat and a protective guard coat. This architecture isn't decorative: a study by Cadieu and colleagues, published in 2009 in the journal Science, identified the genes that govern a dog's coat type, including the presence of the undercoat (study on Google Scholar). Understanding this double coat is understanding why you groom it and never shave it. Our grooming benchmarks are gathered in our dog care and grooming section.
Regular brushing, stepped up during shedding
Outside shedding season, weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and air out the undercoat. Twice a year, in spring and autumn, the husky "blows" its undercoat over a few weeks: brushing then becomes daily, with an undercoat rake that reaches the deep layer without tearing out the guard coat.
Why you must never shave a husky
Shaving a double-coated dog strips the undercoat of its insulating role, against both cold and heat, and the hair can grow back unevenly. Always prefer brushing to shaving. The same principles apply to other northern breeds, as detailed in our guide to malamute coat care.
Baths and healthy skin
The husky is a clean dog with little odour: baths stay occasional, a few times a year, with a mild shampoo. Too-frequent baths damage the skin's protective film. All our breed resources are available from the Siberian husky profile.
Frequently asked questions
Does the husky shed a lot?
Yes, especially during the two annual moults when shedding is heavy; the rest of the year it stays moderate.
What tool for the undercoat?
An undercoat rake or a slicker is far more effective than a standard brush at removing the fluff.
Should you trim the hair between the paw pads?
Yes, light trimming between the pads improves grip and limits snow or dirt buildup. Find all our guides on the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.