Siberian Husky Grooming: Shedding and Coat Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Siberian Huskies were bred for cold climates, and their coat is a masterpiece of insulation. Looking after it correctly, which mostly means leaving it alone and brushing regularly, keeps them comfortable year round. See also the Siberian Husky breed profile.

The Husky coat

A Husky has a dense, soft undercoat and straight, medium-length guard hairs. The coat is clean and has little doggy smell. It sheds lightly all year, and heavily when the undercoat blows, typically twice a year. See double-coat grooming.

Brushing routine

• Weekly or more: use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. See how to use an undercoat rake.
• During shedding: brush daily. See dog blowing coat.
• Check with a comb to ensure no loose undercoat remains.

Work in sections, down to the skin, with the direction of growth. See how to brush a dog properly.

Blowing coat

When the undercoat releases, it comes out in clumps. A bath, thorough drying with a high-velocity dryer and then raking is the most efficient approach. See best high-velocity dryers for dogs. Expect a few weeks of heavy shedding.

Bathing

Huskies stay clean on their own, and they are famously low in odor. Bathe every two to three months, or when dirty, with a gentle shampoo. Dry to the skin. See how often should you bathe a dog.

Do not shave

Shaving a Husky removes its natural insulation and sun protection, and the coat may regrow patchy. See should you shave a double-coated dog. Instead, brush out the loose undercoat, provide shade and water and keep your dog cool indoors in hot weather.

Summer care

Huskies suffer in the heat. Exercise early or late, provide cooling mats and shade and watch for signs of heatstroke. See summer grooming tips for dogs and dog heatstroke.

Winter care

Huskies tolerate cold well. Keep the coat clean, brushed and dry to maintain insulation. Check paws for ice balls. See winter grooming tips for dogs.

Nails, ears and teeth

Trim nails regularly, check ears for wax and brush teeth. See how to trim dog nails safely, how to clean a dog's ears and how to brush a dog's teeth.

Paws

Trim the hair between the pads for traction and to prevent ice balls. See how to trim hair between dog paw pads.

Managing hair at home

Brush outdoors, use washable covers and vacuum often. See how to reduce dog shedding at home.

Professional grooming

A groomer can provide a deshedding service at the start of each shedding season. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

Common Husky grooming myths

• "Huskies need to be shaved in summer." They do not, and shaving can harm them.
• "Huskies do not shed in winter." They shed lightly all year and heavily twice a year.
• "Bathing makes the coat worse." Too many baths dry the skin, but occasional baths help release undercoat.
• "Brushing hurts." Gentle brushing with the right tools feels good.

Grooming and training

Huskies are intelligent and independent, so keep sessions short, rewarding and varied. Teach them to stand calmly, and reward them after each brushing section. A dog that enjoys grooming makes shedding season much easier on everyone.

The takeaway

Brush and rake, bathe occasionally, dry thoroughly and never shave. A well-kept Husky coat does the rest.