Last Updated on December 28, 2021 by Marco
Can you shave a Siberian Husky? The short answer to this is you can – but, like many things in life, just because you can, do not mean you should!
In this article, we will explain why you should not shave a Siberian Husky, and provide some tips to help you care for your Husky’s coat.
What Happens When You Shave A Husky?
When you shave a Husky, their outer coat, also known as the guard coat, will not grow back the same. The guard coat, unshaved, is shiny and it repels the rain and the snow from penetrating the dog’s undercoat. It has an important job keeping your dog dry and therefore warm, by protecting the undercoat and letting it do its job.
Why Is It Bad To Shave A Husky?
If you shave a Husky, then by taking away the outer guard coat, you rob the dog of its natural ability to keep itself dry, and therefore, rob it of warmth. Now, this is only an issue if you live somewhere cold and wet. It is not so much an issue if you live somewhere hot.
But did you know that a Husky’s coat can help keep them cool in summer, and in hot and dry weather too?
Here is how it works.
‘Blowing The Coat’
A Husky will ‘blow its coat’ according to the rising temperature outside. Blowing the coat means that they are shedding and dropping all of that fluffy undercoat insulation, just leaving the slick outer coat. This means that the dog does not have as much fur on its body, and the fur that it does have does not trap the heat as the undercoat would.
Another Reason To Avoid Having A Fully Shaved Husky
If you are ever considering showing your Husky in the show dog ring, then don’t shave their coat! Shaving the coat of a Husky – or any double-coated dog for that matter ruins it.
The coat grows back fluffy and/or wiry, with the outer coat now looking like the inner coat. The shiny and sleek glossy look that the outer coat provides is gone, and may not come back at all.
Veterinarians warn that a shaved coat on a dog can take a very long time to grow back, AND it can actually lead to post-shaving hair loss, called alopecia. It can also leave them vulnerable to sunburn on their skin.
Instead, learn how to care for your Husky’s coat and work with the shedding phase to help keep your dog looking and feeling great. This phase can take anywhere from three to five weeks to complete.
Husky Grooming Tips
Invest In A Good Rake Brush
A rake brush removes the undercoat from your Husky. During a blow-out (which happens twice a year when the seasons change, and possibly more if you live somewhere warm) this will need to be done daily. During a non-shedding phase, then grooming your dog once a week with a rake brush will suffice.
You can check out some good quality rake brushes in our helpful article, 3 Top Undercoat Rakes For A Husky.
Be gentle, brush away from the skin, and focus on detangling and breaking up knots and matted fur.
Learn more about: Siberian Husky Coat Types
Finish Off With A Paddle Brush
A double-sided dog brush with bristles on one side and metal pins on the other side is used for smoothing and shining the outer guard coat so that it looks glossy and gorgeous.
Shampoo Your Husky With Some Detangling Shampoo
Huskies do not need to be shampooed all that often. Some dog groomers recommend each six weeks, while others suggest that every three to six months is enough, or if the dog gets dirty.
But if you shampoo your Husky, you can help things along by using a detangling shampoo, like these ones.
More Advice On Husky Coat Care
- When you groom your dog, pay particular attention to their underside, and around the base of the tail – this is where the hair can become matted.
- Feeding your Husky a good-quality diet that is designed to help with skin allergies can help; if the skin is healthy then the coat will not get as much dead skin caught in it. Some people highly recommend a raw food diet for Huskies, for this reason.
- Frequent bathing can cause your dog’s skin to dry out; the natural oils that their skin produces keep their coats in top condition.
- Matting the undercoat can actually make the dog feel cold, so this is another good reason to brush them regularly.
- Never trim your Husky’s whiskers, they need these to get sensory information about their environment and thus aid navigation.
- Invest in a decent vacuum cleaner that has a roller brush attachment specially designed to pick up pet hair off carpets, furniture, and car upholstery.
In Conclusion: Why You Should Not Shave Your Husky’s Coat
A Husky’s coat is exactly as nature intended it to be. It keeps them warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer, via the growing and shedding of the undercoat, and the protectiveness of the outer coat.
Some people may be tempted to shave their Husky to help keep them cool, which is not necessary, or to avoid having to deal with the shedding that comes with owning one of these dogs.
If you shave your Husky’s coat, it will never grow back as beautifully as it was before, plus you will rob your dog of its natural ability to regulate its own body temperature. Shaving can also lead to alopecia and sunburn.
Dealing with Husky shedding can seem like a daunting task, but with a good diet, some proper tools, and a regular brushing routine, it doesn’t have to be.
Owning a Husky means fur. It’s just a part of life with this breed so, the sooner you accept it the happier you and your dog will be! And maybe don’t wear back clothes as often?! Or buy a lint brush…
Your efforts will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, and gorgeous Husky!
