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Coat and Grooming
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How should I care for my Siberian's coat?
The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odor and parasites. Siberians sometimes clean themselves like cats. Twice a year, Siberians "blow" their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats completely. It is a VERY intense shedding period that can last three weeks or more from start to finish. The good news is that this only happens twice a year. The remainder of the time, Siberians shed relatively little with regular daily brushing. Some people feel that this periodic problem is easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many smooth-coated breeds. The bad news is that the shedding period can be rather messy. The hair comes out in large and small clumps. Lots of vacuuming and brushing are in order. It should be noted, however, that this shedding "schedule" is *climate dependent*. Some owners that live in very warm climes, ones that lack clearly defined "seasonal changes," report some shedding year round in the breed. Other than during coat-blowing season, the Siberian needs very little grooming. NO trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended. Just a quick daily brushing against the way the hair lays, to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny is required.
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How should I care for my Siberian's nails/feet?
Their nails should be checked and clipped periodically (every 1 - 3 weeks), and their feet should be checked regularly to ensure good health, particularly in actively working dogs. Trimming of the hair around the pads of the feet is recommended especially to keep burs and mud from collecting in the hair.
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I feel sorry for my Siberian Husky because it is hot. The groomer asked me if I wantedhim/her shaved. Should I do it?
NO, NO, NO!! I have on more than one occassion met a groomer who shaves Siberian Huskies on a regular basis. They simply do NOT understand the purpose of a double-coat which this breed has! Consider this: You are in the desert. Would you be walking around in a T-shirt and shorts? Absolutely, not! You would have on insulating,cooling layers to both protect you and absorb your sweat. It is this cooling effect that a double-coat provides that protects your Siberian Husky! Please, if you feel sorry for your dog because it it hot outside, instead of shaving him/her, consider bringing him/her into the air conditioning with you.
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