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Why Your Husky Isn’t Fluffy (& What You Can Do About It)

You may be looking at your husky one day only to suddenly realize they’re not as fluffy as many other huskies you’ve seen. There can be a few reasons why your husky isn’t fluffy so let’s cover them below, and what you can do about it

The most common reason that your husky isn’t fluffy will be due to breeding and their blood lineage. Huskies that don’t have fluffy coats usually come from a working husky lineage, whereas fluffy coats tend to be from a family of show huskies.

Let’s cover everything in more detail and find out what you can do to ensure your husky’s coat is as healthy as possible.

Are Siberian Huskies Supposed to Be Fluffy?

Siberian Huskies originate from Eastern Siberia where the weather can get to extreme lows. To survive this climate, huskies have thick double-layered coats that keep them incredibly warm.

The undercoat is soft and fluffy, close to the skin, the topcoat is the outermost coat which is more coarse.

So, are Siberian Huskies fluffy? Well, not all huskies are fluffy. Huskies can actually have a few different coat finishes. Some huskies will have a naturally fluffier coat, whereas some will be more coarse.

There is even what’s known as a “wooly coat” which some huskies may have. This is far less common but is significantly longer than other husky coats. It can be compared to the coat of a border collie. Wooly coats are certainly deemed to be more “fluffy” and soft than average.

Why Isn’t My Husky Fluffy: 3 KEY Reasons

Let’s get to what brought you here. Many people assume their husky will develop a soft, luscious, teddy-bear-like coat and while some huskies do, quite a few don’t.

There are different reasons why your husky may not be so fluffy, let’s take a look.

While some other people or blogs out there might list a million different reasons, the truth is that it boils down to three things.

1. Bloodline & genes

The most common reason for your Husky’s not-so-fluffy coat is due to their lineage. It helps to know what your husky’s parents and grandparents were bred for.

  • If your husky comes from a line of working sled dogs then it’s likely that their coat will be tougher and more coarse.

Working dogs typically live outside and develop these stronger coats to protect from the outside elements.

Working dogs, sled dogs, and race dogs all tend to have tougher outer coats.

  • If your husky has the show dog genes then without a doubt, their coat will be very soft and fluffy, just like your teddy bear.

On top of that, selective breeding likely took place with the parents and grandparents, only breeding together huskies that already had fluffy coats.

Related: Short Haired Huskies: What You Need to Know About Them


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Psst. A quick word on training! Brain Training For Dogs is one of the best training methods suitable for a husky. Other owners and I are seeing improvement in obedience, behavior, and stubbornness quicker than ever before. I seriously recommend checking it out.


2. Diet

The diet that your husky is on will likely affect their coat, as does their health in general. But please understand, that fluffy doesn’t necessarily mean healthy, some huskies are fluffy and some just aren’t, and there’s nothing incorrect about it.

Nevertheless, a diet that works well for your husky’s body will likely produce healthier skin and coat.

It’s important that your husky is eating a high protein, medium-high fat, and low carb diet. This nutritional breakdown works the best for their digestive system and gut.

Ensure your husky is getting many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in their diet. This will contribute to a healthier immune system, skin, and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids also play a significant role in your husky’s skin and coat health.

3. Grooming

Being a double-coated breed means shedding! This is exactly why you need a regular brushing routine to maintain your husky’s coat.

Brushing not only removes dead dry hair from the coat, but it also stimulates and massages their skin, which in turn helps to release essential oils that will further contribute to a soft coat.

Bathing too frequently can also dry out your husky’s skin which will cause their coat to suffer. Bath times are important but should be kept to a minimum, every 3 or 4 months is plenty enough.


Can You Make Your Husky’s Coat Fluffy?

Understandably, fluffy coats are desirable. They look great and make your husky extra cuddly. You may be trying to find ways to make your husky’s coat more fluffy, But is it possible?

Although there are ways to encourage a soft, healthy coat. There is no set way to make your husky’s coat fluffy if it’s not in their genes to be fluffy…

Here are some ways you can ensure your husky’s coat is as healthy as possible.

1) Have a proper brushing routine

You should have this in place anyway, but if you don’t check out this article to help you get started.

By brushing regularly you’re are giving your husky’s coat the best chances of keeping clean and free from dead dry hair as well as dirt. Start by brushing your husky for 30 minutes, twice per week.

As the weather gets hotter, the shedding will continue to get worse so up the brushing to 3 or 4 times a week.

2) Use salmon as their protein source

When choosing your next dog food, opt for one where the protein comes from salmon.

Not only is this a cleaner source of protein for your husky than chicken, but it also contains many fatty acids including Omega-3.

Remember that hair is made mostly of protein, so ensure their diet has plenty of it.

3) Fish oil or flaxseed supplement

It’s always recommended to do your own research and consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements.

However, a fish oil or flaxseed supplement will help your dog’s skin and coat significantly.

These are fatty acids, just like Omega-3. This option should only be done with the help of your vet, as you may end up giving your husky too much of something if it’s already in their diet from a different source (like salmon)

4) Plenty of exercise

It’s true. When it comes to huskies, exercise fixes everything (almost!).

The health of any husky depends heavily on exercise, and if they aren’t receiving enough it can cause many problems. Their overall health has a significant impact on their entire body, and their skin and coat are certainly part of it.

By ensuring your husky is well looked after, you’re giving them the best chance to have a healthy, beautiful coat.

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One Thing You Must Never Do

fluffy husky

Once people are aware that the undercoat of their husky is soft and fluffy, they have the desire to give them a haircut in order to reach the fluffy undercoat.

NEVER do this.

Owners should never shave your husky. There is never a reason to do this, and trying to make them fluffy isn’t a valid reason. P.S It also doesn’t help huskies feel cooler either!

The two different layers grow at different rates, and when the topcoat is cut, the undercoat often outgrows the topcoat which leaves you with a matted, mixture of hair.

This not only proves to be uncomfortable for your husky, but it could cause them some serious health issues. Avoid the clippers!

Summary

So there you have it, you now know that not all huskies are fluffy, and it may just be your husky isn’t destined to be fluffy.

The best way to know, before you start altering their brushing routine or throwing a bunch of supplements in their food, is to look at the parents.

If you don’t already know, find out from the breeder if the parents were sled dogs or used for racing. If they were, there’s a strong chance your husky will have a coarser coat.

Best Brushes For Husky Shedding 

The Furminator Undercoat Rake and a Hertzko Slicker Brush are by far the two best brushes that any husky owner should use.

Best Online Training Program For Huskies

Brain Training For Dogs has become increasingly popular with Siberian Huskies in the last few years. It’s now recognized as perhaps the best way to train a husky in the most stress-free, positive way.

Best Husky Puppy Book 

If you would like an easy to read guide for training your husky puppy, check out my book The Husky Puppy Handbook on Amazon. All purchases are greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer

The advice given in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice in any context. Before making any decisions that may affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. For the FULL disclaimer Visit Here


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