Brushing is a very essential, but a slow job in grooming a Siberian Husky. It has two layers of coats - top layer and undercoat, that is why it's thicker than most of the dog breeds. Although its coat is thicker, it’s not high to maintain. The top layer is the long and thick guard hairs that protect the husky against harmful UV rays, hot, or cold temperature. The undercoat, on the other hand, is the soft and the down part layer that protects the husky against cold weather. It is the thick and full part of a husky’s coat. 

Undercoat Brushes 

Naturally, Siberian Husky shedding will occur twice a year - one in the winter and one in spring. In summer, they blow their winter coat because the temperature rises. In winter, their coats begin to grow and become thick and fluffy.

It is common for Huskies to shed a lot. It may be a sign of sickness, but most of the time it is normal. Brushing their coats can help the shedding under control. The best brush you may use for deshedding is the undercoat rake or to make the job quicker and more enjoyable you can use a high velocity dryer.

An undercoat rake has many small, sharp and curved blades aligned close to each other that remove the undercoat. It can be used on a wet or dry coat to remove dirt and fuzzy undercoat. Once used, you may see a shinier and healthier coat of your husky. 

An undercoat rake is available in different sizes suitable for different breeds of dog. Its rakes must be wider because fine teeth undercoat rakes are best suited for a small breed of dogs. 

We have researched some brands of undercoat rakes that have high ratings from its users:

Nomad Undercoat Rake

• Reduce shedding by up to 90%
• A double row of stainless steel
• Ergonomic handle

Evolution Undercoat Rake

• Rotating pins
• Available in double row and single row
• Removes loose undercoat and helps prevent matting
• Teeth rotate to pull through the coat without damaging it

Bristle Brushes 

A Husky's skin is sensitive and the nearest to it is the undercoat. You may want to use a brush that is soft and mild for their undercoat such as a bristle brush. A bristle brush is a kind of brush with soft and round bristles perfect for dog pampering. It naturally distributes natural oils of your husky throughout its coats. It also gently removes dead hair and dirt, plus it can make your husky’s coat shiny and healthy.

We have researched some brands of bristle brush for dogs that have high ratings from its users:

Safari Pin & Bristle Brush

• Removes loose hair and debris
• Two tools in one
• Best suited for medium to large breeds
• Brushing distributes natural oils leaving a shiny and healthy hair

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

• A double-sided tool with a stainless steel pin brush and nylon bristle
• Non-slip grip
• Perfect for polishing guard coat

A Siberian Husky’s coat should be brushed at least once a week. Do not go overboard because huskies do not need every day brushing. You may want to have the two types of brushes as mentioned above for better brushing. Remember, the undercoat rake is used to remove mats and tangles on your husky’s coat, while the bristle brush is used to naturally distribute the natural oils of your husky for a healthy and shiny coat.

Final Thoughts

Brushing is essential in a husky grooming routine. Although they may only need to be brushed at least once a week, you may want to invest in a good and suitable brush, or brushes, for them. Also, you may have to be gentle when brushing to avoid damaging their coat. You may want to avoid brushing in different directions as this adds to possible damage that may incur. 

But, did you know that some huskies hate being brushed? If your husky is one of them, you may want to consider a blower and dryer instead of brushes. Blowers and dryers are less irritating to their feelings and in comparison to brushes, have a much smaller risk of causing damage to their coats. Plus, they can make their coat look fluffy and well-groomed.