Double coats
How Often Should You Groom a Husky, Malamute or Samoyed?
Arctic breeds don't need haircuts, but they do need a routine. Here's a simple schedule for brushing, bathing and professional de-shedding that keeps the fur under control.
Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyeds are some of the most beautiful dogs around, and some of the fluffiest. They don't need regular haircuts like a Poodle or an oodle does, but their thick double coats do need a steady routine. Get it right and you'll have a healthier, more comfortable dog and a lot less fur on the couch.
The quick version
| Task | Most of the year | During coat blowing |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing at home | 2–3 times a week | Daily, if you can |
| Professional de-shed | Every 6–12 weeks | At the start of the blow (and again if needed) |
| Bath | Only when needed, or at a professional groom | A bath and thorough dry helps release loose coat |
Every dog is different, so treat this as a starting point, not a rule.
Brushing: the most important habit
Regular brushing removes loose undercoat before it ends up on your floor, stops tangles from turning into mats, and lets you check the skin for anything unusual. For most arctic breeds, a good brush two or three times a week is plenty for most of the year.
When your dog is "blowing" their coat, the heavy seasonal shed that often happens around spring and autumn, step it up to daily if you can. Read more in our guide to coat blowing season in Sydney.
Professional de-shedding
Even with good brushing at home, it's hard to get all the dead undercoat out of a thick double coat. A professional de-shed uses a deep bath and a high-velocity dryer to blow out the loose undercoat in a way home brushing can't match. Many owners book a de-shed every six to twelve weeks, and make sure they book one when the coat starts to blow.
Bathing
Arctic breeds often stay surprisingly clean, and bathing too often can dry out the skin and coat. Bathe when your dog is genuinely dirty or smelly, or leave it to your professional groom. The key with a double coat is drying it completely, right down to the skin. A thick undercoat left damp can cause skin problems. That's one reason a professional blow-out makes such a difference.
Breed by breed
Siberian Husky
A medium-length double coat that sheds steadily and then blows heavily, often twice a year. Huskies usually respond really well to regular de-shedding.
Alaskan Malamute
A heavier, coarser coat with a seriously thick undercoat. Malamute coat blows can be dramatic, so it's worth having a plan in place before it starts.
Samoyed
That famous white, stand-off coat is dense and soft and can mat, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the "pants" on the back legs. Samoyeds benefit from frequent, thorough brushing to the skin.
Signs your dog is due for a groom
- Tufts of fur coming away in your hand or drifting around the house
- A patchy or "moth-eaten" look as the undercoat lifts
- Clumps or tangles behind the ears, in the armpits or on the back legs
- A dull coat or a doggy smell that doesn't shift
When to check with your vet
Seasonal shedding is normal. Bald patches, red or itchy skin, sores, or shedding that seems excessive or out of season are worth a vet check, as they can point to an underlying health issue.
Arctic breeds are our speciality. If you're in Brighton-Le-Sands or anywhere around St George, our de-shedding service is designed exactly for Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and other big, fluffy dogs.
Need a hand with your arctic breed's coat?
We're at 287 Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands, open 7 days, 9am to 4pm.
Quick answers
How often should I brush my Husky?
Two or three times a week for most of the year, and daily while they are blowing their coat.
How often should a Samoyed be professionally groomed?
Many owners book a professional de-shed every six to twelve weeks, with an extra visit when the coat starts to blow. Dogs with thick or tangle-prone coats may need more frequent visits.
How often should I bathe a Malamute?
Only when needed. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. Whenever a double coat is bathed, it needs to be dried completely to the skin.
