Learn More About Husky's Coat: The Breed That Can Adapt to the Cold (2024)

When it comes to huskies, most people ask how do huskies survive in the cold and whether they are the right breed of dog for them. The truth is, huskies are one of the most versatile breeds of dogs out there and can adapt to almost any climate.

Huskies were originally bred in Siberia and were used as working dogs by the Chukchi people. They were bred to pull sleds over long distances in cold climates. And with the very low temperatures in Siberia, it’s always a wonder how do huskies survive in the cold. To help you unlock a new level of understanding about this amazing breed, we’ve gathered some facts that will surely interest you.

2 Types of Husky’s Coat

A husky’s coat plays a vital role in how do huskies survive in the cold. It is one of their most defining features, which sets them apart from other dog breeds. Huskies have two types of coats:

Outer Coat

When we say outer coat, it is the longer and denser coat that you can see. It comprises long straight guard hairs that protect the undercoat and skin from severe weather conditions. The outer coat can range in color from black to white and everything in between.

Unlike an undercoat, it is not as thick and doesn’t insulate the husky as much. But it does protect the undercoat from dirt, matting, and other external elements. Therefore, to keep a husky’s outer coat healthy, it is important to brush it regularly.

Undercoat

The undercoat is the softer, shorter coat that is found right beneath the outer coat. It is made up of shorter hairs that are dense and fine. The undercoat helps insulate the husky and keeps them warm in cold climates. It also protects them from UV rays, sunburns, and other harmful elements.

And like the outer coat, the undercoat also comes in different colors and can be matted easily. So, it is also essential to regularly brush a husky’s undercoat to keep it healthy and free from knots.

Importance of a Husky’s Coat

Now that you know the different types of coats that a husky has, it’s time to understand the importance of a husky’s coat in its daily life. Knowing this can help you take better care of your own husky and ensure its health and wellbeing. So here are the three main functions of a husky’s coat:

Protection

A husky’s coat is its first line of defense against the cold weather and other external elements. The thick undercoat helps insulate the husky and keeps them warm in extreme conditions. And the outer coat protects the undercoat from dirt, matting, and other harmful elements.

Without a coat, a husky would not be able to survive in extreme climates. So, if you’re planning to get a husky, make sure that you’re prepared to take care of its coat properly.

Thermoregulation

A husky’s coat also helps regulate its body temperature. In warm weather, the undercoat will shed to help keep the husky cool. And in cold weather, the undercoat will thicken to help keep the husky warm.

If a husky’s body temperature gets too high or too low, it can lead to serious health problems. So, it is vital to make sure that you’re taking care of your husky’s coat properly to help regulate its body temperature.

Camouflage

Huskies were originally bred as working dogs and were used for sledding. And one of their most important functions is to help their owners find a game in the snow. It means they need to have a coat that can camouflage them in the snow.

The white color of a husky’s coat helps it blend in with the snow and makes it difficult for prey to spot them. And the black color helps them blend in with the shadows or darkness.

How Do Huskies Survive in The Cold

Now that you know the importance of a husky’s coat, it’s time to learn how do huskies survive in the cold. It’s no secret that huskies are built for the cold weather. But how do they manage to survive in extreme conditions? There are four main things that help a husky survive in the cold:

➣Coat

As mentioned above, a husky’s coat is its first line of defense against the cold weather. It is thick and dense, which helps insulate the husky and keeps them warm in extreme conditions.

And since huskies are double-coated, they have two layers of protection against the cold, making them one of the best breeds for cold climates. They have a higher tolerance for cold weather than other breeds. They can withstand temperatures as low as -75 degrees Fahrenheit.

➣Body Structure

Another thing that helps huskies survive in the cold is their body structure. Huskies are built for the cold weather and have several physical characteristics that help them survive in extreme conditions.

For instance, huskies have a higher body fat percentage than other breeds. It helps insulate their bodies and keeps them warm in the cold weather. They also have a higher metabolism, which helps them generate more heat.

➣Smaller Ears

You might not know, but huskies have smaller ears than other breeds. And it is actually an advantage for them in the cold weather. Smaller ears help reduce the amount of heat lost from their bodies.

Having bigger ones will only make them lose more heat, which can be dangerous in extreme conditions. So, if you’re looking for a breed that can survive in the cold weather, huskies are a good choice.

➣Habitat

Another factor that helps huskies survive in the cold is their habitat. Huskies are originally from Siberia, a region known for its extremely cold weather. And they have adapted to the harsh conditions of their environment over the years.

They have become one of the best breeds for cold climates by developing a thick coat and a strong body structure. With these adaptations, huskies can survive in the cold weather and even thrive in it.

How Long Can a Husky’s Coat Grow?

If you’re thinking about getting a husky, you might be wondering how long their coat can grow. Huskies have a thick and dense coat that can grow as long as 6 inches.

And if you’re not planning on using them for sledding or other working activities, you can trim their coat to a shorter length. But it’s important to note that you should only trim their coat when necessary.

Trimming their coat too often can damage their skin and coat. So, it’s best to leave their coat long unless you need to trim it for a specific purpose, like living in a hot climate. It might seem like a lot of work to take care of a husky’s coat, but it’s actually not that difficult.

You just need to brush them regularly and bath them when necessary. And if you’re planning on trimming their coat, it’s best to consult with a professional groomer first. That way, you can avoid damaging their coat.

Do Husky’s Coat Grow Back?

Before thinking of trimming your husky’s coat, you might have asked yourself, “Do husky’s coat grow back?” And the answer is yes! Like humans, huskies shed their hair, and their coat grows back.

But how fast their coat grows back depends on several factors like age, nutrition, and health. In general, huskies can grow their coat back within 6 to 8 weeks. It might take longer for some and shorter for others.

But as technology advances, there are now products that can help speed up the process. For instance, there are supplements or products that contain biotin, which is known to help with fur growth.

There are also shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed to promote fur growth. So, if you’re looking to get your husky’s coat back quickly, there are now products that can help you with that.

Do Huskies Get Cold?

Given that huskies are built for the cold weather, you might be wondering if they ever get cold. And the answer is yes! Huskies can get cold just like any other dog breed.

But the good news is that they’re less likely to suffer from hypothermia or frostbite than other breeds. It is because of their thick coat and how well they’re able to regulate their body temperature.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should never take precautions when it’s cold outside. You should still make sure that your husky has a warm place to stay and is properly clothed for the weather. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your husky stays healthy and safe in the cold weather.

How Can I Keep My Husky Warm in the Winter?

If you’re worried about your husky getting cold in the winter, there are some things that you can do to help keep them warm. First, make sure that they have a warm and comfortable place to stay. It can be inside your house or in a dog house that’s properly insulated.

You should also make sure that they’re getting enough food and water. Huskies need more calories in the winter to help them stay warm. And you can give them extra food or treats that are high in calories.

Another thing that you can do is to get them a dog coat or sweater. There are different types of dog coats and sweaters that are specifically designed for huskies. They’re usually made from a thick and warm material that will help keep your husky warm. You can also get them booties to help protect their feet from the cold and snow.

7 Tips to Keep Your Husky’s Coat Healthy

Even if you’re not planning on trimming your husky’s coat, it’s still important to take care of it. After all, their coat helps them survive in the cold weather. You can keep their coat healthy by following these tips:

Brushing Regularly

Unlike other breeds, huskies need to be brushed daily. Their coat is thick and dense, so it can get matted easily. And if you don’t brush them regularly, their coat will become tangled and difficult to care for.

So, make sure to brush your husky every day to avoid matting and tangling. You can use a wire brush or a slicker brush. That way, you can remove any dirt, debris, or dead hair from their coat.

Bathing Them Regularly

Huskies also need to be bathed regularly to keep their coat clean and healthy. But how often you should bathe them depends on several factors like their activity level and the climate they live in.

You should also only use dog shampoo when bathing them. Human shampoo can be too harsh for their skin and coat. And it’s best to avoid using hot water when bathing them as well. Hot water can strip the natural oils from their coat, making their coat dry and brittle. So, it’s best to use lukewarm water when bathing your husky.

Feeding Them a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is also vital for keeping your husky’s coat healthy. Ensure to feed them high-quality dog food designed for their specific needs. You should also avoid feeding them table scraps as they can be unhealthy for them.

And if you’re not sure what type of food to feed them, you can consult with your veterinarian. They can help you choose the best food for your husky based on their specific needs.

Checking for Skin Problems

It’s also important to check your husky for any skin problems. Their thick coat can make it difficult to spot any skin issues. So, you should check their coat regularly for any dryness, redness, or irritation.

If you notice any of these problems, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Using the Right Products

When caring for your husky’s coat, it’s important to use the right products. You should only use dog shampoo and conditioner when bathing them. And you should also use a brush designed for their specific coat type.

There are also several products that can help with specific coat problems like dryness or matting. So, if you’re not sure what type of products to use, you can consult with your veterinarian.

Avoiding Extreme Temperatures

Although huskies can quickly adapt to any weather, you should still avoid extreme temperatures. That means you shouldn’t leave them outside for long periods of time in freezing weather. Their coat can protect them from the cold weather but only for a short time.

You should also avoid taking them to hot climates as their coat can make them overheat quickly. If you must take them to a hot climate, keep them cool and hydrated.

Regular Vet Checkups

It’s also essential to take your husky to the veterinarian regularly. They can help spot any health problems that you may not be aware of. And they can also provide treatment options if your husky does have a problem with its coat.

So, make sure to take your husky to the veterinarian at least once a year for a checkup. That way, you can keep them happy for many years with a healthy coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I brush my husky’s coat?

You should brush your husky’s coat at least once a day. But if they’re shedding heavily, you may need to brush them more often. That way, you can remove any dead hair from their coat.

2. How often should I bathe my husky?

How often you should bathe your husky depends on several factors like their activity level and the climate they live in. But as a general rule, you should bathe them at least once a week. If they’re particularly dirty or smelly, you may need to bathe them more often.

3. Can I use human shampoo on my husky?

No, you should only use dog shampoo when bathing your husky. Human shampoo can be too harsh for their skin and coat, which can cause irritation. It’s best to use a dog shampoo designed for their specific needs.

4. My husky has dry skin. What can I do?

If your husky has dry skin, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help diagnose the problem and provide treatment options. You may also need to change their diet or use a different type of dog shampoo.

5. Can I use a hairdryer to dry my husky’s coat?

Yes, you can use a hairdryer to dry your husky’s coat. But you should only use it in the low or cool setting. That way, you won’t accidentally burn their skin. You should also hold the dryer a few inches away from their coat while you’re using it.

6. What type of brush should I use on my husky’s coat?

There are several different brushes you can use on your husky’s coat. But it’s best to use a brush that’s designed for their specific coat type. That way, you can avoid damaging their coat.

7. Can I trim my husky’s coat myself?

It’s best to leave the trimming to a professional. But if you must trim their coat yourself, make sure to use sharp scissors and only trim a small amount at a time. That way, you won’t accidentally cut their skin.

8. My husky is shedding a lot. Is that normal?

Yes, it’s normal for huskies to shed a lot. In fact, they can shed up to three times a year. That’s because their coat is designed to protect them from extreme temperatures. So, when the weather changes, their coat will start to shed.

9. How can I stop my husky from shedding?

There’s no way to completely stop your husky from shedding. But you can minimize it by brushing them regularly and using a de-shedding tool. You should also avoid extreme temperatures as that can cause them to shed more.

10. My husky’s coat is matting, what can I do?

If your husky’s coat is matting, you should take them to a professional groomer. They can safely remove the mats without damaging their coat. You should also avoid brushing their coat when it’s wet as that can cause matting.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how do huskies survive in the cold, you can help keep your husky healthy and happy. It might take some extra effort, but it’s worth it when you see how much they enjoy the snow. Just make sure to take them to the veterinarian regularly and brush their coat often. That way, you can prevent any problems from developing. If you want to be a better fur parent to your husky, check more guides here.