Decoding Double Coats: 7 Grooming Tips for Huskies and Malamutes
In the grooming world, double-coated dogs are a challenge that every skilled professional must learn to master. Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, with their dense, weatherproof coats, are beautiful examples of this grooming puzzle. Their coats do more than keep them warm. These coats protect, regulate, and insulate—and they demand an approach that’s both methodical and intuitive.
If you’ve worked with these breeds before, you already know this: rushing the process leads to mediocre results. So, what’s the best way to maintain their health and signature appearance while respecting the coat’s natural function? Read on for our seven top tips to break down your grooming strategy into clear, repeatable steps.
1. Understand the double coat’s function before the finish
Before scissors are lifted or shampoo is mixed, understand this coat’s function and texture. Huskies and Malamutes both carry double coats, made up of a dense, insulating undercoat and a coarse outer layer of guard hairs. These layers serve different purposes, but they work together to help the dog regulate temperature, repel dirt and moisture, and prevent skin damage from UV rays.
It’s tempting to think a thick coat means shaving during summer, but that would be a mistake. The undercoat traps air, keeping the dog warm in cold climates. The guard hairs, longer and harsher, reflect sunlight and insulate against heat. Altering this structure doesn’t help; instead, it harms.
Shaving these breeds is strongly discouraged, except in cases of medical necessity. The coat may never grow back correctly. Even worse, it can expose the dog to heat stress and sunburn. Preserving the coat while managing its thickness is the real art form.
2. Begin with the right pre-groom prep
Every successful groom starts long before the bath. Trim nails every four to six weeks, use a fine-grit grinder if needed, and keep styptic powder close by. Short nails support proper posture and reduce the risk of joint misalignment.
Then, check the ears. A swab and a mild, non-irritating solution are all it takes to prevent wax build-up and infection. While it seems small, this step matters, especially in winter when ear infections can go unnoticed.
Before bathing, pair your line brushing with a high-velocity dryer to loosen compacted undercoat. Debris, dander, and shed fur will release more easily during the bath if they’ve already been worked loose. Skipping this step adds time, and it makes brushing post-bath significantly harder.
3. Bathing basics for double coats
A successful bath begins with the coat type and ends with the drying method. Use lukewarm water and a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo, and always follow with a conditioner designed for double-coated breeds. Why use a conditioner? It helps release the remaining undercoat while protecting the topcoat’s integrity.
Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover product can cause irritation, and in breeds with dense fur, product residue can fester beneath the surface. While bathing should happen every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on activity level and coat condition, grooming is very important even if it is not shedding season.
Some dogs blow coat twice a year, but others seem to shed lightly year-round. Regardless, keeping a regular bathing rhythm helps manage the worst of the undercoat while giving you a reliable baseline for coat inspection.
4. Brushing: A ritual, not a chore
Brushing isn’t optional, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Start with a slicker brush, then transition to an undercoat rake. Finish with a wide-toothed comb to ensure full undercoat deshedding. When brushing, use long, controlled strokes. Be firm but gentle. The skin underneath these coats is thinner than it looks.
To encourage shine and smoothness, finish each section with a light mist of coat polish. You may also use detangling sprays as needed, especially around the ruff and haunches.
Is the comb gliding freely from skin to tip? If not, you’ve got more work to do. Some groomers stop too soon, thinking the fur looks neat. However, it’s what you don’t see, like mats near the skin or compacted shedding, that leads to hot spots and skin infections.
5. Drying: Where skill meets precision
Drying is your moment to perfect volume and lift. Do you ever feel like a dog’s coat falls flat even after a proper blow-out? Often, it’s because moisture is trapped beneath the guard hairs.
Use a high-velocity dryer, working section by section, lifting the hair away from the skin. Focus on the thickest areas first: the thighs, shoulders, and neck.
If you’re working on a Husky or Malamute during the seasonal shed, pair drying with raking every few minutes. You’ll remove more fur in 10 minutes this way than you would in an hour of brushing.
6. Feet, hocks, and sanitary touch-ups
Professional finishes begin in overlooked places. The feet should be trimmed with a #4F blade in reverse on the tops, and the pads clipped with a #15 or #40.
Long fur between toes should be back-brushed, then trimmed using thinning shears to retain a natural appearance. Hocks may need a light touch as well. Remove bulk, but maintain the outline.
As for the sanitary areas, trimming under the tail or groin may be necessary if hygiene becomes an issue. Use thinning shears sparingly. Over-trimming disrupts coat function and causes excessive licking or irritation.
7. Seasonal shifts and heat-smart strategies
Warm weather grooming isn’t simply about aesthetics. It’s essential to prevent heat stress, especially in these thick-coated breeds.
During summer, increase brushing frequency to 3 or 4 times weekly. Remove compacted undercoat with a rake or shedding blade and monitor for signs of overheating. What might those be? Excessive panting, restlessness, and reluctance to exercise are early cues.
Would shaving cool them down faster? It wouldn’t. In fact, their double coat acts as a natural thermostat. When bathing in hot months, always finish with a thorough dry. Moisture left in the undercoat can promote bacterial growth. After a swim or hike, rinse with clean water and dry the same day. In winter, brushing once per week is typically enough. Avoid overbathing, and keep an eye out for snow buildup between paw pads.
Start or Elevate Your Career With Apex Academy
Groomers who master double-coated breeds stand out in any salon. If you’re looking to build those skills or refine them further, Apex Academy of Professional Grooming & Animal Arts has your back. Our instructors bring real-world expertise and one-on-one mentorship to every student, and our curriculum evolves alongside industry demands.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with thick-coated breeds through our teaching services. But there’s more: Apex Academy also operates Zoom Zoom Groom and PreZoomably Cats, both of which offer professional grooming services for pet owners.
Whether you’re aiming to launch your career or level up your grooming techniques, we’re here to help you succeed. Contact Apex Academy at info@apexacademy.ca or call us at (306) 533-9155 to learn more about our programs and upcoming intakes. You can also contact us online.