How Huskies Shed

This is my Husky "Aaktuq" (an InupiaQ word that roughly translates to "Proud of himself" or "Prideful").

I shot this to show friends and family how my husky sheds (also called "blowing coat"). Huskies have a double coat and shed the fine undercoat once or twice a year - it comes out in large handfuls, literally bushel baskets full.

He was a rescue dog, and I had no idea what I was in for...

Some advice for people thinking of getting a husky; they are extremely social and need nearly constant companionship, so It actually makes life easier to have a second dog. They are considered to be one of the smartest breeds (although, based on my experience, I have my doubts...) and like to test the limits and rules. They have a very high energy level, dig, jump, play and hunt constantly (anything small and fury is prey - including cats). Mine will avoid a fight with another dog, but I have read that they can more than hold their own when confronted by an aggressive dog (as in, they will kill it). Very affectionate with people, especially good with children - prone to disappearing and never being seen again, even if they have been well trained and a part of the family for years. A well fenced yard is mandatory -the number one cause of death for the breed is being hit by cars.

Their only deterrent factor is their appearance. My dog would possibly lick an intruder to death... or maybe cause them to have a heart attack from playing too roughly... possibly wear them out long enough for the police to arrive... Not great protection.

They are great dogs if you have the space and energy for them. Endlessly entertaining.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Husky
• Huskies
• shedding
• fur
• dog

[gumballthechewy]

Anyway, this would never deter me from getting a third Husky. In fact I have been keeping they're fur in buckets. I don't know what I'll do with it, maybe get it spun then make a sweater? Also your Husky is a really proud, good looking boy. Perfect name for him, I think. :)

[scumbauggio]

@gumballthechewy I missed your post. Thank you for the compliment, I think he is aptly named as well, though the inupiaq words for either beggar, fur ball or shadow would have probably worked as well. FYI - I had a friend spin one year of his shed into yarn. It produced two skeins. Another friend will be weaving it into something - I am leaving the specifics up to her. I think it will be nice to have something of him after he is gone that isn't creepy... like having him stuffed.

[CourtneyLee13]

Being from Canada I can see where you would assume that leaving a dog outdoors is cruelty (especially with our winters). But hence the winter coat. You have to keep in mind that there IS a difference between having an outdoor dog, yet still caring for it everyday rather than having an outdoor dog and not bothering with it at all. Leaving a dog outside is in no way cruel if they are still being well cared for and perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.

[scumbauggio]

Maybe no one has explained to my husky that his preference for being outdoors is cruel. He seems to feel that being cooped up in the house is cruel and will find any means necessary to get back outside to hunt and play, regardless of any desire I might have.

[StonerKitten90]

my husky gets so dirty i wouldnt want a sweater made of her fur lol

[ualuuanie]

For those who own a husky was wondering those in the wild how do they groom themselves without us human help?

[moogmanXanders]

lol Like how at 0:21 he snots the camera and you see a breif shot of doggy snout bumping the camera.

[moogmanXanders]

lol Like how at 0:21 he snots the camera and you see a breif shot of doggy snout bumping the camera. 

[gumballthechewy]

@scumbauggio

Yeah, I'm thinking of a sweater. Just think how warm it would be! I could go to the arctic with it, ha ha!

[mynameistaken07]

Hahah he ate it! xD

[kverdoold]

My husky was also a rescue dog and every season I take her to the groomers (who is a great friend of mine-thank goodness) and she washes her and high vilocities her! You should try it, it REALLY helps with the shedding, it's almost like I have a lab!

[XmortdreadX]

LOL he ate it....

[Elle80sGirl]

Love the Husky howls, and jibberish!