Long Double Coat Grooming Guide
Husky, Malamute, Chow Chow & Long Double-Coated Breeds
Quick Overview
Long double coats feature dense undercoat with long guard hairs and heavy seasonal shedding. They require intensive maintenance to prevent severe undercoat buildup and maintain coat health.
What Defines a Long Double Coat?
Long double coats have a dense undercoat with long guard hairs that provide maximum insulation and weather protection. This makes them excellent for cold climates but challenging to maintain.
Common Issues:
- Heavy seasonal shedding (spring and fall)
- Severe undercoat buildup in all areas
- Mats behind ears, under legs, and in armpits
- Skin irritation and hot spots from trapped undercoat
- Excessive hair in home during shedding seasons
At-Home Care Routine
Regular Brushing (3-4x weekly, 15-20 minutes):
- Start with undercoat rake to remove dead undercoat
- Follow with slicker brush for top coat
- Check for tangles with a comb
- Pay attention to friction areas (armpits, behind ears)
- Use de-shedding tool during shedding seasons
Seasonal Deep Clean (During shedding):
- Increase brushing to daily during peak shedding
- Use de-shedding tool for maximum hair removal
- Consider professional de-shedding treatment
- Vacuum and clean home more frequently
- Use a high-velocity dryer if available
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
- ✅ Undercoat rake session (8 minutes)
- ✅ Slicker brush finish (5 minutes)
- ✅ Check ears and clean if needed (3 minutes)
- ✅ Inspect skin for hot spots (2 minutes)
- ✅ De-shedding tool during shedding (2 minutes)
Professional Salon Services
Long double coats require all service levels, with de-shedding being the most important:
Bath Package (1.5-2 hours)
Includes: Deep cleansing, conditioning, blow-dry, intensive de-shedding, nail trim, ear cleaning
Best for: Regular maintenance and moderate de-shedding
Full Groom (2-2.5 hours)
Includes: Bath package + sanitary trim, paw pad trim, feathering trim, intensive de-shedding
Best for: Complete coat reset and styling
Full Groom Specialty (2.5-3 hours)
Includes: Full groom + intensive de-shedding, hot spot treatment, skin conditioning, coat repair
Best for: Severe undercoat buildup or skin issues
Seasonal Considerations
Long double coats have significant seasonal changes:
Spring (March-May) - HEAVY SHEDDING
Winter undercoat sheds heavily. Increase brushing to daily. Professional de-shedding every 4-6 weeks recommended.
Summer (June-August) - MODERATE SHEDDING
Moderate shedding continues. Maintain 3-4x weekly brushing. Focus on skin health and cooling.
Fall (September-November) - HEAVY SHEDDING
Winter coat grows in, old hair sheds out heavily. Increase brushing to daily again. Professional de-shedding every 4-6 weeks.
Winter (December-February) - LIGHT SHEDDING
Full winter coat established. Maintain 3-4x weekly brushing. Focus on skin health under the thick coat.
Essential Tools & Products
The right tools make long double coat maintenance manageable:
Recommended Tools
Primary Tools
- Undercoat rake: Removes dead undercoat without damaging guard hairs
- Slicker brush: Smooths top coat and removes surface debris
- De-shedding tool: Maximum hair removal during peak shedding
- High-velocity dryer: Blows out loose undercoat (professional tool)
Finishing Tools
- Wide-tooth comb: Final check for tangles and smooth finish
- Rubber curry brush: Stimulates skin and removes loose hair
- Pin brush: Gentle finishing for sensitive areas
Products
- De-shedding shampoo: Loosens undercoat for easier removal
- Conditioner: Keeps coat healthy and manageable
- Anti-shedding spray: Reduces static and makes brushing easier
- Detangling spray: Helps with stubborn mats and tangles
Common Mistakes & Best Practices
❌ Don't Do This:
- Shave a double-coated dog (ruins coat regulation)
- Use only a slicker brush (misses undercoat)
- Skip seasonal de-shedding (leads to severe buildup)
- Brush against hair growth (causes breakage)
- Ignore skin under thick undercoat
- Use human hair products (can irritate dog skin)
✅ Do This Instead:
- Use undercoat rake first, then slicker brush
- Increase brushing frequency during shedding seasons
- Schedule professional de-shedding during peak shedding
- Always brush in direction of hair growth
- Check skin regularly for hot spots or irritation
- Use dog-specific grooming products
Representative Breeds
These breeds have long double coats and benefit from this guide:
Note: Long double coats provide maximum protection but require intensive maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I brush my long double-coated dog?
A: Long double-coated dogs need brushing 3-4 times per week year-round, increasing to daily during heavy shedding seasons (spring and fall).
Q: What tools work best for long double coats?
A: Use an undercoat rake for deep undercoat removal, a slicker brush for the top coat, and a de-shedding tool during peak shedding seasons.
Q: How often should I get my Husky professionally groomed?
A: Most long double-coated dogs benefit from professional de-shedding every 6-8 weeks, with more frequent visits during shedding seasons.
Q: What causes excessive shedding in long double coats?
A: Shedding is natural and seasonal. Excessive shedding occurs when dead undercoat isn't properly removed, leading to severe buildup and skin issues.
Q: Can I reduce shedding with grooming?
A: While you can't stop shedding, regular grooming removes dead hair before it falls out, keeping your home cleaner and your dog more comfortable.
How-To: De-Shedding Routine
Master this 15-minute routine to manage shedding:
Step-by-Step Process
- Undercoat rake (8 minutes): Work systematically from head to tail, removing dead undercoat
- Slicker brush (5 minutes): Smooth the top coat and remove surface debris
- Comb check (2 minutes): Use comb to find any missed tangles or mats
- Final de-shedding (2 minutes): Use de-shedding tool during peak shedding
Ready for Professional De-Shedding?
Find a professional groomer in your area who specializes in long double coat de-shedding.