Siberian Huskies are popular dogs due to their stunning appearance and charismatic personalities.
The dogs originated in the northern region of Russia called Siberia where they were used by the Chukchi people.
Arriving in the United States to work as sled dogs during the Gold Rush at the turn of the 20th century, Siberian Huskies became popular in the USA.
Nowadays, they’re a firm favourite with families but Siberian Huskies can be demanding dogs that need a lot of exercise and training.
Given nearly 10 per cent of the American popular is allergic to dogs, it’s important to know whether a Siberian Husky is hypoallergenic.
The sled dogs are the 14th most popular breed in the USA despite the workload involved with owning Huskies.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to examine whether Siberian Huskies are hypoallergenic, if they shed and what grooming the Spitz breed require.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
Hypoallergenic is a term that most people would associate with cosmetic products that we apply to our skin or bodies.
It’s a term that was first coined by the cosmetic industry to describe a product that was less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Given a vast number of the world’s population have sensitive skin, it was vital to alert consumers whether a product was hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic denotes a product that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction but it’s no guarantee that your body won’t react negatively.
It’s just more unlikely than products that aren’t hypoallergenic.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America state that as many as three in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.
The good news for dogs is that cats are twice as likely to cause an allergic reaction than pooches.
Nevertheless, with nearly one quarter of the American population owning a dog, simple maths suggests that some dog allergy sufferers own a four-legged friend.
There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed despite what you may read online.
This is a point that the American Kennel Club make clear on their website.
However, some breeds are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction that other dogs. Hence, they’re described as hypoallergenic.
The AKC and the Kennel Club in the UK both have separate lists of dog breeds that may be a good fit for you if you’re looking for a dog that is less likely to trigger those frustrating allergies.
If you’re thinking about adopted a dog but you’ve got a history with allergies or asthma, you should consult with your local doctor or GP before welcoming a pooch into your home.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
As you can probably anticipate, dog hair can be a cause of dog allergies, so searching for a low-shedding breed is usually the first step in finding a breed that will suit you.
However, it’s dander rather than dog hair itself that is thought to be the biggest culprit when it comes to setting off allergies.
Dander are pieces of dead skin that are microscopic in size and usually go unseen by the naked eye. They enter our bodies through the mouth or nose.
All dogs produce dander but some breeds have coats that can catch and retain dander until they’re groomed. Other canines naturally produce less dander.
Although dander is a big problem for allergy sufferers, dog hair can also carry other allergens such as salvia or urine that can be problematic.
What are symptoms of a dog allergy?
There are a number of symptoms to watch out for if you think you may suffer from an allergy to dogs. These include:
• Swelling and itching of the membranes
• Stuffy nose
• Inflamed eyes
• Breathing problems
• Rash on face, neck, chest, arms.
• Asthma attack
If you’re suffering from one of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
Are Siberian Huskies hypoallergenic?
Siberian Husky running in the snow (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic dogs. Although there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog, Siberian Huskies don’t even come close to being slightly hypoallergenic.
So if you suffer with an allergy to dogs, you’ll probably want to avoid getting one of these gorgeous Siberian pups because they shed a lot.
Do Siberian Huskies shed a lot?
Siberian Huskies have a double coat with medium length hair. Their outer coat is coarse and straight to withstand the inhospitable conditions of northern Russia. Their inner coat is soft and thick to retain their body heat. They shed a moderate amount all year.
The northern dogs blow out their coats at the changing of the seasons in spring and autumn. During this time, you should be prepared for a lot of dog hair. You’ll need to brush a Siberian Husky daily to get rid of dead or loose hair. You’ll find yourself vacuuming your home on a daily basis to get rid of clumps of hair or dust bunnies that appear in crevices.
Siberian Huskies that live in a hot climate will shed more than those who reside in areas with cooler temperatures.
Siberian Huskies grooming
When a Siberian Husky is blowing out its coat, you should brush their coat daily to help the process.
Aside from the changing of the season, you should groom your Siberian Husky two or three times a week to remove allergens, dirt and loose hair.
They’re considered a self grooming breed so they don’t require a lot of baths. Once or twice a year should suffice.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club list a number of dogs that they consider to by hypoallergenic.
The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom list 31 different types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The American Kennel Club has a shorter list comprised of 19 breeds:
Affenpinchser
Afghan Hound
American Hairless Terrier
Barbet
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bolognese
Chinese Crested
Coton de Tulear
Giant Schnauzer
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lagotto Romagnolo
Maltese
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Schnauzer
Xoloitzcuintli
Anything else to consider?
You should always consult with your local doctor before you bring a dog home if you have a history of asthma or allergies.
If you’ve got your heart set on a Siberian Husky, you may want to consider a Husky Poodle mix, which is more likely to have hypoallergenic qualities.
In conclusion
Siberian Huskies are sociable dogs (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So there you have it, Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic dogs. They shed all year round and blow out their coats twice a year.
If you suffer with dog allergies, you’ll probably want to avoid a Siberian Husky!
