Siberian Huskies have super thick coats, and they shed. They shed and shed and shed. They’re great dogs, but they are not for a person who has any sort of allergy to dogs. They just produce far too much hair, and hair is the carrier for dander and the other substances that folks like me with allergies react to.
Related: Least Hypoallergenic Dogs: Which Dogs Shed the Most?
Siberian Huskies are NOT Hypoallergenic
I recently came across a post asking if Siberian Huskies were hypoallergenic. I’m not sure why anyone would think they are, but you would actually be surprised at all of the misinformation floating around out there about various dog breeds. The short answer is a big fat no. Siberian Huskies are in no way, shape, or form hypoallergenic.
The Husky is a densely coated dog originating in the north-eastern area of Siberia. This breed was developed to pull heavy sleds across the tundra. The breed was also bred to survive and thrive in the incredibly cold climate of the region, and as a result he has a thick coat to insulate his body from cold weather.
That dense, protective coat is what makes Siberian Huskies so decidedly non-hypoallergenic. This breed’s dense coat protects if from the elements. It also protects your furniture, your carpet, and your bedding from the elements, as well. That’s because the Siberian Husky is a prolific shedder. If you ask any Husky owner, they’ll tell you that their vacuum gets a huge workout. This just means more work for a person with no allergies. However, for someone allergic to dogs, this breed is guaranteed to make you feel terrible, which is a shame because the breed is great for families.
Why Siberian Huskies Aren’t Hypoallergenic
As I’ve said before, shedding is the true test of a hypoallergenic dog. People are allergic to the dander, saliva, and urine of a dog. They aren’t specifically allergic to the hair. The hair is simply a way for all of those allergens to make their way throughout the home. When a dog sheds, the hair that falls out brings dead skin, trace amounts of saliva from grooming and, depending on where the hair originates, urine residue.
Any dog that sheds will deposit hair into the air and onto furniture, exposing you to allergens. Prolific shedders like Siberian Huskies will leave a veritable carpet of allergen laced hair on every surface of your home, which makes them an extremely poor choice of breed for people suffering with any level of allergies to dogs.
Siberian Huskies are Great Dogs – And a Great Source of Fur
If you are NOT allergic to dogs, and you don’t mind frequent vacuuming, Siberian Huskies are excellent family animals. You just need to remember two things: they shed. And shed. And shed. They are also high energy. Know those two key points going in, and you’ll have a great pet.
As always, make adoption your first option. If your looking for a Husky, check your local shelter. If you can’t find one there, check one of the many breed-specific websites to be found. Siberian Huskies are great family pets IF you aren’t allergic to dogs.
