Caring for a Nordic Coated Dog

One of the most difficult types of dog hair to care for is northern. These breeds include huskies, samoyeds, malamutes and other “wool” representatives of the 5 FCI group, which boast a double undercoat.

Caring for dogs with a northern coat type has its own characteristics.

The coat of these dogs is thick, double and must be constantly updated to keep the dog looking beautiful. If you run the “northern” dog, do not take care of it correctly, the sight will be extremely sad. Nutrition and genetics have a great influence on the condition of the coat of these dogs. Pets with the northern type of coat are extremely difficult to wash and dry, since their “fur coat” is extremely thick . It takes 15-20 minutes just to wet the “downy shell”. The coat of these dogs has one advantage – it is self-cleaning. If the coat is in good condition, then the dirt, drying up, will fall off by itself. However, I would still recommend washing your pet at least once a month, as dirty hair does not grow.  

Only pure wool can grow!

 There is an opinion that it is impossible to wash a dog often, as we deprive the coat of a protective fatty layer. But the fat layer is restored in 2-3 days. And if frequent washing was harmful, then all show dogs would have gone bald long ago, but, on the contrary, they shine and smell. Because their wool is “live”, it washes and feeds, breathes. 

 It is better to wash the dog in the bath rather than in the shower, as even the most well-mannered dog wants to quickly get out of this unpleasant place, and the shower provides all the conditions for an escape. As a result, it can take up to an hour to coax the dog to “be patient a little”. It’s great if you have a special device to tie the dog. I ask too wooly four-legged clients to lie in the water for 20 minutes so that the wool gets wet, and this will even reduce water consumption. An attempt to water a dog with a northern type of wool from the “rain” can infuriate even the most patient owner – you will pour water on a four-legged friend for 10 minutes, and it will simply drain, while the undercoat will remain dry. It is better to dry the “northern” beauties in a special indoors, as the wool is blown away during drying and flies in different directions, and then you will scrape off the fluff from the walls. However, you can organize a “bath day” at home if you have a powerful hair dryer (minimum 2000 W). But tune in to the fact that drying the dog will take a long time (about 3 hours, or even more). When drying, be sure to use a slicker (slicker) or comb. In this way, you will help the air get to each hair. too hot air will damage the coat and skin. An important part of grooming dogs with northern coats is brushing. It is necessary to comb out the “northern” dogs at least once a week, and every day during the molting period. get by.