Are Huskies Hypoallergenic? (Dog Allergies Explained)

Are Huskies hypoallergenic? As wonderful as it would be, unfortunately, Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic. In fact, no dog is truly hypoallergenic!

All dogs have allergens, but some may be less likely to cause irritation to people who suffer from allergies. Siberian Huskies, though, are not those dogs. 

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Siberian Husky Essentials

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What makes a dog hypoallergenic? 

So what exactly makes a dog more or less likely to be hypoallergenic? Hypoallergenic, by definition, simply means that something is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

However, in recent years the term hypoallergenic has been misused to portray dogs as being completely free of allergens and shedding. 

Some dogs have less dander and shed significantly less than others, and some, like the Husky, aren’t shy at all about shedding! The dander on a dog’s skin is usually considered to be an allergen for people who suffer from dog allergies. 

Dog allergies explained 

The dander on a dog’s skin is an allergen for people who suffer from dog allergies. More specifically, people are usually allergic to a type of protein that can be found in dander.

Dander is just another way to describe the dead skin cells that sit on the skin and in the fur of animals. 

Dander often sticks to animal’s fur, and as that fur sheds and gets all over the floor, furniture, and clothes, the more likely it is that someone will experience a reaction to that dander. 

Interestingly, pet dander can be even more of a nuisance for people suffering from allergies than other allergens. This is because pet dander is microscopic and actually quite jagged.

Because they are microscopic, they linger in the air longer, and because they are jagged in shape, it is easier for them to stick to various surfaces like furniture and clothes. 

Further reading: Common husky skin problems

Hypoallergenic dogs

Folks with allergies often choose breeds that are considered to be ‘more’ hypoallergenic. However, it is undeniable that every dog has dander, and every dog sheds, even if it is just a tiny bit.

With these dogs, however, many people find that their allergies are nowhere near as bothersome as they might be with a high-shedding dog like a husky. 

Some examples include breeds like:

• Poodles
• Bichon Frise
• Maltese
• Schnauzers
• Terriers

Just like humans, these dogs shed just a few strands of hair at a time, nothing at all like how Siberian Huskies shed!

Because their hair still grows out and loses a little bit of fur at a time, these dogs require regular brushing and grooming, which can sometimes include shaving to keep their fur in good condition.

Thankfully, Huskies just need to be brushed out well, as you should never shave a Husky.

However, it is not just the dander of animals that people can be allergic to. Some people with allergies to dogs are also allergic to the proteins that can be found in a dog’s saliva, urine, and stool.

Hypoallergenic Husky Mix

It’s possible to have hypoallergenic Husky mixes if the mix breed takes after the parent with relatively hypoallergenic genetics. e.g. mixes, short haired huskies (where non-Husky parents have short hair), can be Husky mixes that don’t shed as much.

Hypoallergenic Husky mixes might include:

• Husky Poodle Mix
• Boston Terrier Husky Mix

Do Huskies cause allergies?

Huskies are known to shed their fur profusely, especially during certain times of the year. This shedding can release dander, which is a common allergen. Dander consists of tiny flakes of dead skin that can trigger allergies in some individuals. Therefore, people with allergies may experience symptoms when exposed to huskies or their dander.

However, it’s important to note that different individuals may have varying sensitivities to different dog breeds and allergens. Some people with allergies might react more severely to certain breeds, while others may be less affected. In general, no dog breed can be guaranteed to be completely hypoallergenic.

Husky coat 

As mentioned, Huskies shed. And they shed a lot! The Siberian Husky has a thick double coat of fur that is considered to be medium in length. The undercoat is soft and dense, and the outer coat is straight and lies smooth on the body. Huskies will shed a fair amount year-round.

However, during certain times of the year, especially spring and fall, the undercoat will start to shed to make way for new undercoat growth. When a Husky is going through a period of heavy seasonal shedding, it is often described as “blowing its coat.”

This, in essence, just describes the way a Husky’s shedding will be so much that it often clumps together and can either fall off in chunks or be brushed out or even just picked out in clumps. 

Can you still own a Husky if you have allergies? 

Depending on the severity, people with allergies can still own Huskies!

But it does require quite a bit of work. Of course, while meeting with an allergist is always helpful, there are still many things you can do to make life more comfortable with allergies.

How to live with a Husky if you have allergies

Extra house cleaning

Of course, the first thing to mention is that extra cleaning will be necessary. It will be important to invest in a good vacuum!

One of the first places that dander can be found, besides on our Huskies, of course, is on the carpet! Getting a handheld vacuum to use on furniture can be a big help, too. 

Groom your Husky regularly

Speaking of cleaning, cleaning or grooming your Husky regularly will be especially important! This includes regular brushing and bathing to help remove any dead, loose fur and dander.

Depending on the severity of allergies, you may want to only brush your Husky in one particular room of the house, or better yet, outside, so you don’t get quite as many allergens floating around the air in your home. 

If you find that brushing and bathing especially aggravates your allergies, it may be worthwhile to take your Husky in to see a professional groomer on a regular basis (this is what we do!).

This way, your groomer gets to handle all that dead, loose fur, and you get to keep it out of your home! 

Replace air filters (if any)

Another thing worth doing, whether you have a Husky or not, is to clean and replace the air filters in your house regularly. Doing this will help reduce not only the dander in your home but also any other allergens that can be problematic for people with allergies. 

Must own: 👉 Best Air Purifier for Huskies

Keep your bedroom off limits

And, as hard as this may be to hear, it is usually best to have at least one room of your home be completely off-limits to pets.

Most people with allergies choose for the bedroom to be that room so that they can at least get a good night’s sleep without having to worry about sniffling because of dog fur lingering in the air! 

Final thoughts

So while at the end of the day, Huskies are definitely not hypoallergenic dogs, there are so many things Husky owners can do to help decrease the number of allergens and the amount of shedding in their homes! 

Do you own a Husky even though you have allergies?

Share your experience in the comments below.

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