Alaskan Malamute

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times weekly minimum with an undercoat rake and slicker brush. Their thick double coat requires serious commitment -- daily brushing during coat blowouts is non-negotiable. Use a long-toothed undercoat rake to reach the dense woolly undercoat, followed by a pin brush for the outer guard coat.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner system. Thoroughly soak the coat down to the skin -- their dense undercoat is nearly waterproof. A high-velocity dryer is essential for removing loose undercoat and ensuring complete drying. Never let a Malamute air-dry -- trapped moisture causes hot spots.

Common Issues

• Extreme seasonal coat blowouts lasting 2-4 weeks twice yearly
• Hot spots from moisture trapped in the dense undercoat
• Heat stress in warm climates -- Houston requires serious management
• Zinc-responsive dermatosis causing crusty, flaky skin
• Matting in the dense undercoat if brushing is skipped

Extend Your Grooming Results

A professional deshedding treatment every 6-8 weeks removes undercoat that home brushing misses. Use a high-velocity dryer at home after any water exposure. Apply a coat conditioning spray before brushing to reduce breakage and make undercoat removal easier. Never shave a Malamute -- the double coat provides sun and heat protection.

Seasonal Care

Massive coat blowouts in spring and fall -- daily raking is essential for 2-4 weeks. Houston summers are dangerous for this arctic breed: keep them in air conditioning, limit outdoor time to early morning and evening, and maintain the coat for proper insulation. NEVER shave them thinking it helps with heat -- it makes it worse. Winter is their most comfortable season.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, daily during blowouts. Undercoat rake session twice weekly, nail trim every 3-4 weeks, ear cleaning weekly. Professional deshedding groom every 6-8 weeks -- this breed benefits enormously from professional blowout treatments.