Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute does require regular bathing and brushing. This bright and dignified dog can be bathed as frequently as weekly up to no longer than every 6 weeks.  With this double coated breed, proper bathing and drying techniques lays the groundwork for achieving a beautiful coat and healthy skin.  Selecting the correct products to meet the dog’s needs is essential to achieve optimal results. The care and maintenance of the coat sets the foundation for obtaining healthy skin and coat.  When the coat is dirty, the hair shaft becomes rough and eventually breaks down, which can lead to the coat becoming damaged. This coat needs to be brushed weekly in order to prevent the dog from becoming matted and tangled. Lack of maintenance can contribute to the formation of the cobweb matting that forms close to the skin.  This type of matting if left unattended can lead to the development of numerous skin issues.  Therefore, keeping the coat clean and healthy is of utmost importance in order to maintain the abundant double coat.

Before the bath, take a few minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen any dirt and debris from the skin and to loosen any cobweb matting.  Do not move the dryer back and forth quickly. Rather, hold the dryer in one place and slowly move it through the coat. The coat should start standing off the skin and not mat up. You might have to pull the dryer farther away from the skin to prevent it from tangling the coat.  Once you have blown out any loose hair and have and lightly brushed through the dog, you are ready for the bath!

Wet the coat and apply the shampoo by squeezing it through the coat making certain you have worked it all the way through the coat down to the skin.  Thorough shampooing will contribute to building a healthy, strong, and manageable coat.  It is a good idea to slightly cool the water temperature down when rinsing the coat. The coat should be rinsed thoroughly making certain that all the product has been removed. Use a light conditioner to nourish and hydrate each individual strand of hair without changing the texture of the coat. Once the bath is complete, blot the coat with a towel to remove excessive moisture. Try to avoid using a circular motion to avoid any further tangling.

Blow the coat out with a HV dryer to remove excess moisture.  Be sure to hold the nozzle far enough away to prevent the coat from tangling.  Finish with a stand dryer and line dry all the way to the skin. Once the dog is completely dry, line brush, working in sections, until the dog is tangle free.  It is a good idea to go over the entire coat with your hands, to see if there are inconsistencies in the density of the coat.  If so, continue to brush and comb those areas.  As a final check, use a firm slicker brush throughout the coat, and little to no hair should be apparent on the brush.  Areas to pay particular attention to for tangles and excessive hair are the thighs, behind the ears, the tail, and around the ruff.  It’s always a good idea to spend a little extra time in these areas before you finish the dog.

The coat should be light and stand off the dog.  A wide-toothed comb should easily glide through the coat with no resistance all the way down to the skin.  Pay particular attention to the neck, chest, and hind quarter area as they can get packed with excessive coat.  A healthy coat is light, airy, and has a natural shine.

Prep work is the foundation of all grooming.  Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene.  Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest.  Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment.  All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis.  Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal.  This allows the ear to have proper air circulation.  It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris.  It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor.  Proper nail care is also very important.  Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on.  Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot.  Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house.  It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet too.

In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well–balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats.

Frequent baths and brush outs are necessary to keep the skin and coat in optimal condition. Keeping the skin and coat clean is the key to keeping your Malamute in top condition.

The Malamute is a fairly healthy dog, but he is at risk for some genetic issues including hip dysplasia (a genetic deformity of the hip socket).

Yes, they are heavy shedders. You will find hair all over your clothing, furniture, carpeting, and maybe even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life.

Malamutes are strong willed and have a mind of their own. As with any breed, small children should never be left alone with this breed. Proper socialization and meeting people under positive circumstances is imperative if a Malamute is going to be around children.

Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene.  The difference is the maintenance, conditioning, and training for the show ring.  It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of showing dogs.  A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, www.alaskanmalamute.org.