Alaskan Malamutes are known to be heavy shedders, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. This is due to their original purpose as sled dogs in the Arctic, where they needed a thick coat to survive the harsh climate.
Their undercoat sheds heavily in the spring and fall, with some owners reporting that they lose up to 20 pounds of fur per year. This can be overwhelming for some owners, but it's essential to their breed's survival.
Their outer coat, on the other hand, sheds moderately throughout the year. This is a more manageable amount of shedding, but it's still essential to brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and tangling.
Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of shedding, but it's a crucial part of their grooming routine.
Shedding Basics
Brushing is a daily chore during shedding season, especially when your Malamute blows their coat.
A warm bath will loosen the weak undercoat, and thorough blow drying will expel a substantial amount of hair.
Brushing your Malamute one to three times weekly with a slicker brush and de-matting comb will release tangles, mats, and loose fur.
You should never shave your Malamute, as the thick fur protects their sensitive skin and allows for thermoregulation.
How Much Do Alaskan Malamutes Shed?
Alaskan Malamutes are known to shed a lot, but the amount can vary significantly from one dog to the next.
Their shedding can be influenced by climate, with Malamutes blowing more of their coat in warmer climates and may do so more than twice annually.
Desexing, or spaying and neutering, can reduce the amount of shedding.
Dogs that have adapted to indoor climates tend to shed more consistently throughout the year if they have outdoor time.
Female Malamutes tend to shed more than males.
Here are some factors that can affect how much your Malamute sheds:
- Climate: warmer climates lead to more shedding
- Desexing: spaying and neutering reduces shedding
- Outdoor time: dogs that spend more time indoors shed more consistently
- Gender: female Malamutes shed more than males
Factors Affecting Malamute Shedding
Malamutes are known for their thick coats, but the degree of shedding can vary significantly from one dog to the next.
Climate plays a significant role in Malamute shedding, with dogs in warmer climates blowing more of their coat than those in cooler climates.
Desexing can reduce the amount of shedding in Malamutes, making it a good option for owners who want to minimize the amount of dog hair in their home.
If this caught your attention, see: Malamute Purebred
Outdoor time can also affect Malamute shedding, with dogs that spend more time indoors shedding more consistently throughout the year.
Female Malamutes tend to shed more than males, making them a good choice for owners who want a dog with a high-energy coat.
Here are some key factors that affect Malamute shedding:
- Climate
- Desexing
- Outdoor time
- Gender
Abnormal hair loss can occur due to illnesses and genetic disorders, so it's essential to monitor your Malamute's shedding and consult with a vet if you notice any unusual patterns or excessive hair loss.
Grooming & Care
Alaskan Malamutes require regular grooming to keep their thick double coat in top condition.
They shed heavily, especially during shedding season, so be prepared for some extra fur around your home.
Brushing your Malamute at least once a week with a slicker brush or undercoat rake will help remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Daily brushing may be necessary during shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year.
Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential for your Malamute's health.
Nail trims should be done every few weeks to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort.
Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly will help prevent ear infections.
Regular tooth brushing or dental treats will help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
A warm bath will loosen the weak undercoat, making it easier to remove loose fur.
A de-shedding and de-matting rake brush is efficient in managing massive amounts of fur during shedding season.
Brushing your Malamute daily during shedding season will keep up with the amount of hair being shed.
You should never shave your Malamute, as the thick fur protects their sensitive skin and allows for thermoregulation.
Brushing your Malamute frequently will release tangles, mats, and loose fur, keeping their coat healthy and soft.
During shedding season, a de-shedding and de-matting rake brush will efficiently manage the massive amounts of fur stuck on your dog’s body.
Wooly Malamutes require more frequent grooming due to their thick, dense coat.
You might enjoy: Pomeranian Dog Shed
Daily brushing is essential to prevent mats, moisture, and debris from binding the hair and causing irritation.
The extra-wooly cover on wooly Malamutes can be challenging to manage, but regular grooming will help keep their coat healthy.
There's no magical solution to eliminate a Malamute's shedding entirely, but taking easy steps can limit it.
Brushing your Malamute once a week will help remove damaging dirt and debris while distributing oils and stimulating the skin.
Brushing your Malamute daily during shedding season will keep up with the amount of hair being shed, keeping your home fur-free.
Appearance
Alaskan Malamutes have a striking appearance that's hard to ignore. Their sturdy build and thick double coat make them look like they're ready to take on the harshest of weather conditions.
They have a broad head, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and erect ears that give them an alert and intelligent look. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including shades of gray, black, and red.
One of the most distinctive features of the Alaskan Malamute is their thick double coat. This coat is made up of a plush, wooly undercoat and coarser medium-length guard hairs that provide protection and water resistance.
The undercoat is 1-2 inches long and provides excellent insulation against the cold. The guard hairs on the outside of the coat are longer and provide additional protection against the elements.
The Alaskan Malamute's coat is designed to withstand the extreme cold of their native habitat. In fact, they were originally bred to be sled-pullers in the snowy regions of North America.
Here are some key facts about the Alaskan Malamute's coat:
- The undercoat is 1-2 inches long.
- The guard hairs are coarser and longer than the undercoat.
- The coat provides excellent insulation against the cold.
- The guard hairs provide protection and water resistance.
Grooming Tips and Tools
Brushing your Alaskan Malamute at least once a week with a slicker brush or undercoat rake will help remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Daily brushing may be necessary during shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year, to keep up with the amount of hair being shed.
Regular nail trims every few weeks will prevent your dog's nails from becoming too long and causing discomfort.
Cleaning your dog's ears regularly will help prevent ear infections.
Regular tooth brushing or dental treats will keep your Alaskan Malamute's teeth clean and healthy.
Recommended read: Dog Grooming Sheds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Malamutes hypoallergenic?
No, Alaskan Malamutes are not hypoallergenic due to their excessive shedding. They produce a significant amount of pet dander, which can exacerbate allergies.
Can you cut Alaska Malamutes hair?
No, you should not cut an Alaskan Malamute's hair, as their double coat requires regular shedding and maintenance to stay healthy
Sources
- Alaskan Malamute (sidewalkdog.com)
- How much do they shed? - O'Mal Alaskan Malamutes (omalmalamutes.com)
- Coat and Shedding of the Alaskan Malamute (terrificpets.com)
- How To Care for an Alaskan Malamute | ASPCA Pet Health Insurance (aspcapetinsurance.com)
- Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Health and Care | PetMD (petmd.com)
- Grooming and Care | AMCA Website (alaskanmalamute.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com