Maintaining the Alaskan Malamute`s Double coat
How to Groom an Alaskan Malamute – Coat Care Guide
The Alaskan Malamute is known for its thick, weather-resistant double coat, developed to protect the breed in some of the world’s harshest climates. While the coat is low-maintenance compared to many long-haired breeds, it still requires thoughtful care – especially in working dogs who spend time outdoors in all seasons. Here’s how we maintain healthy coats for our team of sled dogs at Kennel Malamazing.
Brushing – When It Matters Most
Unlike show-coated or companion breeds that need constant grooming, working Malamutes don’t require daily brushing. We don’t brush our dogs every week – instead, we brush them when it’s functional and necessary.
This includes the heavy shedding periods in spring and autumn, when the undercoat is released in clumps, or after outdoor training sessions that involve mud, snow, or debris.
Brushing during shedding season helps remove dead hair that would otherwise mat and build up.
It also supports airflow through the coat, helping regulate temperature more efficiently.
We use undercoat rakes and pin brushes that reach the base of the thick fur without damaging the outer guard hairs.
Even with minimal brushing, the Malamute’s coat can remain clean and effective – as long as mats are prevented and dead coat is removed at the right times.
Bathing – Only When Needed
Alaskan Malamutes are naturally clean dogs with coats that repel dirt and moisture.
In our kennel, we bathe only when necessary – usually a few times a year, or before a dog show or health check.
Overbathing is not only unnecessary, but can actually harm the coat by stripping its natural oils and damaging its structure.
When we do bathe our dogs, we use mild, nourishing shampoos made for double-coated breeds. We rinse thoroughly and allow the coat to dry completely, often using a high-velocity dryer during shedding seasons.
This helps remove loose coat and restores fluff and insulation without over-manipulating the hair.
Remember, a clean Malamute doesn’t come from frequent baths, but from purposeful grooming at the right times.
Never Shave a Malamute
Shaving a Malamute’s coat – whether for heat, convenience, or aesthetics – is a mistake.
The double coat is a functional system, not a fashion feature.
The outer guard hairs protect the dog from sun, wind, and rain, while the dense undercoat insulates against both heat and cold.
Removing that balance exposes the dog to heatstroke in summer and frostbite in winter.
In addition, once shaved, the coat often grows back unevenly or with a damaged texture.
It may lose its insulating properties or become prone to matting and poor shedding cycles.
We recommend avoiding shaving at all costs, and instead focusing on managing the coat in a natural, breed-appropriate way.
Basic Maintenance Beyond the Coat
While coat care is important, a full grooming routine also includes:
Nail trimming: long nails can affect movement and cause pain in the paws.
We trim every 2–4 weeks.
Ear checks: especially after snow or water exposure.
We clean ears gently if dirt or wax builds up.
Paw inspections: especially after training or sledding, to check for cuts, ice balls, or soreness.
Teeth brushing: With dog-safe toothpaste to prevent tartar buildup.
These small habits help keep our dogs not just beautiful, but healthy and working-fit year-round.
Recommended Tools for Malamute Grooming
We use grooming tools selected specifically for thick-coated, working breeds like the Alaskan Malamute. Our kit includes:
Undercoat rake – to reach deep shedding layers during coat blow.
Pin brush – ideal for the outer layer without causing static or pulling.
Slicker brush – useful on tail and feathering, especially if dirt builds up.
High-velocity dryer – essential during coat blow to loosen and lift undercoat.
Dog-safe nail clippers or grinder – for safe, regular nail care.
We don’t rely on expensive or flashy tools – just functional, durable equipment that respects the nature of the Malamute coat and makes grooming efficient.
