The Alaskan Malamute is one of those breeds that has a double coat. The coat of an Alaskan Malamute comprises of the woolly undercoat and the longer guard hair. This double coat of fur serves as an insulator to protect it from extremely low temperatures. The outer guard coat is slightly oily, so that it can repel dirt, snow, and ice. On the other hand, the shorter undercoat protects it from the wind and the cold.
Twice a year, the Alaskan Malamute loses its undercoat. This shedding period is so intense that it will last up to three weeks, and during this time, all its hair will fall off. You will find hair all over your house, in small and big clumps. This is a messy period for the owner of an Alaskan Malamute. Be prepared to do a lot of extra cleaning during these times of the year. You will also need to brush your Alaskan Malamute regularly to reduce its shedding. Other than these two shedding periods, the Alaskan Malamute does not shed for the rest of the year.
However, for an Alaskan Malamute living in warm climates without seasonal changes, shedding occurs all year round. This is even more exhausting for its owner. Basically, an Alaskan Malamute is more suitable for colder climates, but it can also adapt to warmer climates. It is not advisable that the Alaskan Malamute exercise under the hot sun because it may suffer from heat stroke. Shaving your Alaskan Malamute's coat may not be a good idea as well because other than providing protection from the cold, the coat also relieves your dog from the heat. It acts as insulation for both heat and cold. It will be better to just trim its woolly coat when necessary.
When it is not time for the dog to lose its coat, you will not need to groom your Alaskan Malamute so much. You will not need to shave or trim its coat because the coat will become smooth naturally. All you need to do is brush its hair occasionally to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. Other than that, you will need to check and clip its nails periodically.
When it comes to grooming or cleaning, the Alaskan Malamute is a relatively odorless dog. It has a natural tendency to keep itself clean, the way cats do. So if you find your Alaskan Malamute covered in mud, rest assured that it will clean itself first. With such a clean dog, you don't have to bathe it too often. Some owners only bathe their Alaskan Malamutes once a year or less. Other than the mess it creates when it loses its coat, an Alaskan Malamute is basically a dog that requires very little grooming.
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