Alaskan Malamute

• Bathing: Their topcoat repels rain and mud, so (thankfully!) Alaskan Malamutes aren’t super dirty dogs. Give your dog a bath every month or two, and dry them off after every bath (or swim) to prevent hot spots.  
• Brushing: While you can get by brushing your dog a few times throughout the week for most of the year, you’ll need to brush more—up to every day—in the fall and spring, when Malamutes shed heavily. Get a firm bristle brush to handle their thick double coat, and use a dog dryer to blow away extra fluff during shedding season.  
  • Never use a de-shedding tool for your Alaskan Malamute, as it can cause their topcoat to grow back improperly. Shaving your dog is also not an option, even in the summer; that double coat protects from sunburn and insect bites, and it won’t grow back properly if shaved. Ask your groomer if you have questions about how to keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with dog toothpaste and a toothbrush. It’s a good idea to start when your Alaskan Malamute puppy is young, so they get used to the experience. Get a pro dental cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every couple of months. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time for a Malamute manicure.  

Alaskan Malamutes are very smart dogs, and they want to make you happy. This magic combo can make training go smoothly. 

However, if it does take them a while to get the hang of things, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but possibly because (like many smart people!) Alaskan Malamutes are easily distracted. Break training down into five-minute sessions to keep them engaged. 

Always use positive reinforcement—praise, special training treats, and toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior. 

Start with some basic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come—when your dog is still a young puppy (or as soon as possible if you adopt an Alaskan Malamute when they’re an adult). These pups will also need to learn how to walk nicely on a leash. 

Malamutes need lots of mental stimulation, too. They love interactive toys and games, and they’re great at dog sports like flyball and agility. 

While you’ll both share a love for many of the same things—like hiking and running—chances are that their love of digging won’t be something you’re excited about. But you can teach your Malamute to redirect their energy, and working with a certified dog trainer is never a bad idea. 

Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so that they’re used to novel interactions and become a confident and calm adult. (Just make sure they’re fully vaccinated first.)  

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Alaskan Malamute, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

While dog treats are important for motivating your Alaskan Malamute during training, they can easily add up. These dogs have a propensity for putting on extra weight that can be harmful for their health, so keep an eye on the scale. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.  

You may want to consider a high-protein, limited carbohydrate diet, like Purina One +Plus Joint Support Dog Food, as well as fatty acid supplements to keep their coat shiny. Your vet can tell you about the best options for your individual dog.  

Your Alaskan Malamute needs a lot of exercise to be happy (at least a couple of hours every day!). Mix up your exercise routine to keep these dogs engaged—hikes, games of fetch, and competitive dog sports are all great options, along with slower walks that give your Malamute the chance to sniff around.  

If you’re a jogger or a runner, you now have an official new partner. (Your Alaskan Malamute will love to join and they’ll kindly slow down for you, too.) 

These dogs love the snow and cold weather. So if it’s hot outside, try to limit their activity to the coolest parts of the day. This breed doesn’t do well in hot climates.  

Alaskan Malamutes are best suited for cold climates, but they’ll adapt to warmer environments as long as they have access to air-conditioning. So, in the hotter months, schedule outdoor time in the early morning or in the evening, when it’s cooler. 

These dogs love playing outdoors, so having a yard with a fence is ideal. You’ll also need to make sure that fence is secure, because these pups do like to dig. (If you have space, it’s a kind gesture to give your Alaskan Malamute a designated spot in the yard where they can happily dig to their heart’s content.)  

Alaskan Malamutes usually make good family dogs and do well with other pets and kids. However, always supervise them around kiddos and small pets, since they could easily knock someone over without meaning to.   

At the end of the day, though, these good-hearted dogs will just be happy to have a crew to call their own.