You may remember Nanook, the Alaskan Malamute, the iconic sled dog from the animated film ‘Balto’. Large, with a thick, luxurious coat, and ice-blue eyes, this breed’s looks alone are enough to make any heart race. Hailing from the Arctic regions, Alaskan Malamutes are a quintessential representation of endurance, strength, and sheer resilience. But there’s one pressing matter that tends to tickle the minds of prospective owners. A question that perhaps you too are pondering. “Does an Alaskan Malamute shed a lot?” Brace yourselves, because the answer is a resounding yes!
Firstly, let us slip into our detective shoes and scuttle back to the origin of this glorious breed. Named after the Mahlemiut, an Inuit tribe in Alaska, these dogs were bred to haul heavy freight across challenging terrains and long distances in extremely cold climatic conditions. Consequently, Mother Nature gifted the Malamutes with a dense double coat to protect them from the harsh Alaskan weather.
Their plush, double-layered coat consists of two parts – an undercoat and a topcoat. The inner layer, or undercoat, is wooly, about one to two inches in thickness, and serves as insulation against frigid temperatures. On the other hand, the topcoat, officially referred to as ‘guard hair’, is coarser and longer, and acts as a shield against snow and ice. This dual-coat mechanism works wonders in freezing temperatures.
However, for those of us living in relatively warmer climes, the Alaskan Malamute’s impressive coat tends to cause a ‘furry’ problem – relentless shedding!
Known in the canine world as ‘blowing coat’, Alaskan Malamutes have a complete overhaul of their undercoat at least twice a year – usually during spring and fall. During these times, they shed impressively, but don’t be surprised if you notice frequent, light shedding throughout the rest of the year as well. Remember, even a single Alaskan Malamute hair strand is long, sturdy and capable of clinging onto furniture, carpet, clothes…basically, anything that stands in its path!
But don’t fret! Here are a few handy tips on managing your Malamute’s shedding:
1. Regular Grooming: Investing time in daily brushing using a good deshedding tool will significantly help manage shedding. It will also keep your furry friend’s coat healthy and shiny.
2. Balanced Diet: What goes inside affects what comes outside! A diet rich in essential fatty acids will help maintain a healthy coat and reduce shedding.
3. Hydrate: Plenty of water ensures your Malamute’s skin and coat remains well-hydrated and reduces excessive shedding.
4. Professional help: At least twice a year, it might be wise to employ professional groomers who understand the breed well. They have the right tools to remove the dead hairs without hurting the dog and can manage post-bath blow-drying, which helps loosen the undercoat.
Think of the shedding as a small price to pay for the joy of owning this marvelous, friendly, and majestic breed. After all, there’s a silver lining to every cloud, or in this case, a shiny guard hair to every undercoat! The good news is, while they might shed a lot, Alaskan Malamutes don’t have the distinct ‘doggy smell’.
So, are you still considering adopting an Alaskan Malamute? If you love significant, affectionate dogs, enjoy their constant chatter, and have the enthusiasm to keep up with their high energy levels, these melodramatic brushes with fur-balls can be managed with some care. Yes, you’ll have to stock up on lint rollers and vacuum fairly frequently, but watching your Alaskan Malamute burst with joy, romping around, is sure to melt away any shred of regret.
Remember, owning a dog is like entering into a contract of unconditional love and companionship. It will test your patience, but reward you with unconditional affection. The Alaskan Malamute, with its plush coat and preposterous shedding, is no different. But rest assured, with each fur ball you clean up, you’ll be rewarded with a loyalty and companionship that truly defies words. Get ready for a gratifying journey filled with fun, frolic, and yes, fur-filled moments with your Alaskan Malamute.
