Grooming

The time required to groom an Alaskan Malamute, will vary on a number of factors - is the dog a pet, show dog or long coat; is the dog living indoors or outdoors; and is the dog spayed/neutered or intact.

A show dog requires extensive time commitments for grooming. Long coats need extra care for grooming. Neutered or spayed pets who live indoors (and don't develop a real Winter coat) need the least amount of grooming.

If your plan is to avail of professional grooming services, you can expect to budget $100 - $150 per visit to a groomer which would include combing, bathing, drying and trimming. While show dogs would not normally be trimmed, pets and long coats can be. Nails may be trimmed at the same time.

An alternative is going to a self-serve dog wash. Wash and dry usually costs less than $20 for even the filthiest of dogs.

The garden hose or a dip in the lake is yet another option -  as long as you use environmentally friendly soaps AND you don't mind the potential 'fishy' smell a lake-bathed dog may acquire!

Grooming Equipment

Mandatory equipment includes:
- pin brush ($10 to $40)
- comb ($10 to $40)
- undercoat rake ($10 to $20)
- scissors designed for fur ($20 to $200)
- nail clippers ($20)
- spray bottle for water ($2)
- Furminator is another option although it damages the coats of some Alaskan Malamutes

Highly recommended grooming equipment for your Alaskan Malamute:
- grooming table ($125 to $150)
- grooming arm and noose ($25)
- high velocity air dryer ($100 to $500)
- multiple specialty brushes, combs and rakes ($200+)

Photo credit: H. Levinter

Photo credit: J. Tobin