Grooming the Alaskan Malamute

COAT

The Malamute has a thick, coarse guard coat, never long and soft. The undercoat is dense, from one to two inches in depth, oily and woolly. The coarse guard coat varies in length as does the undercoat. The coat is relatively short to medium along the sides of the body, with the length of the coat increasing around the shoulders and neck, down the back, over the rump, and in the breeching and plume. Malamutes usually have a shorter and less dense coat during the summer months.

Correct Malamute grooming preserves coat density and texture. Over-softening, excessive thinning, or shaving compromises insulation and coat function and can permanently alter regrowth.

CHARACTER

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, intelligent working breed with a strong independent streak. Bred to haul heavy loads over long distances, Malamutes are steady and resilient rather than frantic. They are typically tolerant of handling, but they are not a “do anything you want” breed—grooming goes best when it’s calm, structured, and consistent.

Because Malamutes mature slowly and carry a heavy seasonal coat cycle, early table manners and a predictable routine make a huge difference. The goal is not to “lighten” the dog, but to keep the skin healthy and the coat functional through controlled undercoat removal.

RECOMMENDED CINDRA GROOMING PRODUCTS

• Texturizing Shampoo
• Reconstructor

COMMON ALASKAN MALAMUTE COAT PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

Problem	Solution
Lacking look of substance	Comb Sculpting Gel lightly through leg furnishings. Mist with water while combing.
Soft topline	Apply Sculpting Gel and lightly mist with water while back brushing to restore firmness and outline.
Extremely dense coat	Use Reconstructor at bath time following directions, or dilute 2 tablespoons in 1 cup of water and spray lightly while line combing for manageability without coat collapse.
Detangling / dematting	Apply Moisture Plus full strength directly to the mat. Wait 15 minutes, then gently separate with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Dry, damaged coat	Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus conditioner liberally, wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Dingy white coat	Use Cleansing Shampoo on the first lather, wait 5 minutes, then rinse. Follow with Texturizing Shampoo for the second lather and rinse.
Increase undercoat (post-shed regrowth)	Line brush daily with Maxi Care as soon as the dog is finished shedding to reduce breakage and support healthy coat recovery.
Showing on a hot, dry day	Use Maxi Care as your only coat dressing.
Long coats lacking structure	Use Texturizing Mist diluted 50:50 with water while line combing.
Extra volume	Use Super Coat diluted 50:50 with water while line brushing. If very humid, try Texturizing Mist instead.
Shedding around the house	Spray lightly with Maxi Care and brush daily down to the skin. Incorporate regular line brushing + controlled blowouts. Nothing will prevent shedding completely; it is a normal, necessary process for these breeds.

HOW TO GROOM THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE

Malamute grooming is about preserving insulation, density, and coat integrity—not reducing bulk. The coat is designed to protect the dog in harsh climates, and your grooming routine should support that function.

Line brushing: the foundation

Line brushing means working in small sections and brushing from the skin outward so you actually remove dead undercoat instead of just polishing the topcoat. Use a slicker first, then follow with a wide-tooth comb to confirm you are clear to the skin—especially in friction zones (behind ears, collar line, armpits, pants, and tail base).

For glide and static control, mist lightly with Maxi Care before brushing. This helps reduce coat breakage and makes dense coat work more comfortable for both dog and handler.

Bathing (less often, done correctly)

Malamutes generally do not need frequent baths. When needed, use Texturizing Shampoo to clean thoroughly without softening the guard coat. Rinse until the coat feels residue-free—leftover product contributes to dullness and undercoat compaction.

Conditioning (strategic only)

Conditioning should support the coat without collapsing volume. Use Reconstructor when coat integrity or manageability needs support (especially after heavy sheds, climate stress, or repeated brushing). Avoid heavy, routine conditioning that makes the coat feel soft.

Controlled blowouts

A high-velocity dryer used correctly is one of the best tools for Malamutes. Controlled blowouts help release dead undercoat, improve airflow to the skin, and reduce shedding in the home. Always dry in the direction of coat growth and avoid whipping the coat into knots.

What not to do

• Do not shave the coat for heat management.
• Do not thin or strip the jacket.
• Do not over-bathe or over-condition.
• Do not ignore the undercoat during seasonal coat blow—this is when problems build.

 

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