Care Tips

Feeding

Both the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute originate in climates where food was scarce. Their original diet consisted of low protein foods such as fish, birds and whatever else they could scavenge. These breeds are very efficient with energy, therefore don't need as much food as other breeds.

Being narrow chested dogs, feeding them big meals can in some cases lead to the dogs suffering from a twisted stomach – something that can and may kill. It's better to feed them two smaller meals each day.

Some breeders and owners advocate having a “starve day”; one day a week they don't get any food. While this seems mean, its important to know that these breeds' ancestors often missed meals due to the environment they lived in.

How do you know if your Malamute or Husky is carrying extra weight? One simple trick is to rub your hand along their rib cage – if you can't feel ribs, they're overweight. See the breed standards (linked at the bottom of the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky pages) for guidelines to healthy weight ranges. If you're not sure, see your Vet.

Coat Care

Both breeds have double coats. The fluffy undercoat acts as insulation, while the longer, course outer hair (called guard hairs) keep the majority of dirt and other contaminants out of the undercoat, hence the name.

Usually twice a year they will shed their undercoat, typically at the end of winter, and again as the weather starts to cool. This can lead to a prolific amount of hair around, depending on the dog. Bitches that haven't been desexed will also shed their coat at the end of a 'season', or in the event of whelping, after the litter is weaned.

During this time brushing of the undercoat with a rake or similar tool can assist you maintain their coat by removing the dead hair. If you don't do this, don't worry, nothing bad will happen. The dogs will find their own way to remove the coat. They'll rub up against tree branches or similar things to dislodge the undercoat. However, you'll notice more hair lying around (or floating past your nose if they have a shake). Brushing the coat let's you get most of the loose hair out before it ends up everywhere.

How often should you brush a Malamute or Husky? Well every dog is different, however a quick brush once a week is enough to keep their coat maintained. During the time they're shedding their undercoat daily brushing may be required.

Clipping and Shaving

Insulation works both ways, keeping heat in when it's cool, and heat out when it's hot. Both Malamutes and Huskies have their own insulation: their undercoat. These breeds are used to regulating their body temperature with their coat intact.

Clipping or shaving Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies is not recommended, except in extreme circumstances. During the hotter months, ensure your dog has a cool, shaded spot to relax and plenty of water to drink. A child's wading pool with water in it will allow them to paddle, sit or lay in the water if they wish. They will usually find the coolest place to lie and just sleep or rest. They may dig shallow holes in the ground to lie in to assist keeping cool.

Frozen water in a 1.25 L soft drink bottle, or blocks of ice provide them with a cool toy to play with on those very hot days. Take away containers make good sized ice blocks. Dropping one of these in their water bucket gives them a bit of entainment as well.