While the cost of an Alaskan Malamute can vary between $500 to $2,500 it’s important to know that a lot of factors can affect the initial cost of the dog. An average cost per year for a Malamute is around $1,850, this is usually considerably more during the first year especially if you decide to get a puppy. All these average costs are based on the essentials, this doesn’t include any emergency procedures or extra costs like spay/neuter procedures or dog boarding/walking services. 

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help take the stress off your shoulders when it comes to estimating costs. We know that deciding to get a four-legged companion for your family has been a tough decision and one that’s not been taken lightly. So we’ll answer your most pressing questions – how much is an Alaskan malamute? – and more throughout this guide. 

How Much Does An Alaskan Malamute Puppy Cost?

You just have to do a short search online and you’ll find that the price of a Malamute puppy can range from between $500 to more than $3000. While this does seem like a very broad price range there are several factors that can affect their cost. The average cost however is estimated at around $975. 

You can expect to pay around $3000+ if your puppy is purebred with documents to confirm this. While you may be considering buying from a reputable breeder, these do come with additional costs and are often fairly high, however, it is often worth considering rehoming or adopting an Alaskan Malamute. The costs associated with rehoming and adoption are considerably lower at between $50 to $500 dollars. It is always best to purchase a dog from reputable breeders and local shelters. This minimizes the risks of getting a dog with serious health problems right from the get-go. 

Are Malamutes Expensive?

Alaskan Malamutes feature within the top 10 most expensive dog breed list by Review Journal. Their average cost is around $975, however, that’s just for the dog alone. That doesn’t take into consideration pet insurance, vet expenses, accessories, or food costs.

It’s estimated that within the first year of owning a malamute you will spend around $4,275 but this could increase to upwards of $6000 depending on whether you take them to the groomers regularly, or you require a dog walker 5 times a week. You’re looking to spend anywhere between $1,800 and $10,000 a year to look after your pooch. That’s an average cost of between $24,000 and $100,000 for the entirety of your Alaskan Malamutes life.

What Factors Affect The Price Of A Malamute?

There are several factors that can affect the price of an Alaskan Malamute. We’ve listed the most common ones below:

Pure Bred or Mixed – Mixed or crossbreed malamutes are often sold at a lower price than purebred ones. 

Bloodline and Breeder Reputation – This is extremely important. A reputable breeder tends to invest more money into looking after the dogs they are breeding. If they are breeding from purebred show quality dogs the price will be considerably higher than those breeders who are just looking to make a quick buck and aren’t concerned for the welfare of their animals. 

Registration Documents/Pedigree – Some breeders are part of kennel clubs, the most well-known is the American Kennel Club (AKC). Breeders may also have their dogs registered which adds to their costs. 

Health Screening/Medical Expenses – Serious breeders will often make sure that their dogs and puppies are evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Some will even take their pups to the vets for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and microchip prior to selling them. All these additional things will increase the price of your Malamute.

Training and Socialization – Before breeders sell their dogs, some like to make sure that they complete basic training and socialization. Although this does raise the price of the dog it will potentially mean you make a saving as you won’t necessarily need to invest in training for basic commands and it gives you a better chance of a well-behaved malamute.  

Breeders Location – Local supply and demand will have a big impact on the cost of your Malamute. For example, smaller dogs are more popular in metropolitan areas when spaces are smaller, some breeds are more in demand in cold climates, some breeds are more in demand where hunting is popular. You get the idea. While it is worth taking a look at prices across different areas, it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it and the breeder in person first. 

Age – Most people want to get their dogs as early and as young as possible. You’ll find that the older the Malamute is the lower the price. 

Coat Colour/Markings – For any breed, certain coat colors are more popular than others. When the trend and interest for a particular color coat increases, the price of the puppy goes up. Think supply and demand again. This is extremely important to know when it comes to purebred dogs, as only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by many kennel clubs. Dogs with rare colors can be very expensive.

Additional Costs Associated With Raising An Alaskan Malamute

Now you have a greater understanding of how much your Alaskan Malamute puppy is going to cost you, you’ll want to consider some supplies and other additional costs. Supplies like leads, crates, dog beds, toys, and grooming brushes will all cost you more the first year than any subsequent years after that.  Food, pet insurance, and vet expenses are all additional costs that are a little harder to estimate. The table below shows you the price range and average cost of the most essential items to get before you bring your Malamute home for the first time. 

The cost of dog food varies depending on the brand and whether you feed them wet food or kibble or a combination of both. It’s always worth checking with the breeder what they have been feeding your pup before you get it. This way you can make sure to continue with the same brand. Asking a vet’s advice and doing your own research is always a good idea so that you know the right amount to feed them and which food will provide them with the most nutritional benefits. Some dog owners have switched their pets to a raw food diet, while this can be beneficial for some dogs it’s worth noting that it isn’t the case for all dogs and it can be a more expensive option. So be sure to do your research before trialing this. 

There will be other costs involved when it comes to looking after your malamute, insurance is one of those costs that varies hugely. Most companies that offer pet insurance will allow you to pay this either monthly or yearly, paying yearly often gives you a slightly cheaper cost overall. Vet bills are also difficult to estimate as they rely on a lot of variables. 

The post How Much Is An Alaskan Malamute? Complete Cost Guide appeared first on Husky Habits.

So, can Malamutes eat rice? Is it suitable to become part of their everyday diet? Are there any risks that you have to be aware of when feeding rice to your beloved pet? This article will discuss all that and more.

Can Malamutes eat rice?

Malamutes are gentle giants. They are huge dogs, often ranging from 23 to 25 inches tall and 75 to 85 pounds in size, with many varieties on both ends of the scale. They were originally bred as a class of working dogs, pulling heavy freights in the Arctic and Siberian regions of the world. 

Due to this, it’s not surprising that their need for energy is immense.

That’s why you’d be happy to know that Malamutes can’t just eat rice–it’s even beneficial for them.

Rice provides plenty of carbohydrates, which get broken down into energy. Rice can make for a great part of your Malamute’s diet with the right amount and routine. In fact, rice is often used as an ingredient in most dog foods for its added nutritional value. Even Siberian Huskies benefit from rice.

More than that, rice is great for sick Malamutes. It’s easy to prepare, easily digestible, and provides them with the right amount of energy to fight their sickness.

How to Serve Rice for Malamutes

When making rice for your gentle giant, it’s best to serve it plain, in addition to tastier food such as meat or fish. Seasonings won’t make a difference to Malamutes, and your beloved pooch may even have an adverse reaction to them.

Both brown and white rice are edible to Malamutes. However, while brown rice is more nutritious, it might be harder to digest. Meanwhile, white rice is easier to digest but is not as healthy and can cause a rapid increase in weight if given excessively.

Rice: The Pros and Cons

Rice contains many nutrients and minerals, such as carbohydrates, iron, protein, vitamins, and fiber, supplying your playful giant with lots of energy to fuel its shenanigans. It’s also very easy to prepare and much easier to digest, so it’s excellent comfort food for Malamute puppies and sick Malamutes.

However, everything is harmful in excess. Too much rice in their diet can make them gain weight and increase their risk for diabetes. For Malamutes that are not used to brown rice, it can give them constipation and indigestion.

To mitigate these risks, give rice only occasionally. If you’re planning to make it into a regular part of their diet, always consult a vet first.

Final Thoughts

Now we know that not only can your Malamute eat rice, it can also be a great addition to their diet. However, there are some precautions that you must keep in mind.

In this article, we learned that:

• Rice is good for your Malamutes because it contains lots of nutrients and minerals
• This food is also easy to prepare and digest.
• However, consult a vet if you plan on making rice a regular part of your Malamute diet because too much can do more harm.

The post Can Alaskan Malamutes Eat Rice? The Benefits and Risks appeared first on Husky Habits.

There could be any number of reasons why your malamute is looking a little on the skinny side, whether it’s because they are refusing to eat, whether they are on certain medications, or they have an underlying health condition you may not yet be aware of. 

Our article gives you the five most common reasons for a skinny malamute and what you can do to help improve your malamute’s health and well-being, so they can be back to the weight they should be and leaving you less stressed that something is seriously wrong.

Why Is My Malamute So Skinny? Possible Reasons

There are plenty of reasons why your malamute is skinny. It could be anything from their genetics to a medication they may be on. Here are 5 of the most common reasons why your Alaskan Malamute is so skinny. 

1. Insufficient Diet

Your dog’s diet plays a huge role in them gaining weight. If your pup isn’t getting the sufficient nutrients they need to put on weight they are going to lose it. This can be a gradual loss or it can be a relatively fast process. Although you may think you are feeding them what they need if you are giving your malamute dog food that’s designed for smaller breeds they won’t be getting what they need for their dietary requirements. A raw food diet or home-cooked diet can also lack certain nutrients so it’s key to start looking at what you are feeding your pooch as the first reason they may be skinny. 

2. Underfeeding

Just as an insufficient diet would make your malamute skinny so if underfeeding them. Underfeeding can occur when you are inadvertently giving your malamute the wrong size portion of food or because they are refusing to eat. This all has a big impact on the weight and size of your malamute. It’s important that you know exactly how much food you should be giving your malamute as well as how many times a day you should be feeding them. This will change as they grow. So if you haven’t increased their portion size since they were a puppy this could explain why your Alaskan Malamute is underweight and skinny. 

3. Too Much Exercise

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their stamina and crave mental stimulation and regular exercise. The recommended amount of daily exercise for an adult malamute is around 2 hours a day, however, with puppies, it’s crucial that you aren’t over-exercising them. Puppies need more rest than exercise while they are growing. Over-exercising your Malamute along with an insufficient diet can lead to malnourishment and a very underweight dog. 

4. Health Concerns

Certain health conditions can contribute to an underweight malamute. If you’ve checked out other contributing factors such as diet, overexercising, and medication, the underlying cause could be an undiagnosed health condition such as diabetes.

The only way you can be sure that your malamute has diabetes is by taking them to the vet, if they have diabetes then their bodies have a shortage of insulin so they don’t get any nourishment from their cells so they take it from their fat and muscle stores. Other possible health concerns could be parasites like worms. These parasites invade your dog’s gut and gastrointestinal organs preventing them from putting on weight. Should your pooch have parasites they will often show other symptoms such as bloating. If in doubt, or you suspect something else may be going on, it’s best to consult a registered vet. 

5. Medication

Malamutes are predisposed to getting certain health conditions and some of these conditions such as epilepsy will require your mal to be on medication. Just like human medication, dog medication can also have side effects, and a common side effect is weight loss or difficulty gaining weight. If your malamute is on any medication it’s worth checking what the side effects are and if you suspect that could be a reason why your malamute is so skinny then it is worth consulting your vet.  

Solutions For Helping A Skinny Malamute?

Whatever reason you believe could be causing your Alaskan Malamute to be skinny or underweight you’ll want to make sure you get it checked out and verified by a qualified vet. They’ll be able to examine your pup, perform a physical examination, they’ll ask you some questions and they may even run some tests to rule out other potential causes.

Your vet will want to know things about your Malamutes diet such as what you feed them, how much, and what types of foods your malamute enjoys. If they feel that you may be under-feeding your malamute they may ask you to increase their caloric intake and see whether you have any improvements over time, if that hasn’t made a difference, you’ll need to go back to your vet for a more detailed examination. 

If they rule that the cause of your Malamute’s skinniness is due to any medications they are taking, they may decide to swap the medication to something different and see whether that improves anything. You and your vet will need to work closely together to try and determine why your beautiful Alaskan Malamute is so skinny, but once a cause is found, things should improve fairly quickly.

Unfortunately, if your malamute is skinny your best option is to speak to a vet first before trying tips and tricks on your own accord as the last thing you want to do is make them worse.

How much should an Alaskan Malamute weigh?

According to the American Kennel Club, Alaskan Malamutes are considered to be a large breed. The average weight of an Alaskan Malamute will depend on certain factors such as height, diet, and genetics. The charts below show the average weight for both a female and male Malamute. 

Both female and male Malamutes will vary in weight, with males normally significantly heavier than a female. While these charts only go up to 16 months some malamutes will continue to gain a small amount of weight as they grow older. This is normally due to muscle gain and it is normally put on at a much slower rate than before. 

At what age is a Malamute full grown?

An Alaskan Malamute is normally full-grown by 2 years old. It’s said that a fully grown adult Malamute is between 23 and 25 inches in height. While your Alaskan Malamute may be close to their adult height by the age of 6 months, they are not considered fully grown until they have matured, which is normally by 2 years of age. The growth charts below will give a good indication of your Malamute’s height. 

The post Why Is My Malamute So Skinny? 5 Possible Reasons Why appeared first on Husky Habits.

We know they can eat mangoes, but can Malamutes eat apples? Is an apple as good for them as it is for humans? Does it have any risks? 

In this article, we’ll discuss if Malamutes can eat apples.

Can Malamutes eat apples?

This shouldn’t be surprising, but Malamutes can eat apples. Like many other fruits, apples offer plenty of nutrients that are beneficial to your Malamute. Also, since they’re low-fat and low in protein, even senior Malamutes with weaker bites will have no problem chewing them.

Health benefits of apples to Malamutes

Apples contain many nutrients and minerals, such as essential fatty acids (such as Omega-3 and 6), antioxidants, fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

All of these help with your Malamute’s immune system and gastrointestinal health. They might even strengthen your beloved Malamute against degenerative conditions such as joint disease.

More than that, munching on apples is good for your dog’s teeth. Although it must never be a substitute for regular brushing and dental checkups, apples can help your dog maintain a fresh breath by cleaning residue off the teeth.

Risks of giving Malamutes apples

However, there are some risks that you have to consider when feeding your dogs this delicious sugary treat.

For one, apples contain large amounts of sugar and fiber. While these goodies are great in the right amounts, they can contribute to indigestion or diarrhea. Don’t feed your Malamutes too much apple at once, and always watch out for signs of indigestion.

Also, apple seeds can be dangerous in excessive amounts. Just like with humans, apple seeds can be metabolized by the liver into cyanide. Small quantities of apple cores and seeds should be okay, as it takes approximately 200 apples all at once to poison your poor pet. 

A more significant concern is choking hazards. Apple cores and seeds might get stuck in their throat because of improper chewing. This is especially true for young Malamute puppies or smaller-sized Malamutes.

Lastly, be mindful of allergic reactions. There are many types of allergic reactions. Although it’s very rare for Malamutes to display allergies towards apples specifically, it’s not impossible, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they eat.

What other fruits can Malamutes eat?

Some fruity treats are good for Malamutes in small amounts. Dogs can eat apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupes, cranberries, cucumbers, mangoes, and oranges. These fruits don’t cause reactions in dogs in the right amounts and even contain lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals.

However, there are some fruits that dogs must not eat. Fruits such as avocados, cherries, grapes, and tomatoes contain harmful substances that will immediately be toxic to dogs, including your Malamute.

To be sure, do your research first about the fruit that you want to give your Malamute.

Final thoughts

Apples can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your Malamutes. That said, be sure not to make it part of their regular diet and always watch out for potential risks.

In this article, we discovered that:

• Apples contain lots of vitamins and minerals which are good for your Malamutes.
• Apples are healthy for your dog’s teeth, immune system, and more.
• Don’t overfeed and watch out for signs of diarrhea, indigestion, or allergic reactions.
• Never feed your dog fruits like grapes, cherries, and avocados.

Did you like this article? Check out our other posts on Husky Habits!

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In this article, we’re going to examine the characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute and see whether they display protective characteristics.

Are Malamutes protective?

Alaskan Malamutes are the surviving descendants of the oldest sled dog breeds. Thought to be bred by the ancient indigenous tribe called the Mahlemut, these dogs were made to pull working sleds in their location of origin: the harsh, snowy lands of Siberia.

Primarily working dogs that lived with their tribe’s family, Malamutes are a calm and very even-tempered dog breed. Although their wolf-like appearance is thought of as ferocious, they are actually very playful and docile. As such, most Alaskan Malamutes are not protective of their owners and actually enjoy being around different people.

Are Alaskan Malamutes possessive?

Malamutes can exhibit significant possessive behaviors, such as with food during feeding time. However, this isn’t common for all Malamutes. Rather, this behavior is more likely to appear in Malamutes who are in the middle of determining their pecking order.

This breed of dog has strong pack-forming tendencies, so they are very likely to establish their position in the pack through challenging actions. If they sense that you are not a strong owner and leader, they will likely be more stubborn and possessive about various things.

Due to this, Malamutes, as well as other Husky breeds, are not recommended for first-time dog owners who don’t know how to remain firm with their pets.

Are Malamutes aggressive?

This dog breed was developed to love work and be loyal to their family. Because of that, their aggressiveness is generally toned down.

However, aggressiveness doesn’t just depend on a dog’s breed. It can also be a matter of upbringing and socialization.

If your Malamute suffered from some kind of trauma in the past, they are more likely to be aggressive when they feel threatened. Even perfectly healthy Malamutes might become aggressive to other animals and people if they’re not socialized properly as they grow up.

Characteristics of a good guard dog

Because of their large and furry wolf-like appearance, people often think of Alaskan Malamutes as guard dogs. But what makes a good guard dog in the first place, and do Malamutes have those characteristics?

In this section, let’s discuss the important characteristics needed in guard dogs.

Size

If you want your guard dog to be intimidating and effective, they need to have the right size for it. 

Your Chihuahua might be trained to attack, but no burglar or harasser would be intimidated by a dog that you can carry around in a small bag. Also, when push comes to shove, bigger dogs have the highest chances of subduing the bad guy.

In this respect, Alaskan Malamutes fit the category well. They are huge dogs, weighing anywhere from 50 to 85 pounds and with a height of 20 to 27 inches, depending on sex. Regardless if they’re harmless or not, most people will probably feel intimidated by their size alone.

Trainability

It’s important for guard dogs to learn how to keep their aggression in check and follow commands. After all, they are likely to be big dogs with a high potential for damage, so it’s important to ensure that they completely obey your commands.

In this respect, Malamutes fit the bill. They’re smart dogs who enjoy doing work, so chances are high that they will follow what you say.

Temperament

The last and perhaps most important factor in finding the perfect guard dog is temperament.

Guard dogs need to have the right balance of aggressiveness and docility. Some dogs are too docile and friendly to everyone — even to strangers. Obviously, you don’t want your guard dog to happily greet burglars as they enter your home.

However, you also don’t want your guard dog to be overly aggressive. Some people make the mistake of assuming that the meaner their dogs are, the better they are as guard dogs. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Remember, excessively aggressive dogs are also more likely to attack you. This defeats the purpose of getting a guard dog in the first place — which is to keep you and your family safe.

In terms of temperament, the Alaskan Malamute falls into the docile category. They are friendly and affectionate, and they’re practically never aggressive. Although they look may look intimidating, they don’t usually attack first and are more likely to act friendly towards strangers.

Do Alaskan Malamutes make good guard dogs?

All told, Alaskan Malamutes won’t make good guard dogs protect against other people. Developed to be pack animals that live together with their human families, they are friendly and affectionate and will rarely bark. In most cases, you can’t rely on an Alaskan Malamute to fight burglars or attackers for you. 

However, because of their size and appearance, burglars may be more likely to hesitate to enter a house with a Malamute, especially if they’re not familiar with this dog breed.

That said, Alaskan Malamutes make good guard dogs against wild animals. Unlike with humans, they can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex, especially if they feel threatened.

Final thoughts

As great as Alaskan Malamutes are, they’re not typically protective of their owners. They also don’t make good guard dogs against burglars or robbers, as their default temperament leans more towards the gentle and playful side.

In this article, we learned that:

• Because of how they are developed, Malamutes are often not protective, possessive, or aggressive.
• Malamutes can be possessive when they’re testing the pecking order.
• They can also be aggressive when they’re traumatized or unsocialized.
• Dogs need to have the right size, temperament, and trainability to be effective guard dogs.
• Although Malamutes are huge and trainable, their temperament is largely unsuited for guarding against other people.

Did we answer your question? Feel free to check our other posts at Husky Habits!

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They are still one of the most popular dog breeds out there. From their intriguing eye colors to their rich coats, humans adore these working dogs. Many pet parents who get their husky from a puppy will often ask themselves “Will my husky puppy change color?” 

The answer is yes, they will change color and it will be due to several different reasons. We’ve put together a list of 7 important things you need to know about your pup’s color-changing fur and why they do this so you can put your mind at ease.

Will My Husky Puppy Change Color?

Yes, your husky puppy will change color. Husky pups are typically born with soft fuzzy coats that often contain darker tones through their fur. After their first shedding season, you may notice that markings that were once black are now light gray in color.

This change happens because your pup has developed its coarse, thick adult coat. If your husky has dark patches around their eyes, these could fade out completely or they may turn into a lighter shade. These changes are only likely to occur during a shift in the seasons or during shedding.

Why Is My Husky Changing Colors?

There are several reasons why your husky may be changing colors. A change in the seasons and shedding are the two main reasons why your husky is changing colors. A lesser-known reason for your husky pup’s color change is sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause your Siberian husky’s fur color to change from dark hues to lighter hues – reverse tanning – while in most cases it will revert back once you limit the amount of sunlight they get, it can in other cases be a permanent change.

So be careful if you live in an area where you get a lot of harsh sunlight and spend a lot of time outdoors. You’ll also find that husky’s will change color as they age. Some husky’s that appeared black when they were pups will now have more gray tones, this is due to the natural aging process. Just like humans, husky’s can also develop gray hairs! 

What Are The Different Colors Of Huskies?

Husky’s are unique in the fact that each part of their double coat can be a different color. As well as this, dilution factors, age, and sun exposure can also affect your husky’s fur color. According to the American Kennel Club, these are some of the standard husky colors:

Agouti

Also known as ‘wild coloring, and agouti husky looks almost identical to a wolf. Agouti huskies have dark heavy masks and cream-colored markings. The pigment extends far down the canines body and their undercoats are usually charcoal while their outer coat can be a mixture of black, tan, red, or grey. 

Black and white

The undercoat of a black and white Siberian husky can be white, charcoal, beige, or even a mix of all three. While their topcoat can range from jet black to a dilution known as ‘salt and pepper’ grey, you may also find that some huskies have a slight red tint to their fur. Though this red tint is rare and usually a result of sun exposure. 

Red

Some Siberian husky’s come in a variety of red or copper tones. From red and white huskies to chocolate copper huskies, they all have a varying degree of red throughout their fur with some lending more of the tan colors to come through where others have more red hues showing through for darker fur color. 

Sable

Considered a rare color, but not as rare as a pure white husky, Sable-colored huskies have black points and black tipping of the fur, and the undercoat is always a shade of red.

The Three Greys

Some huskies come in one of three shades of grey; wolf-grey, silver, or dark/medium grey. The wolf-grey husky has warm shades of grey with either beige, tan, or red behind the ears and on their legs and back. Their undercoat is normally beige. A silver husky tends to have a silvery or blueish tone to their fur and their undercoat is normally white. A complete contrast to the wolf-grey husky. The medium/dark grey husky is the most common with their undercoats being a mix of beige and silver.

Some colors and patterns, such as the double merle, have been linked to certain health conditions including sight and hearing problems.

What Is The Rarest Husky Color?

Pure white is considered to be the rarest color for a husky. This color is a result of recessive genes that have removed the pigmentation from their coat. While you can get white husky’s they may have hints of yellow through their coats.

A white Siberian husky can have liver-colored or black points – usually the color of their nose and skin around their eyes. Their undercoat however is white or silver. This husky is truly striking, especially when paired with captivating bright blue eyes.  Pure white huskies are not a sign of albinoism as many believe, it is simply due to other hues being completed restricted.

How Often Do Husky’s Change Color?

Mature husky’s will change color once or twice a year. This change occurs due to the shedding of their fur. A Siberian husky tends to shed their coats twice a year – once in the lead up to summer and then again just before winter. However, every once in a while your husky may only shed once in the year. This factor tends to be weather-related as well as location-dependent.

Be aware that your husky may constantly shed if you live in a place that is relatively warm all year round. It’s likely that your husky’s fur coat will be darker during the winter months due to the coat being thicker and lighter during the summer months as the coat is normally thinner. 

Do Husky Patterns Change?

It’s unmistakable that a husky puppy’s markings make it adorable and very unique but sadly their markings don’t stick around for long. As your husky reaches adulthood their markings will undeniably change. When and how the markings change is unknown as it varies from canine to canine.

No two huskies are the same when it comes to their markings or patterns and some can be more striking than others. Generally, husky’s have darker markings which become lighter as they change their fur colors. Gray colors are more prominent in dark-toned huskies.

As your Siberian husky ages, their mask is going to change color. If your husky had dark patches surrounding their eyes, these areas could fade into the same colors as the rest of their mask. You may also notice that your husky’s eyebrow markings will fade as they age and become part of their overall mask.

Solid-colored or monochrome huskies will not have a mask or any recognizable patterns, but that’s not to say you won’t notice color changes as they mature.

Do Husky’s Eyes Change Color?

You are likely to notice that your husky’s eye color will change slightly. This normally only happens as a puppy. It’s not likely that your pup’s eye color will change once they reach adulthood. Blue or brown are the most common colors for husky’s eyes, however, you may see a husky with green eyes.

The most unusual and rarest colors are split-eye and parti-. Parti-eyed huskies will have a predominant eye color with another color sprinkled across the iris, whereas a split-eyed husky will have eyes that are half one color and half another color. You may have even seen husky’s with each eye bring a different color. This condition is called heterochromia. 

It’s possible that some husky pups may not have the same blues eyes in adulthood. While striking blue eyes are the most common color in husky’s, you should notice if your pup has different colored eyes to that fierce blue when they are between 5 and 8 weeks old. During this period you’ll notice that your husky’s blue eyes (if they have blue eyes that is) will start to darken. They could even turn gray or a murky color. By 12 to 16 weeks of age, your husky should have achieved its final eye color, however, some husky’s can take a little longer.

The post Will My Siberian Husky Puppy Change Color? 7 Things To Know appeared first on Husky Habits.

We all know that this fur coat should be maintained by daily brushing. However, this can quickly become too time-consuming to do every day, and improper maintenance can cause mattes that can become breeding grounds for infection. In the summer months, their thick fur can also cause them to overheat and feel ill.

But do Alaskan Malamutes need haircuts? Is it the solution to the problem? Would it cause harm? In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and more.

Do Alaskan Malamutes need haircuts?

Ideally, you should never have to trim your Malamute’s gorgeous fur. A bad haircut can easily damage their beautiful coat, and they might even react negatively in sensitive areas.

If absolutely needed, your first choice should be to go to a licensed professional for your Malamute’s grooming.

Should I shave my Malamutes?

Avoid shaving your pet’s fur at all costs unless it’s absolutely required, such as in the case of a medical operation or procedure.

Not only is shaving highly unnatural and irritating to them, but their thick coat is also essential to regulate their body’s temperature. If their fur coat is compromised, Malamutes become even more at risk of heatstroke and sunburn. In the worst-case scenario, these irritations could fester and develop infections.

Do Malamutes have hair or fur?

When it comes to dogs, ‘hair’ is often used interchangeably with ‘fur.’ Those with a single layer are referred to as ‘hair’ more commonly, while those with a double layer are referred to as ‘fur.’

In the case of Alaskan Malamutes, they have a specific kind of fur called a ‘double fur,’ so named because it has two layers: a thick outer coat called ‘guard coat’ and a more luxurious undercoat.

Although thick, a Malamute’s guard coat is coarse and short. Meanwhile, the undercoat can reach up to two inches long and has a silky, wooly feel for repelling water and providing warmth.

This double coat is used by Malamutes to protect them against the elements. The Arctic region where they originated is a place of extreme cold, and so they’ve adapted to withstand that climate. Today, this double coat is seen as a distinctive trait and is enhanced through selective breeding.

How Can I Keep My Malamutes Clean?

Although an Alaskan Malamute’s luxurious double fur coat is one of its most distinctive features, it’s also one of the aspects that make their care so challenging.

Nevertheless, as fur parents, we have to do our part to keep our fur babies happy and healthy. Aside from professional grooming, we can do the following things at home:

Set regular bathing schedules

While they don’t need to be groomed and trimmed all the time, regular bathing can help your Malamute in various ways. Aside from keeping them cool, clean, and looking good, you can also minimize shedding if you bathe your dog at least once every one to two weeks.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner.

Don’t get us wrong — regular shampoo works just fine in keeping your dog clean. However, if you want to go the extra mile, nourishing shampoos can help your Malamute’s coat look healthier.

If their coat appears to be dry, conditioners can help things along. Whatever you apply, make sure you research it well first and start slow.

Blow-dry their fur properly

Perhaps more important than using the right shampoo and conditioner is blowing your Malamute’s fur properly.

A wet coat easily attracts all sorts of dirt and germs. If you don’t dry it properly, your Alaskan Malamute might be even dirtier than when you started. You can buy a high-quality blow dryer for this, but many grooming salons now rent out their blowdryers for home use.

Brush their fur regularly

Malamutes require regular brushing at least once a week and professional grooming at least once every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid mats on your Malamute’s coat.

While little mattes aren’t that big of a deal, improper maintenance of your Malamute’s fur could lead to severe matting. This can harbor all sorts of infections. Your Malamute’s fur might need to be shaved if the matte becomes too much. As mentioned, shaving is highly discouraged for this dog breed, so best avoid it as much as you can.

How Often Should You Brush Your Malamutes?

Your Malamutes should be brushed properly at least once or twice every week on their normal days.

However, you will have to brush them every day during their shedding seasons to keep them clean and shed-free. You should also carefully clean the abundant amount of shed fur that Malamutes will have in this period. If you have carpeted floors, you may need to vacuum daily or invest in many lint rollers to keep your carpets fur-free. You can donate the excess fur to yarn shops that accept dog wool.

You should start brushing and grooming your Malamutes early on. This makes them more likely to get used to grooming and relax under treatment than when they’re fully grown. To make this process easier, you can brush them during the quiet hours of the day or night to help them be more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Malamutes don’t need haircuts, not exactly. Instead, they need proper maintenance for their lovely fur coat, and as their owner, that responsibility falls on you.

In this article, we learned that:

• Malamutes have a double fur coat that they adapted to help them in colder temperatures.
• Trimming your Malamute’s fur should be done very carefully.
• You must never shave a Malamute unless absolutely necessary..
• To keep your Malamute’s fur healthy, bathe them regularly, use the right implements, blow-dry properly, and regularly brush their fur.
• You must take your Malamute to the groomer at least once every six to eight weeks, bathe and brush them at least once a week.
• During shedding season, brush your Malamute every day.

Did you like this article? Check out more posts at Husky Habits!

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However, it doesn’t end there. There are still a few things you need to consider when feeding your dog rice. So, if you’re wondering, “Can Siberian Huskies eat rice?” then don’t fret – in this article, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about.

Can Siberian Huskies eat rice?

You may not know it, but rice is an ingredient found in most dog foods. Rice contains a ton of nutrients that’s good for your Husky, so it’s even highly beneficial for them to eat a certain quantity of rice from time to time.

Also, if you have a sick dog, rice is even preferable to dry dog food. This is because rice contains lots of carbohydrates for energy, is easily digestible, and can be prepared conveniently.

When preparing rice for your dog, keep it simple. Avoid adding spices or seasonings – your pets can’t tell the difference, and some of those spices can even cause an allergic reaction to some. Also of primary consideration is the amount of rice to feed your Husky, which should be consulted to a vet.

Should I give my Siberian Husky brown rice or white rice?

Brown and white rice differ in the ways that they are processed.

Brown rice isn’t as processed, so the grains ‘seed coat’ remains. This contains more nutrients and fiber, which is noticeably absent from white rice. However, although it’s healthier, brown rice might be harder for Huskies to digest. That’s why it’s not generally recommended to feed your furbabies brown rice.

On the other hand, white rice contains fewer nutrients but is much easier for your dogs to digest. The downside is that white rice also has a higher glycemic index, which means that it contains more carbohydrates. This extra amount of carbs might be dangerous for huskies who already have delicate blood sugar levels because of an illness, such as canine diabetes, so you must be careful.

Benefits and risks of rice for Siberian Huskies

Rice as a diet for Huskies has a lot of benefits. It contains many carbohydrates, protein, iron, vitamin D, and helpful fiber, giving your pups an extra health boost. It’s also easy to digest and can supply sick puppies with the right amount of nutrients to keep them healthy.

However, it could also pose some risks. If given too much rice, Huskies can gain weight and even become high-risk for diabetes. Feeding them brown rice could also result in constipation.

Final thoughts

As long as proper considerations are taken, rice is healthy and easy food for Huskies.

In this article, we learned that:

• Rice is safe for Huskies to eat.
• Rice contains a lot of carbohydrates, protein, iron, vitamin D, and helpful fiber.
• More than its abundant nutritional value, rice is also easy to prepare and digest.
• It’s safer to feed dogs white rice rather than brown rice.
• Too much white rice can make diabetic dogs more at risk, while brown rice can cause constipation.

Did you like this article? Don’t forget to check our other blog posts here at Husky Habits!

The post Can Siberian Huskies Eat Rice? Benefits and Risks appeared first on Husky Habits.

That said, how big can an Alaskan Malamute grow, anyway? In this article, this is precisely what we’ll discuss.

How big can an Alaskan Malamute grow?

Alaskan Malamutes are classified as a large breed by the AKC. Understandably, this means that they’re generally bigger than other breeds of dogs, including other Husky breeds like Siberian Huskies.

For males, the average height is about 25 inches (63.5cm) at the shoulders. Females are a bit smaller, standing at around 23 inches (58.5cm) at the shoulders.

In terms of weight, males are also much heavier, weighing 85 pounds (38.5kg) on average as opposed to females who typically weigh roughly 75 pounds (34kg).

Since these are just the averages, don’t be worried if your Alaskan Malamute doesn’t match these stats exactly. For instance, a male Alaskan Malamute that is 24 inches high and weighs 79 pounds is still within the healthy range. At the same time, a female Alaskan Malamute that is 25 inches high and weighs 80 pounds is also considered normal.

Of course, an Alaskan Malamute that is both tall and heavy will look a lot bigger than an Alaskan Malamute that is shorter and lighter. But ultimately, as long as your Malamute is fine, health-wise, their size doesn’t really matter.

Can Alaskan Malamutes be overweight?

It’s important to determine whether an Alaskan Malamute is indeed overweight or if their coat is simply too thick.

Alaskan Malamutes have naturally thick coats to help protect them from extreme cold. They tend to shed these coats year-round, most notably around spring or winter. Some Malamutes have such thick coats that they look overweight because of it, even though that’s not the case.

However, it’s also true that there are some Alaskan Malamutes that are overweight. If a Malamute is around the average size (25 inches for males and 23 inches for females) but weighs at least 20-25 pounds heavier than usual, there’s a good chance that they’re overweight.

Obviously, taller Malamutes should be able to handle a bit more weight, but it’s safe to say that most average-sized Malamutes that are at least 110 pounds are severely overweight.

One way to check whether a Malamute is overweight or not is if you can still feel their ribs. No matter how thick their coats may be, you should still be able to feel them if you press gently by their side.

If you still can’t feel their ribs no matter how hard you try, it’s a good sign that your Malamute is overweight. Proper diet and exercise should be done immediately as being overweight can cause a lot of health issues to Alaskan Malamutes.

Are giant Alaskan Malamutes real?

If you’ve ever searched on the internet for information about Alaskan Malamutes before, you’ve probably already come across a special variant called Giant Alaskan Malamutes.

“Giant” Alaskan Malamutes are simply Malamutes that weigh heavier than 120-150 pounds. Unlike regular Malamutes, they stand taller than 35 inches. Coupled with their heavy weight, they do look like giant versions of our beloved, cuddly furbabies.

However, are they an actual breed or simply a variation of the regular Alaskan Malamute?

Actually, giant Alaskan Malamutes are simply selectively bred Malamutes. They’ve been around for hundreds of years, originally found in the frigid regions of Alaska. In order to achieve their size, breeders would take the largest Malamute puppy from one litter and breed that with another litter’s largest puppy.

Over time, this led to bigger and bigger Malamute puppies. Their offspring are what we know today as Giant Alaskan Malamutes.

Is my Alaskan Malamute too small?

Since Alaskan Malamutes are classified as a large breed, it’s understandable to feel worried when your Malamute seems a bit shorter and lighter than average.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry. There’s no such thing as “miniature” Alaskan Malamutes, but smaller Alaskan Malamutes do exist. And while they’re definitely not the norm, it doesn’t make them abnormal.

Why is my Alaskan Malamute small?

There are many reasons why your Alaskan Malamute may be smaller than usual.

The first one is genes. Just like how bigger Alaskan Malamutes can be selectively bred to create “giant” Malamutes, the same can be done to small Alaskan Malamutes, as well. If your Alaskan Malamute seems smaller than average, check to see if their parents or other siblings are also small.

Two, if their siblings seem normal-sized, your Malamute could be the runt of the litter. Runts can sometimes have underlying health issues, so be sure to get yours checked at the vet.

Three, they may not be eating enough, or their diet may not be up to par. Make sure that you’re feeding your Malamute only the best dog food possible to provide all the necessary nutrition.

These are just the most common ones. It’s best to still consult with a vet to find out what is truly going on.

Is my Alaskan Malamute too skinny?

It’s essential to determine first whether your Malamute is actually small or if it’s just skinny.

A small Alaskan Malamute means they’re not just light, they’re short in stature as well. For instance, a fully-grown male Malamute that’s 21 inches in height and 65 pounds in weight is certainly small but not necessarily skinny.

A skinny Alaskan Malamute is one that’s, say, 23 inches in height but only 55 pounds in weight. Alaskan Malamutes are working dogs, which means they must have a lot of muscle and fats on their body that contribute to their weight.

If they’re too skinny for their height, it’s important to visit the vet to get them checked out.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, as we mentioned above, your Alaskan Malamute’s size rarely matters, as long as they’re healthy.

In this article, we learned that:

• Alaskan Malamutes can grow up to 25 inches and 85 pounds for males and 23 inches and 75 pounds for females.
• Giant Alaskan Malamutes and small Alaskan Malamutes exist.
• Being overweight or underweight is not good for your Alaskan Malamute.

Did this answer your questions? Feel free to visit us at Husky Habits!

The post How Big Can An Alaskan Malamute Grow? appeared first on Husky Habits.

That said, it’s not unusual for problems to arise every now and then. For instance, maybe your Husky has stopped eating their dry food, even if you try to hand-feed them. Like most furparents, this probably got you concerned and worried about your precious furbaby.

If you’re wondering why your Husky won’t eat dry food, then don’t fret – you’ve come to the right place.

5 reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food

There are many reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food. Here are some of the most common ones.

The food is low-quality

One thing you have to know about Husky breeds before we go further is that they’re good at holding off eating.

Historically, Huskies are descended from a breed of sled dogs found in the Chukchi Peninsula. These dogs were bred specifically to become working dogs and to aid the Chukchi people as they hunted, traded, and did other similar activities.

Since the entire area was often covered in snow, there wasn’t always a lot of food available. Due to this, these sled dogs developed a type of metabolism that could keep their energy up for a long time even without food intake.

In other words, Huskies are good at skipping meals, especially if they don’t like the food. This includes poor-quality kibbles. If your Husky thinks that the dry food you’ve provided isn’t good enough, they won’t think twice about skipping it and waiting for something better to come their way.

To combat this problem, simply replace his regular dry food with a higher-quality variety. Brands that have fresh ingredients listed first are better than those that have corn, rice, and other grains.

They’re bored

Just like people, Huskies can get bored of their food as well. If all they’ve been eating for a while is dry food, it’s not unusual for them to get tired of it eventually.

Luckily, the solution for this is pretty easy. You can add some wet food, gravy, or toppings to your dog’s regular dry food to improve its taste and texture. You can also add human food like cooked chicken breast and pig liver to switch things up.

If you still have some milk formula for dogs, you may also want to add warm milk to their bowl of kibbles. The kibbles will soften in the milk, making it more palatable and much easier to eat.

They’re stressed or anxious

Despite their wolf-like appearance, Huskies are actually quite sensitive dogs. They get stressed over things like moving houses, a new pet, or noisy people. They can also get stressed over minor changes, like simply moving their food bowl someplace else. 

In addition to this, Huskies are also known to suffer from separation anxiety, which is a whole different topic altogether.

Of course, if your Husky is stressed or anxious, it’s very likely for them to stop eating not just dry food, but all kinds of food in general. Be very observant and watch out for other signs of stress and anxiety, like pacing, whining, panting, yawning, and licking, among many others. Luckily, this typically doesn’t last for more than a day.

They have dental issues

Dental issues are difficult for everyone, humans and Huskies alike. These issues can range from tooth decay, bad gums, and other related issues.

Since dry food is much firmer than wet food, any Husky with dental issues may find it much more difficult to eat the former than the latter.

Remember, your Husky won’t be able to tell you straight out if they have a bad toothache, so, once again, you have to use your observation skills. Symptoms include refusal to eat hard foods or treats, slow chewing, excessive drooling, and resistance whenever you touch their face or mouth area.

If your Husky is dealing with dental issues, the best way to help them with this is to simply go to the vet to get the proper treatment.

That said, prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid such issues in the future, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and to give them special treats that can help with their dental health.

They’re feeling ill

If you Husky has underlying health issues, it’s only natural for them to lose their appetite. This doesn’t just include dry food, but also all kinds of food in general.

One of the health issues that can cause a lack of appetite is Zinc deficiency. This is very common in Husky breeds.

Again, observation should be your strong suit here. If your dog still doesn’t eat after 2 days, there could be something else that’s up. Schedule an appointment with the vet for a thorough check-up.

How to get your Husky to eat dry food

Now you know why your Husky won’t eat dry food. To help improve their appetite, you can do the following:

• Provide high-quality dog food. As mentioned above, Huskies can easily pass up on dog food that they deem poor quality.
• Mix up their food every now and then. You can even add human food to make their food tastier for them.
• Create a strict schedule. Doing so will regulate your dog’s appetite.
• Ensure they’re getting proper exercise. Huskies need to burn off their energy to feel completely hungry.
• Keep their dental health in tip-top shape. A bad toothache can make eating dry food much more difficult than it should be.
• Have them checked by your local vet regularly. Making sure they’re always healthy is part of your responsibility as a furparent.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food. In this article, we learned the following:

• Huskies can afford to skip meals due to their excellent metabolism.
• Low-quality food, boredom, stress and anxiety, dental issues, and underlying health problems are some of the reasons why a Husky won’t eat dry food.
• To get a Husky to eat, you can switch their dry food, add toppings or wet food, provide a more comfortable space, and get them checked out at the vet.

Did this solve your problem? If you’d like to learn more about Huskies, don’t forget to check out our blog at Husky Habits!

The post My Husky Won’t Eat Dry Food! Here Are 5 Reasons Why appeared first on Husky Habits.