Time

The time required to groom an Alaskan Malamute, will vary on a number of factors. Whether or not the dog is a pet, is a show dog or is a long coat, would be the three main ones. If the dog is living indoors or outdoors (and develops a Winter coat); or is spayed / neutered or is 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. You could also budge $75 - $125 at the groomer every few months if you do not feel like doing the grooming yourself. At the groomer, the dog would be combed, bathed, dried and trimmed. Usually nails are trimmed at the same time. While show dogs would not normally be trimmed, pets and long coats can be. Going to a self-serve dog wash is an alternative. Wash and dry usually costs under $20 for even the filthiest of dogs. And certainly the garden hose or the lake is another alternative - as long as you use environmentally friendly soaps AND you don't mind the potential 'fishy' smell a lake-bathed dog may acquire!