Best Dog Brush for Alaskan Malamutes (2026)
Alaskan Malamutes are famous for their thick double coats, which shed year-round and heavily during seasonal blowouts—sometimes losing entire undercoats in just weeks. Proper brushing isn't cosmetic; it's essential for skin health, prevents matting that traps moisture and causes infections, and reduces the volume of hair your home will otherwise be covered in.
The ideal brush for a Malamute must penetrate both the dense topcoat and the woolly undercoat without causing brush burn or irritation. Look for tools with sturdy, well-spaced bristles or pins and consider investing in both a deshedding tool and a finishing comb to address the breed's unique layered coat structure.
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Our Top Pick
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Used by professional groomers and show handlers for long, silky, or curly coats — the extra-long pins detangle mats without damaging the coat texture.
Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best professional slicker for show coatsProfessional-grade slicker with extra-long pins ideal for Malamutes' thick double coats, offering the cushioned pad needed to prevent brush burn during frequent grooming sessions.
- Professional groomer standard for long or curly coats
- Cushioned pad prevents brush burn
- 12% longer pins than standard slickers
FURminator
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs, Long Hair
Best deShedding tool for long double coatsDesigned specifically for double-coated large breeds like Malamutes, this deshedding tool removes up to 90% of loose undercoat and is essential during seasonal shedding blowouts.
- Removes up to 90% of loose undercoat hair
- Stainless steel edge reaches through topcoat
- FURejector button releases hair with one click
Wahl
Wahl Professional Animal Stainless Steel Comb
Best finishing comb for long coatsDual-spacing metal comb with wide and narrow teeth perfect for finishing Malamute coats and catching mats hidden in the dense undercoat before they become painful.
- Stainless steel — lasts decades
- Dual-spacing teeth (wide + narrow)
- Essential final step after brushing for mats
Hertzko
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best everyday slicker for medium/long coatsAffordable everyday slicker for Malamutes with fine bent wires that penetrate thick coats without the premium price, ideal for maintenance between heavier deshedding sessions.
- One-click self-cleaning button ejects trapped hair
- Fine bent wires penetrate mat-prone coats
- Affordable — under $15 on most platforms
Safari
Safari by Coastal Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
Best wire pin brush for wire/rough coatsWire pin brush with polished round tips suited for Malamutes' rough outer coat, providing gentle daily brushing without irritating skin during regular grooming.
- Polished round pin tips prevent skin irritation
- Flexible cushion base
- Affordable daily-use option
How to Choose the Right Brush for Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat with a coarse outer layer and dense, insulating undercoat—far thicker than single-coated breeds. A brush must have enough pin length and flexibility to reach through the topcoat into the undercoat without matting or breaking hair. Shorter pins or overly stiff bristles won't penetrate effectively, leaving shed hair trapped and creating mats that are painful to remove later.
Shedding intensity in Malamutes demands tools designed for high-volume hair removal. A slicker or pin brush alone won't manage the undercoat shedding during seasonal blowouts; you need a dedicated deshedding tool like the FURminator to remove loose hair before it falls out naturally. Using the right tool prevents grooming sessions from becoming exhausting and keeps coat health intact.
Finishing matters for Malamutes because their thick coats hide tangles and mats until they're severe. After using a slicker or deshedding tool, always run a metal comb through the coat—especially around the ears, neck, and hindquarters where mats form most easily. This final step catches remaining debris and identifies problem areas before they require painful mat removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Alaskan Malamute?
Brush Malamutes 3–4 times weekly year-round to manage continuous shedding and prevent matting. During seasonal blowouts (typically spring and fall), increase to daily brushing or use a deshedding tool 2–3 times weekly. Regular brushing reduces loose hair in your home by up to 80% and keeps their skin healthy.
Can I use a regular slicker brush on an Alaskan Malamute's coat?
A regular slicker can work for maintenance, but Malamutes' thick double coats need pins at least 1 inch long to penetrate the undercoat effectively. Standard slickers may cause matting or miss loose undercoat entirely. Pair any slicker with a dedicated deshedding tool and metal comb for complete coat care.
What causes matting in Alaskan Malamutes and how do I prevent it?
Matting occurs when loose undercoat tangles with the topcoat, especially in humid areas like ears, armpits, and rear legs. Prevent matting by brushing at least 3 times weekly and always finishing with a metal comb to catch hidden tangles. During shedding season, use a deshedding tool to remove loose hair before it becomes trapped.
Alaskan Malamute Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.