Alaskan Malamute · winter guide
Do Alaskan Malamutes Need Coats?
Usually not. Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat and handle the cold well; a coat helps only below 20 °F (−7 °C) or in wet, icy weather.
Handles the cold wellCoat only below 20 °F (−7 °C)

What a Alaskan Malamute needs
Enter today’s temperature for the answer right now.
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Why Alaskan Malamutes handle the cold
A Alaskan Malamute weighs 75–85 lb (34–39 kg) and has a double, medium coat (AKC breed page). A thick double coat traps warm air against the skin like a down jacket, and a dog of this size keeps its heat far longer than a small one. Puppies, seniors and dogs with a clipped coat are the exception.
Alaskan Malamute winter temperature guide
| Feels like | What your dog needs |
|---|---|
| Above 20 °F (−7 °C) | No coat needed |
| Below 20 °F (−7 °C) | A coat for long or wet walks; protect the paws from ice and salt |
| Rain, sleet or wet snow | A raincoat keeps the undercoat dry |
Wind and wet fur make it feel colder; enter today’s weather in the calculator above to see the answer for right now. The bands follow PetMD’s cold weather guidance and the US National Weather Service wind chill.
What should a Alaskan Malamute wear?
Most days nothing at all. For long walks in deep cold, sleet or road salt a raincoat keeps the undercoat dry and winter dog boots protect the paws.
Alaskan Malamutes and cold weather: FAQ
At what temperature does a Alaskan Malamute need a coat?
Usually not. Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat and handle the cold well; a coat helps only below 20 °F (−7 °C) or in wet, icy weather.
Can Alaskan Malamutes stay outside in winter?
They tolerate cold well, but no dog should be left outside unattended in freezing weather without shelter, water and a way inside.
What size coat does a Alaskan Malamute wear?
It depends on the dog, not only the breed: measure the chest, back length and neck. Our size guide saves your dog’s measurements and shows the size that fits on every coat.




















