Alaskan Malamute

Question
We have a 2year old malamute (male) and was wondering if it is (or is not) recommended to shave the dog during the summer to help keep him cool?  I have heard some say that if we shave him it might not grow back properly..  is there any truth to this?

Thanks

Answer
Dear Paul,
Never feel tempted to shave your alaskan breed dog. It might in your mind make you think he is cooler but his fur partly is a source of insulation from the heat. Also if you clip him now his fur will regrow even thicker next time and add to his misery. The coat does what it is designed to do left as it is. Try getting him a childs play pool, make him large ice blocks. Keep the yard watered and cool, let him dig a hole somewhere and lay in it under your plants. These are by far better strategies to keep him happy and cool than ruining his coat.
Hope this helps.
Faye and HUsky Crew.