The eyes of the Alaskan Malamute are almond-shaped and are varied shades of brown; however, the darker eye is preferred. Purebred Alaskan Malamutes will not have blue eyes. Nose and gums are black but some Malamutes have a snow nose, which is black with a pink undertone that can get darker or lighter, depending on the season. There is only one known health survey of Alaskan Malamutes, a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey with a small sample size of 14 dogs. This breed cannot easily absorb zinc, and infections, skin, and coat problems can arise.Thyroid disorders are the most common hormone issue in dogs, and hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid hormone, is common in northern breeds including Malamutes.