When clipping the ankle of the Siberian Husky, Akita, or Alaskan Malamute, you should clip only the pastern up to the 'stopper' pad.

• A. Clip the entire leg
• B. Clip only the pastern up to the stopper pad
• C. Clip above the knee
• D. Clip the toe only

Answer: (B)

Preserving protection and a natural, functional look around the lower leg is the main idea here. For these thick-coated sled breeds, you trim only the pastern up to the stopper pad because this keeps the paw area neat without removing the coat that protects the leg and keeps warmth. The stopper pad marks a natural boundary where clipping beyond it would expose sensitive skin and possibly cause discomfort or snagging on rough terrain. Clipping the entire leg or up above the knee takes away too much hair and alters the dog’s natural protection and balance, while clipping only the toe leaves excess fur around the paw. Keeping the clipping to the pastern up to the stopper pad gives a clean, practical result that respects anatomy and function.