January 8, 2025, 9:06 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The Greenland dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. For thousands of years, it has served as a reliable working and hunting dog in the icy Arctic. With its impressive physical abilities, it pulled loads over great distances and helped hunt seals and polar bears.
From the icy expanses of Greenland comes an impressive four-legged friend whose history is deeply rooted in the Arctic way of life of the Inuit. The Greenland dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. For thousands of years, it has served as a reliable working and hunting dog. However, this four-legged friend is no simple companion dog – it makes high demands on husbandry and activity.
Origin
The origins of the Greenland dog go far back into history. Over 1000 years ago, the ancestors of the Inuit brought their dogs from Siberia to North America. There, the Greenland dog developed into an indispensable helper in the Arctic. It served as a hunting dog for seals and polar bears and pulled loads under the harshest conditions.
The Inuit bred the Greenland dog specifically for its working ability, strength, and endurance. Later, polar explorers such as Roald Amundsen also discovered the impressive abilities of this breed and used them on their expeditions. The Greenland dog is genetically identical to the Canadian Eskimo dog but is one of the few dogs that have remained virtually unmixed. Today, it is listed by the FCI under the patronage of Denmark and is one of the four recognized sled dog breeds.
Appearance & Coat
The Greenland dog is a strong, imposing polar spitz with a well-muscled build, ideal for heavy work in arctic conditions. Males reach a height at the withers of over 60 cm, females around 55 cm. The weight is between 32 and 40 kg. Its ears are erect, triangular, and slightly rounded at the tips, while the tail is bushy and curled over the back.
The coat consists of a dense, soft undercoat and a smooth, coarse outer coat that is longer on the head, legs, and underside of the tail. All coat colors are permitted except merle and albino. The eyes are slightly slanted and dark; blue or different-colored eyes lead to disqualification according to the breed standard.
Character & Disposition
The Greenland dog is an energetic, courageous, and independent working dog. His passion lies in pulling loads and working in packs. It has a strong hunting instinct, especially for wild animals such as seals or polar bears. It is friendly towards people but without any particular attachment to individuals, which makes it unsuitable as a guard dog. Its character reflects its millennia-old task: endurance, mental strength, and a strong will. At the same time, the Greenland dog tends to question its hierarchy – both towards conspecifics and its owners.
Training
Training a Greenland dog requires patience, consistency, and experience. As an independent and strong-willed dog, it regularly challenges its owner’s leadership role. A clear hierarchy is, therefore, essential. At the same time, the Greenland dog needs physical and mental exercise in order to lead a happy dog’s life. Under-challenged dogs, on the other hand, tend to behave independently, which is often undesirable. Early socialization with other dogs through puppy schools is recommended. Experienced dog schools that are familiar with the character of sled dogs should be chosen for training.
Correct Keeping & Care
A Greenland dog needs plenty of space, exercise, and the opportunity to live out its love of work. Sled dog training or alternatives such as pulling carts or canicross are ideal. However, this breed is out of place in warm regions or apartments. This should also be taken into account during walks and training sessions on warm days so that the Greenland dog does not overheat. It prefers to live outdoors, ideally with other dogs, in a safe, large enclosure. Its dense coat must be brushed regularly during shedding to reduce hair loss. Otherwise, a coarse-toothed comb is sufficient. Paw care is important in winter to prevent damage from road salt.
Diet
The Greenland dog needs a diet adapted to its energy requirements. High-quality, protein-rich food with a high meat content is essential. For active dogs, the diet should be high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Puppies should be fed three to four small meals a day. Adult dogs should have sufficient rest periods before and after eating to avoid stomach torsion.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Thanks to thousands of years of selection for robustness, the Greenland dog is considered a healthy breed. However, there is a slight tendency towards hip dysplasia (HD) in some lines. Gastric torsion is also possible, especially with excessive exercise after eating. Due to its thick coat, the Greenland dog is sensitive to heat and should be protected from temperatures above 15 °C.
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The Greenland Dog at a Glance
- Size: Males from 60 cm, females from 55 cm
- Weight: 32-40 kg
- Coat: Dense undercoat, coarse outer coat; moderate grooming requirements
- Colors: All except merle and albino
- Character: Strong-willed, courageous, persistent, independent
- Attitude: Plenty of exercise, preferably outdoors; herding preferred
- Special feature: Typical sled dog, close relationship with nature