Greenland Dog

The Greeland Dog: the Typical Sled Dog Appearance 

The traits of this dog have always been more important than its looks. The strong build allows the Greenland Dog to pull heavy loads over snow for long periods. Variations in size are possible, with males usually over 60 cm tall and females over 55 cm.

The ears are erect, triangular, and slightly rounded at the tips. This sled dog carries its rod lightly curled over its back. The fur consists of a soft undercoat and smooth, rather coarse top coat. The fur is longer on the head, legs, and the underside of the rod than on the rest of the body.

All fur colours except Merle and Albino are allowed. The eyes should be slightly slanted and dark – blue or differently coloured eyes lead to disqualification according to the standard. 

The Greeland Dog is One of the Oldest Dog Breeds in the World 

For centuries, the Greenland Dog has accompanied the Inuit in their shared homeland. Over 1,000 years ago, it is said to have come with their ancestors from Siberia to North America. In the icy expanses, it has served the locals as a versatile all-rounder and has always been selectively bred for its working capability and robustness.

It helped in hunting seals and polar bears as well as pulling loads through ice and snow, even over great distances. In times of need, it also served as food for the locals. The exceptional physical abilities of the Greenland Dog also attracted the interest of early polar explorers, who saw in it the perfect companion for expeditions.

For example, Roald Amundsen, the most successful explorer of the Arctic and Antarctic, was accompanied by Greenland Dogs.

The breed originates in Greenland and is consequently under the patronage of Denmark. Genetically, the Greenland Dog is identical to the Canadian Eskimo Dog, which is not recognised by the FCI.

Today, the Greenland Dog counts as one of four sled dog breeds, alongside the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Samoyed, and the Siberian Husky. 

Greenland Dog: An Independent Pack Friend

The character of the breed is defined by its area of use: As Inuit sled dogs, Greenland Dogs are very resilient and full of energy. Additionally, the hunting companions are brave and show a pronounced hunting instinct.

Since they often lived in packs and served several people loyally, they typically do not bond strongly to individual people, but they are generally friendly toward humans – making them unsuitable as guard dogs.

However, they often greet friends or strangers loudly and cheerfully.

Caution: The Greenland Dog tends not to bark much, but it does enjoy howling extensively. It loves living together with other dogs in a pack. 

© Dogs / stock.adobe.com

Training for Experienced Dog Owners: Greenland Dog 

Anyone looking to train a Greenland Dog needs knowledge, experience, and above all, a lot of patience. This independent sled dog places great importance on a clear hierarchy and will challenge it when given the opportunity.

This applies to other dogs as well as its owners. It needs reliable consistency and empathetic training that acknowledges the breed’s stubborn streak. Physically and mentally engaging this dog is the foundation for good training since an under-stimulated sled dog will find other ways to burn off energy – likely to the dismay of its owners.

It makes sense to attend puppy school with this dog, so it can be extensively socialised with dogs of various sizes and breeds. If you plan to train with the growing dog in a dog school, you should clarify in advance whether the trainers have experience with the unique character of sled dogs. 

Greeland Dogs Have a Robust Health 

For centuries, robustness has been the top breeding goal for this four-legged friend – no wonder, then, that the Greenland Dog is among the breeds with hardly any health issues. However, when purchasing a puppy, ensure the parents are demonstrably free from hip dysplasia (HD), as there can be a slight tendency in some lines.

Additionally, like all somewhat larger dogs, gastric torsion can occur, so it is essential to observe digestion breaks after meal times. Due to their origin and fur adapted to icy conditions, these four-legged friends are sensitive to heat and should not be kept in warm countries.

You should not encourage your Greenland Dog to engage in sporting activities at over 15°C. Correspondingly, your companion will feel comfortable in cooler seasons. However, ensure proper paw care in winter, as road salt can quickly lead to cracked or inflamed skin. 

© Dogs / stock.adobe.com

Greenland Dog Nutrition: Food for Endurance Athletes 

A Greenland Dog in sled dog use consumes an enormous amount of energy and needs a corresponding diet. It is important to adjust the food quantity according to the dog’s activity level and constitution – manufacturers’ guidelines only offer rough estimates.

The energy requirement of a puppy is naturally not as high since it should only be moderately active. Feed your puppy three to four portions of high-quality food per day. Regardless of your dog’s age, meat should be the primary ingredient listed and the main component of its food.

Grain has no place in a dog-appropriate diet. If your four-legged friend is very active, increase the food quantity accordingly. The food should have a relatively high fat content and low carbohydrates and fibre to ensure your endurance athlete has enough energy.

It is crucial to space physical activity from the last meal – feed your Greenland Dog at least three hours before training and avoid excessive activity after eating. This way, you can minimise the risk of life-threatening gastric torsion.

Additionally, always ensure fresh water is available for your four-legged friend. For longer outings, be sure to bring enough water. 

“Fellness” for Nature Lovers 

A coarse-toothed comb suffices to groom the soft undercoat – you should do this regularly during the shedding season, as the Greenland Dog loses a considerable amount of hair, not just during this time. If your companion gets dirty, it is usually enough to let the fur dry and then comb it thoroughly.

Remove stubborn dirt gently with a damp cloth. A bath is generally unnecessary – if needed, use a mild dog shampoo. Particularly with older dogs that move less, check if your companion’s claws wear down sufficiently and, if necessary, trim them with a claw cutter.

Also, keep eye and ear cleaners and a tick remover handy for use as needed. For dental hygiene, dental care snacks for dogs work well. Alternatively, use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to combat tartar (calculus) effectively.

Many dog owners routinely maintain clean teeth this way, but if you consider this, it’s best to get your puppy used to it early. 

Keeping the Greenlander Occupied 

Keeping a Greenland Dog adequately engaged in central European latitudes is a demanding task that only a minority of dog lovers have the time and space for. Ideally, one should engage in sled dog training, which is limited in most countries.

An alternative is training with specialised carts. Canicross also offers active owners opportunities to explore nature with their companion.

This four-legged friend also enjoys long hikes through forests as an addition. Always keep its strong hunting instinct in mind and under control to enjoy relaxed walks.

Ensure age-appropriate activity and don’t overwork your four-legged companion. 

Is a Greenland Dog Right for Me? 

The Greenland Dog is for sporty experts who appreciate its independence and wish to spend a lot of time in nature with it. This sled dog from the icy expanses of Greenland does not belong in a flat, let alone a city, nor in warm southern European regions.

If you wish to live with a Greenland Dog, consider getting two, as they enjoy the company of other dogs. Those living in rural areas can keep their Greenland Dogs in a pack outdoors in a secure garden with an open kennel. This allows the heat-sensitive sled dog to find a shady spot in summer – something that must be available.

Of course, the Greenland Dog also enjoys being part of the family. However, it is not a typical one-person dog. Owners must understand that these dogs are work dogs rather than family or companion dogs. When adequately engaged, they can live well with a family and are very child-friendly. Cats or small animals are generally unsuitable housemates for this ambitious hunter.

While not necessarily a pro, a Greenland Dog owner should have previous dog experience and not underestimate the time commitment required. The Greenland Dog is a breed for experts who can meet high demands. 

Where to Find Your Dream Greenland Dog 

A Greenland Dog is a rarity in central Europe. If you want a Greenland Dog, contact clubs for Nordic breeds. They can connect you with Greenland Dog breeders, possibly abroad, and advise on the breed’s demands.

If searching for a sled dog in your area proves fruitless, consider one of the other three sled dog breeds as an alternative. Siberian Huskies are much more common in Europe. You might also find breeders of Alaskan Malamutes or Samoyeds. All these breeds are demanding on their owners. 

If you are looking for an older, already-grown Greenland Dog, focus on animal shelters for Nordic breeds. While you are unlikely to find a purebred Greenland Dog, many Nordic dogs wait for an expert home where they get enough activity, as their previous owners underestimated their exercise needs.

The internet search is most promising. Ideally, it lives near you, so you can get to know each other before making your decision. Remember that these dogs thrive with other dogs, so consult the breeder or current foster about how well the new dog will fit with an existing pet or if you should consider getting two. 

We wish you much delight with your nature-loving companion from Greenland!