Greenland Dog

The Greenland dog is a working dog breed native to Greenland, known for its endurance, strength and sled pulling and hunting abilities. It is considered one of the oldest dogs in the world and has been central to the history and culture of the Arctic peoples.

General details

The Greenland Dog is a large and robust dog breed, with a height at the withers ranging from 55 to 60 cm and a weight of 34 to 45 kg in males, and 29 to 39 kg in females. Their average life expectancy is 10 to 13 years. This breed belongs to FCI Group 5, which includes Spitz and Primitive type dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Greenland Dog is a breed of sled dog native to Greenland, and is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. It was used by Inuit peoples for hunting and transportation in the Arctic region. For a long time, Greenland dogs were the only form of transportation on ice and snow, and their importance to the survival of Arctic peoples cannot be overstated. Today, Greenland dogs are still used for transportation in the Arctic region, and are also used in some sledding and dog racing competitions.

Breed characteristics

The Greenland Dog is a large, strong breed of dog that is well adapted to the cold conditions of the Arctic. Its appearance is imposing, with a large, strong head, erect ears and a bushy tail that curves over the back. Their coat is dense and thick, with a soft undercoat and a water-resistant outer coat. They can be of various colors, but the most common are black, white and gray. The temperament of the Greenland Dog is characterized by exceptional physical endurance, intelligence, loyalty and willingness to work in a team. They are courageous and dedicated dogs that excel in extreme weather conditions. However, due to their heritage as a sled dog, they require proper socialization and training to ensure their balanced behavior and adaptation to a domestic environment.

Common health problems

The Greenland Dog may be prone to some common dog diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, epilepsy, eye disease and thyroid problems.