Description

The Greenland dog is similar to the Canadian Eskimo Sleddog, but is not as heavy and slightly taller. They have a thick stand-off outer coat and dense under wool, which allow them to withstand constant outdoor living in the temperatures that can reach -50 to -75 degrees Fahrenheit. They have small triangular ears which rarely get frostbit. The head is robust, broad and wedge shaped. The jaws are extremely powerful. It has a large, bushy tail, which curls over the dogs back and protects the dogs face while it is sleeping. The legs are well feathered and the toes are thickly furred with large pads.

Origin

This Spitz-type dog has existed throughout the Arctic regions since antiquity. The ancestry of this breed can possibly be traced back to the dogs accompanying people from Siberia well over 12,000 years ago. As these people developed into Inuit of today, they may have used local wolves for father breeding. Greenland Dogs are fairly rare. Most people who acquire a Greenland Dog have imported them from Greenland or have taken one home with from a visit there, or from friends who have been there. Very few litters are born.

Temperament

Aloof and very independent, the Greenland Dog can be affectionate with an owner he bonds with. The breed remains principally a working dog. They have the typical, Nordic, good, loyal, affectionate temperament, but when the dogs working in teams, they do not have the opportunity to develop a relationship with one master. They are independent, self-willing, rowdy and boisterous in their play. This dog is not content to simply lay around the house all day long; this breed needs to work or have some kind of vigorous activity. In recent times it has become more popular in Norway and Sweden as a hiking companion. This breed also lives with the Eskimos and shares the hardship the Eskimos face. They pull sleds and helps with the hunt for bears and seals. They are usually friendly towards people and have no guarding or protector instincts, but their hunting skills are very developed. Training these dogs is very difficult and takes a lot of patience and consequence to teach the dog the most necessary skills. This breed still retains a lot of wolf instincts and character. Their alpha pack instinct is very strong. An owner of a Greenland dog must be very dominant and able to show the dog he is alpha. The dogs must accept the owner as the leader. This breed likes to roam. Greenland Dogs are also seen in dog racing with sleds or wagons.

Height

Height: 22-25 inches (56-64 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 66-70 pounds (30-32 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Usually very healthy

Conditions for Living

The Greenland dog is not good for apartment life. They need space, room to run and a job to do. This breed can live outdoors. They can withstand cold temperatures and do not like the excessive heat.

Exercise Requirments

The Greenland dog is not a breed to contently lay around your house.

Life Expectancy

About 13 years

Grooming

Brush occasionally

Group

Northern