Greenland DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Greenland Dog is one of the oldest breeds in the world and, since ancient times, the only sled dog of the Inuit. It was selected mainly for strength, endurance and power, but also for a pleasing appearance. Wikipedia says it descends from the dogs brought from Siberia to North America by the Thule people about 1,000 years ago.

Wikipedia says the breed is of great cultural importance to Greenland. In western Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle, and throughout the east of the island, bringing in other dogs is forbidden, and since 2017 all dogs must be microchipped and registered. The number of dogs fell from about 15,000 in 2016 to 12,000 in 2021.

How the breed developed

• About 1,000 years ago – The Thule people bring the dogs from Siberia.
• 29 July 1875 – An “esquimaux” bitch is shown at Darlington, in Britain.
• 5 May 1967 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2017 – All dogs in Greenland must be microchipped and registered.
• 30 March 2022 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“energy, mental strength and boldness; friendly with people; not suitable as a guard dog”).

The standard describes it as a very powerful polar Spitz, built for endurance and heavy sled work in Arctic conditions. The body is short and rectangular (ratio 10:11). Some variation in size is accepted, as long as it does not affect working ability and harmony.

General appearance

The skull is broad and slightly domed, widest between the ears. The hair is short on the head and legs, longer on the body and longest on the underside of the tail, which makes it bushy.

The standard allows any colour, solid or patched, except albinos and dogs with a merle pattern, which are disqualified.

The standard says its main qualities are energy, mental strength and boldness. It is a passionate, tireless sled dog. It is friendly with people, including strangers, and, as a sled dog, it does not become closely attached to one person, so it is not suitable as a guard dog.

When hunting seals and polar bears, it shows a strong hunting instinct. It needs a firm owner with experience of sled dogs.

Tips for effective training

• Give it something to pull. It is a tireless sled dog.
• Be careful with small animals. It has a strong hunting instinct.
• Do not get it as a guard dog. The standard says it is friendly even with strangers.
• Be firm and consistent. It is independent and bold.

The standard says it is a dog for people who love outdoor life and an excellent companion on walks in the forest or mountains, where the dog can pull or carry equipment.

Tips for a balanced life

• In summer, protect it from the heat: it is made for the cold.
• The fence must be high and solid.
• It is not suitable for a flat.

Coat and skin care

The double coat should be brushed once a week, and daily during shedding periods, when it changes its undercoat.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any large, active dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check its paws after running on snow or ice.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
• Check the ears and teeth weekly.

A working sled dog needs a great deal of energy. The portion increases a lot on working days and in the cold, and decreases in summer.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The dog of the Inuit. Since ancient times it has been their only sled dog.
• It came from Siberia. The Thule people brought it about 1,000 years ago.
• Protected by law. Other dogs cannot be brought into most of Greenland.
• Friends with everyone. It is friendly even with strangers.
• Fewer and fewer. There were about 12,000 dogs in Greenland in 2021.

Greenland's heritage

Wikipedia says the Greenland Dog is considered nationally and culturally important to Greenland. To keep it pure, importing other dogs is forbidden in most of the island, and several projects are trying to save the culture of dog sledding.

What is the Greenland Dog?

A polar sled Spitz, one of the oldest breeds in the world.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 60 cm and females at least 55 cm at the withers.

Is it a good guard dog?

No. The standard says it is friendly even with strangers.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. It needs a great deal of exercise and the cold.