Greenland Dog

Strong and hardy, the Greenland Dog breed is renowned for its perseverance and capacity to flourish in severe, frigid climates. It was bred to be a sled dog and has been an essential part of the Inuit people’s way of life for centuries, aiding in hunting and transportation.

This big, strong dog is incredibly independent and active. It might not be your typical family pet, but for those who understand its needs and instincts, its loyal and hardworking nature makes it an excellent companion.

The Greenland Dog might be the ideal dog for you if you’re looking for a canine companion with a fascinating past and an authentic spirit of adventure. However, in order to remain content and healthy, it needs lots of room and frequent exercise.

General characteristics of the breed

Even though the breed is a member of the Spitz family, the Greenland Dog is also known as the Greenland Laika. It goes by the short name Greenlandshund. In Greenland, only one breed is bred. Although it is one of the smallest—fewer than 25,000 people are registered there even in its own country—it is recognized by the FCI. The northern parts of Europe, Siberia, and Canada are home to a few rare examples of the breed.

Dogs from Greenland are members of the northern sled breeds. They are powerful; four dogs working together can easily pull a 200 kg load through the snow. They are swift and resilient, covering 160 km in 18 hours. They can navigate through space and have highly developed senses of hearing and smell.

These dogs are trained to hunt deer, bears, seals, and other northern game. They are fearless and tenacious. They are frequently found in dog sleds for sled racing. Since they are not accustomed to receiving complete obedience, they are not appropriate for other dog sports. This breed cannot survive in a warm climate and should not be kept as a companion. It also lacks guard dog qualities.

Pros

Greenlanders are used to hard work and have adapted well to the Arctic climate, just like other northern sled dogs. This is the ideal ally for polar explorers and hunters in the northern regions. They are regarded by many researchers as the world’s strongest and most resilient dogs. The following are some of their benefits:

• balanced, calm;
• friendly;
• sociable;
• love to work and be useful;
• get along well with other dogs;
• do not require serious care;
• have good health.

Cons

This is a working breed designed specifically for dragging loads through the snow. It is unfit for guard duty and is unable to reside in a home or apartment. Despite becoming friendly and attached to a person, the Greenlandshund is not a companion; however, it can adapt to a change of ownership with ease. There are a few more drawbacks for these dogs:

• need a lot of physical activity;
• do not tolerate high air temperatures (more than +20˚);
• like to howl at the moon;
• are prone to escape.

History of the origin of the breed

One of the oldest breeds is the Greenland sled dog. Regarding its origin, specific information is lacking. Researchers find that 5000 years ago, people in the northern regions used its ancestors. Some believe they were transported from Siberia to Greenland. The resemblance to the Eskimo Laika suggests this. According to some researchers, the breed originated from dog-Arctic wolf hybrids.

Since this is an indigenous breed, no one was actively involved in breeding. It wasn’t until the Greenland dog arrived in Europe following one Arctic expedition in the middle of the 20th century that it was discussed. The International Cynological Federation recognized the developed breed standard. But these dogs never gained popularity because of their limited specialization and inability to withstand warm weather.

Description of appearance

In 1997, the current breed standard was accepted. It states that this dog is medium-sized, with a robust, rectangular body and thick, hard hair. Its physical characteristics include the following:

• large head, convex forehead, wedge-shaped muzzle;
• moderately pronounced stop, straight bridge of the nose, large nose lobe;
• the lips are thin, tightly fitting, the jaws are powerful;
• ears are small, triangular in shape, set high and far apart, tips pointing up;
• eyes are dark, oval, set wide apart and slightly oblique;
• neck is short, muscular;
• back is straight, croup is sloping;
• tail is fluffy, set high, curled into a ring;
• chest is wide, deep;
• limbs are straight, muscular, paws are round, large;
• coat is straight, thick and hard, undercoat is soft and dense;
• coat length is medium, shorter on the muzzle, ears and limbs;
• the color is monochromatic, except for white, but more often two-color, a combination of any colors is possible.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Originally developed for sledding in the Arctic, the Greenland Dog is a hardy and industrious breed renowned for its strength and endurance. These dogs are devoted and hardy, thriving in cold weather and prized for their ability to tow large, heavy loads over great distances. Despite their independence, they form strong bonds with their owners, which makes them dependable companions for people who are aware of their demanding and active lifestyles.

Character and behavior features

The Greenland dog has a distinct personality. It is harmonious, serene, and amiable. doesn’t act aggressively toward strangers either. These dogs have a great deal of independence, self-reliance, and confidence. They are eager to assist others and enjoy their work. However, they view him as a partner, avoid attachment, and tolerate loneliness and ownership changes with ease. They don’t encourage games and are composed around kids.

It feels best for Greenlandshunds to be in a pack. However, they enjoy the company of an engaged owner when they run or travel. They are friendly and use barking, howling, and whining as ways to communicate their feelings. They cannot be kept in cities due to their strong hunting instincts, as they will chase small dogs, cats, and birds.

A native breed that emerged in difficult circumstances. These dogs are used to working hard and being independent. This has softened their personality and helped them acquire the following traits:

• a tendency to dominate;
• independence;
• love of freedom;
• packing;
• ability to make independent decisions;
• developed hunting instinct;

These dogs are obstinate and highly independent. Similar to wolves, they only submit to the pack leader or another duly acknowledged leader. Education must therefore start at a young age. Acquiring the puppy’s authority is the most important goal. Work with him on a regular and steady basis. You are not allowed to be impolite or to use force. Representatives of this breed need a clear regime because they are accustomed to obeying it.

The Greenland dog does not cause issues when raised properly. He is obedient and focused when competing and performing his job. However, in a typical setting, he might not comply with orders.

Images depict the traits of behavior that these dogs exhibit:

The Greenland dog is suited for living in public spaces. It may be housed in an enclosure on a private property. It can sleep in the snow and is well suited to the cold. Several dogs are a good idea because they are accustomed to living in packs. They are prone to running away, so you must keep an eye on their movements. It is preferable not to have a Greenland dog in an apartment in a city. Even with frequent walking, he will exhibit destructive behavior in a small area.

These modest pets don’t need a lot of maintenance. Bathing them is not advised because you risk removing the fat layer that keeps the dog warm. You can only do this, therefore, if it’s extremely dirty. The thick fur needs to be combed out two or three times per month. You will have to do this more frequently during the shedding period because only Greenland sleds shed a lot. A brush, a slicker brush, and a comb are required.

Other hygiene procedures are simple. You need to monitor the cleanliness of the eyes and ears, give chewing treats to prevent tartar. These dogs do not need to have their claws trimmed, with sufficient physical activity they grind down on their own.

Greenland sled dogs used to be able to go for extended periods of time without food. As a result, they don’t have a particular palate. However, they need a diet high in protein, just like other northern breeds. Meat and fermented milk products should make up the remaining portion, which should be at least two thirds.

This breed’s representatives seldom get sick because they have robust immune systems. They have a 13–14 year lifespan with proper care. However, they can occasionally have the following illnesses:

• intestinal volvulus;
• joint dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• retinal atrophy;
• allergy.

Strong and hardy, the Greenland Dog breed is well adapted to hard environments. Because of its working dog past, it’s a great companion for people who value its diligence.

The vitality and loyalty of this breed are important traits, but it also needs a knowledgeable owner who can give it the right training and exercise. The Greenland Dog can be a loyal and trustworthy companion for the right person, but some people may find its independent nature difficult to deal with.

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