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Greenland dog

The Greenland Dog is an ancient Arctic sled breed, brought to Greenland by the Thule people around a thousand years ago and genetically almost unchanged since.

It is one of the oldest dog populations in the world.

It stands 55 to 65 centimetres, weighs 30 to 32 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a very thick double coat. It is a pure working animal: bred for pulling in packs over sea ice at temperatures far below freezing, with the endurance, independence and pack-oriented temperament that requires. Numbers in Greenland have fallen sharply as snowmobiles have replaced sledges, and the population is now a conservation concern.

Origin
Greenland; brought by the Thule people around 1,000 years ago
Size
55–65 cm; 30–32 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Very thick Arctic double coat; enormous moult
Temperament
Independent, pack-oriented, primitive; a true working dog
Status
Declining as snowmobiles replace sled teams

2 greenland dog photos, newest first

Greenland dog feed
  • Otter, a greenland dog

    Otter

    Otter was promoted to mayor opening a very small fountain; unfortunately, a mountain of carrots blocks the doorway.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Otter, a greenland dog

    Otter

    Otter waiting for something to happen. Anything.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a greenland dog

This is not a pet breed in any ordinary sense. Greenland Dogs need to run and pull for hours, they are highly pack-oriented and often difficult with unfamiliar dogs, and they have a strong prey drive. In a house without sledding, skijoring or an equivalent they are miserable and destructive.

They are built for the Arctic and overheat badly. In a temperate climate they need shade, cool floors and exercise only in the cool of the day.

Containment must be serious — they dig and roam.

They are independent and not biddable in the obedience sense; training works through motivation and relationship.

Health is generally excellent. Grooming is a weekly brush and daily through the extraordinary moult.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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