Greenland Dog
About
The Greenland Dog is a strong, independent, and loyal breed that thrives in active environments and is well-suited to experienced dog owners. With their wolf-like appearance, friendly nature, and remarkable endurance, Greenland Dogs make excellent companions for those who lead adventurous and active lives. They are happiest when they have a purpose and plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, making them ideal for owners who can provide the exercise, training, and structure they need to flourish.
Breed Size
-
Weight (Male)
27-48 kg
-
Weight (Female)
27-48 kg
-
Height (Male)
1-1 sm
-
Height (Female)
1-1 sm
Coat
-
Fur Type
-
Color
One color
Care
-
Walk
>120 minutes/day
-
Breed Size
L
-
Demeanor category
Reserved with Strangers
Breed Traits
-
Barking
-
Good with young children
-
Drooling
-
Energy level value
-
Grooming frequency value
-
Good with other dogs
-
Trainability
Breeds Club Recognition
-
Trainability Category
>Independent
-
Temperament
>intelligent, hard-working, gentle, quiet
Description
The Greenland Dog is an ancient and resilient breed known for its strength, endurance, and loyalty. Originating from Greenland, this breed has been used for centuries by the indigenous Inuit people for hunting and as a sled dog. One of the oldest and purest Arctic breeds, the Greenland Dog has retained many of its primal characteristics, making it a robust and independent working dog. This breed’s remarkable endurance, coupled with its friendly disposition, has made it a valued companion in extreme environments.
The Greenland Dog is a large, sturdy, and well-built breed, standing between 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighing between 60 to 75 pounds. It has a thick double coat designed to protect against the harsh Arctic climate. The coat can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, gray, red, and a mix of these shades. Greenland Dogs have a wolf-like face with erect ears, a broad head, and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Their tails are bushy and usually curl over their backs.
Greenland Dogs are known for their friendly, loyal, and independent nature. They are incredibly social dogs that thrive in a pack environment and enjoy being part of an active family. While they are affectionate with their families, Greenland Dogs retain a strong sense of independence, which can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness. However, their loyalty and protective instincts make them reliable companions.
Due to their history as sled dogs, Greenland Dogs are hardworking and have an innate drive to pull and run. They have a strong prey drive and are known for their hunting instincts, so it’s essential to socialize them early and provide consistent training. Despite their independence, Greenland Dogs are generally good-natured and can be friendly with children and other dogs when properly socialized.
Greenland Dogs are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in active homes where they can engage in physical activities such as long walks, hiking, running, or pulling sleds or carts. These dogs are not suited for sedentary lifestyles or small living spaces. They need ample opportunities to exercise and explore, ideally in a secure yard or rural environment.
Training a Greenland Dog can be challenging due to its independent nature. It is crucial to use positive reinforcement methods and start training from a young age to establish good habits. These dogs are intelligent but can be strong-willed, so consistent, patient, and firm training is essential to keep them engaged and responsive.
The Greenland Dog’s thick double coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Weekly brushing is necessary to manage shedding and prevent mats from forming, especially during seasonal shedding periods. The breed is relatively low-maintenance in terms of bathing, as its coat is naturally water-resistant and dirt-repellent. Regular ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming are also important to maintain overall health.
Greenland Dogs are generally healthy and hardy, with a long lifespan ranging from 12 to 14 years. However, like many large breeds, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues. Additionally, due to their dense coat, they are more comfortable in cooler climates and should be monitored carefully in warmer w