Greenland Dog

The Greenland Dog has a well-documented history, descending from dogs arriving in the Arctic around 4,500 years ago with the Paleo-Eskimo people, and again 1,000 years go with the Thule people. Dogs were first seen in Greenland 4,000 years ago and it is these dogs who became the Greenland dog, pulling the sleds that carried the Thule people from Siberia.

Due to the nature of their harsh island life, and remote environment, the Greenland dog has remained isolated from other breeds, and in 2020 a genetic study proved this. Interestingly, we now also know via genetic studies that the Greenland Dog is identical to the Canadian Eskimo Dog! Powerful and heavily built, the Greenland Dog sits between the Siberian Husky and the Malamute in size, their thick fur which is particularly dense and insulative around the ear and paws means they are well equipped to cope with extremely low temperatures and harsh weather, and it is these physical attributes that meant they made a reliable and efficient haulage dog.

They were first shown in the UK at Darlington in 1875 and recognised by the Kennel Club in 1880. It is likely that they were really brought to the world’s attention by Roald Amundsen’s South Pole expedition, as he recorded the usage of these dogs for the first time and used them in his expedition, beating Scott to the Pole in 1912.

If you have experience with the bigger northern or Spitz type breeds, and you enjoy walking for many hours a day or can provide daily dryland mushing, bike-joring or similar exercise, you may enjoy the Greenland Dog. You’ll need to be comfortable with a dog that sheds excessively, can be very vocal and isn’t naturally inclined to like other dogs. If you have the skills to manage and train such a dog, they may be suitable to live in a rural home with older children or in a child-free home. 

Two hours or more per day, although it is impossible to really physically exhaust this breed and attempts to do so will simply result in an ever fitter, more demanding canine athlete. The way forward is to mix mental exercise in with the physical, using training, games, and puzzles to keep their clever minds occupied and satisfied.

A bored Greenland dog is likely to be loud and destructive, their digging abilities are truly incredible and they can lay waste to your garden, sofa or car interior in a matter of minutes if so inclined!

You’ll need plenty of space and a garden like Fort Knox, secure, six foot plus fencing with footings buried in the ground, as this breed can climb, jump and dig with ease. They can also be hunters too. They can shed truly incredible amounts of fur and will not appreciate a small house with the central heating on, but would prefer a large draughty barn type home. Better suited by far to the rural and truly remote homes, and will be overstimulated and unhappy in the city.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

A daily brush through with a pin brush and slicker, and in warmer weather when moulting, several times a day with a shedding rake. Consider investing in a blaster-dryer to blow out undercoat, or teach your dog from an early age to accept being groomed at a professional grooming salon. Check paws and legs after each walk as they can easily pick up debris, injuries and parasites.

This breeds mix of intelligence and independence, lack of loyalty to any particular person, and somewhat ‘so what, you can’t make me’ attitude requires a talented trainer, well versed in the science of positive reinforcement and canine behaviour. A heavy-handed approach will absolutely result in a contest of speed and strength, which the Greenland dog will win every time! A consistent approach with careful management, avoiding bad habits and unwanted behaviour and strongly reinforcing desirable behaviours is absolutely the only way to keep a Greenland dog happy and safe.

Ideally suited to mushing and sled work, and probably able to turn a paw to Canicross and mantrailing in cooler weather, this is a good dog for the active sporting owner who really enjoys training a challenging breed.

For the family experienced in Spitz breeds and large dogs in general, who have older children, the Greenland Dog could be a fun companion. For those who want a biddable dog who does not question instruction, or who have small children who don’t like walking up mountains or being knocked over, this is probably not the best option.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.