Greenland Dog

Even to this date, it is vital necessity in North Greenland, where breeding is more or less up to the dogs themselves. Under these harsh conditions, only the healthiest and strongest individuals live long enough to reproduce. For the Inuit these dogs are vital for their survival and the care for them is reduced to the necessary amount required to maintain the dog’s ability to pull their sleighs and detect venison.

Mentality

The Greenland Dog is a true unaffected natural dog with all that this entail. Therefore, this breed is only suitable as a family dog for people, who have great canine experience and who understand the special needs and distinctive character of this dog. In the right environment, this dog is energetic, mentally robust, vigilant and generally kind towards adults and children. It is an overall curious dog with a distinct pack mentality.

Needs

This breed greatly demands allowance to use its immense power on running and pulling heavy loads. It needs a good social life and the pack is of great value to these dogs. This breed enjoys living outdoors. 

Activity level and handler proximity

Normally the Greenland Dog cannot roam free once puppyhood is over, as it sees cats, smaller mammals and birds as fair game. It is incredibly devoted to the people it respects, it happily follows instructions and keeps good contact. 

Coat and grooming

The coat consist of rough, wiry hairs covering a soft and thick undercoat. It sheds heavily once a year and beside this, it requires frequent grooming. The coat protects the dog extremely well in all conceivable weather conditions and this breed absolutely thrives outdoors all year round.

Tips and tricks for learning and handling

The upbringing of this strong and independent dog requires patience and consistency. Once adult, the dog enjoys bicycle rides, hiking or preferably pulling a cart or sleigh. Activities such as scent tracking is also something this breed enjoys.

Appearance and size

The height at the withers is at least 60 cm for males and 55 cm for females. A Greenland Dog weighs 30-32 kg. All colours and colour combinations are accepted.

Breed registration statistics

Below you can find the registration statistics for the Greenland Dog in the Nordic countries from 1990 onwards. 

NKU decisions regarding the Greenland Dog

Next to each decision is a reference to the meeting minutes from which the information is collected.