Greenland Dog

Greenland Dog Country of origin : Scandinavia
Greenland Dog Original and Today’s Function : Sled Dog and Hunting Dog
This breed is eminently suited in front of a sled and people who want to use this dog for this purpose an excellent choice. This dog should not be worked when it is hot, which means temperatures above 59°F ( 15°C )

Greenland Dog Appearance

greenland dog

Greenland Dog body
The Greenland Dog is a strong dog built for stamina. The trunk is slightly longer than the shoulder height. The Greenland Dog body is strong and muscular, with a broad chest, a level back and straight , wide loins. The croup slopes slightly . The rather thick tail is set high and is carried curled over the back. The legs are straight, with heavy bones and strong muscles. The elbows are held close to the body, but can move freely. The hind legs have slight angulation.

Greenland Dog head
Greenland Dogs have a broad, slightly domed skull and a pronounced, but not exaggerated stop. The broad nose bridge is perfectly straight. The wedge-shaped muzzle tapers to the tip of the nose, but should not be snipey. The lips are thin. The triangular, erect ears are fairly small with rounded tips. The eyes are set slightly obliquely in the skull and should neither protrude not be set too deeply. Greenland Dog have strong scissors bite.

Greenland Dog coat and colors
The Greenland Dog has a double coat. Its under coat is soft and dense, and the outer coat is dense, straight and harsh. The coat is free from curl or wave. The hair is thick and longer on the under side of the tail.
All coat colors and color combinations are allowed in this dog breed, except Albino. The nose is black, but many be flesh-colored in winter. Dark eyes are preferred, although lighter shades occur in dogs with a light colored coat.

Greenland Dog Temperament

Greenland Dog character
Greenland Dogs are archetypal arctic dogs with a temperament to match. This dog breed is not terribly suitable as a companion dog, as it lacks the right disposition. They are confident and calm, equable, independent and headstrong, as well as sober and undemanding, fairly tough on themselves and dominant. The Greenland Dog is sociable animal that finds it difficult to be alone. It rarely barks, but howls quite a lot. This breed has an amazing amount of energy and tremendous stamina.
Greenland Dog social behavior
Greenland Dogs can not stand being left on their own. If you are considering adopt this dog breed, then you should get at least two but ideally several specimens. They are perfectly happy together in an outdoor kennel. They can display dominant behavior towards dogs from outside their pack. Because of their keen hunting instinct, they do not usually get well with cats and other pets. Friends and strangers alike are usually greeted boisterously, often with excited howling. Although their size and appearance may scare off intruders, these dogs are not suitable as guard dogs.

Greenland Dog Care

Greenland Dog grooming
The care required depends on the climate where the dog lives and on how it is kept. Dogs kept outside in colder areas need very little grooming, but the coats of dogs living in warmer climes and of scpecimens that frequently come indoors should be combed and brushed regularly. A comb with a double row of metal teeth is the most efficient tool during the molt when the dead undercoat is shed.

Greenland Dog training
The Greenland Dog is difficult to obedience train, this is not obedience dog as it is rather headstrong, dominant and independent. Although fond of its handler, it generally prefers to follow its own instincts. A lot of patience and understanding is needed to teach it the basics, but its owner should not expect too much. The Greenland Dog is primarily a sled dog, that is used to and bred for working in a harsh climate. This is not a companion dog.

Greenland Dog exercise
It should be obvious that the Greenland Dog needs a great deal of exercise. The best form of exercise you can offer this breed is by letting it pull a sled or a wheel cart. If this is not an option for you then you are better off looking for a different breed. Greenland Dogs are generally too string to accompany you when you go bike-walking as they can easily pull you over. The urge to walk for many hours is deeply rooted in them and they are capable of covering huge distances. If they are given the chance for instance, because of a faulty fence around a yard they love to take to their heels and may stay aways for days. For the same reason it is not recommended to let them walk off-leash.

Other Sled Dogs :

• Alaskan Malmute

• Siberian Husky