10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Greenland Dog

The Greenland dog is a breed that is heavy-built and robust. They’re a native of the country in which they are named for. This magnificent dog has an interesting history that not many people are familiar with. In fact, there are quite a few who have never heard of the breed. This is because they’re not that common, so here are ten things that you didn’t know about the Greenland dog, that will bring you up to speed on them.

1. They’re bred for work

The Greenland dog was bred in Greenland to help out with the work. Their muscular build makes them ideally suited for drawing sleds as well as hunting. They have a road head that is wedge-shaped, and muscular strong legs that are covered with short hair. This dog has tremendous body strength and endurance, and they’re happiest when they have a job to perform because it’s in their nature to stay active.

2. They’re a rare breed

The reason so many people have not heard of the Greenland Dog is that the breed is rare. It’s native to Greenland where it is still bred to serve as a working dog. They are a type of husky breed that is valued for their tremendous speed in hunting and ability to pull a heavy load. They have so much in common with huskies because they are direct relatives.

3. They’re known by several different names

The Greenland dog is also known as the Esquimaux Dog, the Kalaallit Qimmiat, the Qimmeq, the Gronlandshund, the Grunlandshund and it’s Latin name Canis Lupus Familiaris Borealis. This is quite a variety but we prefer to keep it simple and just refer to them as the Greenland dogs.

4. Greenland dogs are an ancient breed

This breed dates back in time 12,000 years. The breed first developed when its ancient ancestors were found among Siberian tribes. It is believed that the ancient Siberian Huskies, from which the Greenland dog evolved were used to breed with wolves as the Greenland dogs have a lot in common with wolves.

5. The breed has been officially recognized for more than a century

The Greenland dog was firsts brought to the UK in 1750. It became a popular work dog and by 1875, the dog was featured in the Darlington dog show. It was officially recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1880 at Darlington and in January of 1996, it became officially recognized by the United Kennel Club.

6. They have adapted to freezing cold weather

Greenland dogs have adapted both physically and behaviorally to make them hardy enough to withstand freezing cold weather. Their ears have natural protection from frostbite because of the thick fur that covers them. They have the habit of sleeping in a position in which their bodies curl up and their tails cover their noses. Greenland dogs do this even when they’re not in freezing cold conditions.

7. They come in three colors

These amazing dogs have many of the features of a wolf on steroids, but they come in three different colors. They are born in litters of between 4 and 6 puppies and they can be gray, black or white or a combination of any of these three colors.

8. Training must start at an early age

Greenland dogs are highly intelligent but they have strong wills and dominant personalities. They are by nature independent and hard working dogs, so it’s vital to begin training while they are still very young. They are not the best choice for a first-time dog owner because they require a little knowledge to keep properly reigned in during the training process.

9. They’re one man dogs

Greenland dogs attach themselves to one special person and this is their owner for life. This doesn’t mean that they’re not friendly to other members of the family but it does mean that they are highly devoted to a single person. They have excellent protective instincts and they are known to guard the special person in their life closely. They are, however, good with kids and other family pets as well as strangers unless there is a direct threat.

10. They have an alpha instinct

These are not pets that like to sit on a pillow or in a corner all day. They have a need to be active and preferably working. They’re much like the wolves from which they originated and they have a tendency towards a high alpha pack instinct. They love to roam and play vigorously