Greenland Dog
Temperament:
Bristly white fur, a strong and robust stature, faithful looking eyes. However, we are not talking about a small polar bear, but about the Greenland dog. Life in the coldest regions of our planet have very much shaped the appearance, character, behavior and instincts of this special breed of dog.
Characteristics
The Greenland Dog resembles the original wolf in appearance and behavior even today. His thick fur allows him to survive between snow and ice. With us in Germany this breed is hardly to be found. In general, this dog breed is rarely seen outside Greenland or other cold areas. The dog is an excellent sled dog and it likes the life with the Eskimos. Centuries have strengthened the dog and made it a robust and enduring companion.
The Greenland Dog comes in different colors. Often, however, his coat is white. However, he can also be brown, reddish or black. His fur is particularly thick and the undercoat protects the four-legged friend all year round in cold temperatures. In its native region, it is kept today as a faithful companion, sled dog or hunting dog. He has an excellent hunting instinct, he is fast, fearless and strong.
The dog breed reaches a size of up to 60 cm, females are usually slightly smaller. The faithful dark eyes give the Greenland Dog a particularly warm appearance. But looks are deceiving: the Greenland Dog is by no means a cuddle and cuddle dog. He needs a lot of exercise and a demanding occupation to be kept species-appropriate.
To properly train a Greenland dog, the dog owners should already have some experience in dealing with dogs. A consistent and sensitive hand are the recipe for success to live happily with the pelt nose.
Due to the thick coat, this breed can be kept outside without any problems. Before you choose this particular dog, you should remember that it is primarily a working dog and not a companion or family dog. However, if the Greenland Dog is properly fostered and well trained, he will be open and friendly towards people. He is not prone to aggression.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Your Greenland dog needs not only a lot of food, but also a high-quality one, which provides him with all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins he needs for his work and exercise. For all dogs, the meat content in the food should be 60-70%.
The meat provides the dog with the necessary energy for the day. For the amount of food, you can follow the manufacturer's instructions. In a good dog food should also always be present carbohydrates, but only to about 20-30 %. Carbohydrates can be obtained from potatoes, pumpkins or cereals.
The assumption that grain is harmful for dogs is wrong. Grains are just more difficult to digest and dogs with sensitive stomachs should not be fed foods containing grains. However, if your dog is healthy and the grain content in the food is not too high, then you can feed the food to your furry nose with a clear conscience.
Greenland dog care
This dog breed has a very thick coat, which, however, does not require special care. If it is kept in warmer regions, which actually includes all areas south of the so-called dog equator, then it loses a lot of its undercoat. Special combs can be used to remove the undercoat.
In breeding Greenland dogs has always been a great emphasis on the robustness of the dog. Thus, he is not susceptible to any particular diseases. However, as with all large dog breeds, overweight or a lack of exercise can lead to joint problems.
When keeping this breed of dog must be remembered that the animals are accustomed to life around the pack. Therefore, it should not be kept as a single dog under any circumstances. The Greenland Dog prefers to orient itself to its dog pack, instead of a human. These dogs also do not develop the same bond with people as do Golden Retrievers, Labradors or other dog breeds native to our country.
Suitable accessories
As already mentioned, a Greenland Dog should only be kept in a pack. In addition, he should have the opportunity to move outside all day. An own house and a large property are the prerequisite to keep the dog breed species-appropriate.
You can also keep your four-legged friend in a kennel overnight, provided that it is escape-proof and appropriately large. In cold weather, the animals have no problems. Provide also for a suitable occupation. Equipment for sled racing is not very useful in our area, but there are special carts that you and your dog can use for training.
Origin & History
The Greenland Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Already 1,000 years ago he lived together with the Eskimos and supported them in hunting seals and polar bears. For the people living at that time, the dog was essential for survival. Thanks to his help, they were able to cover longer distances by dog sled and hunt more successfully.
He was suitable for pulling heavy loads and in terrible times of need, the Greenland Dog also served as food for people. But he was in no way bred for that. First and foremost, the Greenland Dog was and is a true workhorse. The dog became famous when the famous explorer Roald Amundsen took this dog breed with him on his voyages of discovery to the Arctic and Antarctic. Genetically, the breed is assigned to the Spitz dogs. He was recognized by the FCI as a dog breed.
