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Greenland Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Greenland Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Sled Dogs
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Greenland Dog dog profile picture
OriginGreenland flagGreenland
Other Names
What other names does the Greenland Dog have?
Greenland HuskyGronlandshunden
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Greenland Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Greenland Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Greenland Dog get?

What is the average size of a Greenland Dog?

Large
Weight
How much does the Greenland Dog weigh? How much should a Greenland Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Greenland Dog? How much does a full-grown Greenland Dog weight?
66-70 pounds (30-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Greenland Dog?
68 pounds (31 kg)
Height
How tall is the Greenland Dog? Greenland Dog height:
22-25 inches (56-64 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Greenland Dog?
23.5 inches (60 cm)

Greenland Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Greenland Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Greenland Dog in the United States? How much money is a Greenland Dog?

Where to buy a Greenland Dog with a good pedigree?

$500-$800
If you choose to purchase the Greenland Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Greenland Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Greenland Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Greenland Dog? How many Greenland Dog are there in the world?
Average: The Greenland Dog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Greenland Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Greenland Dog? Is the Greenland Dog breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Greenland Dog obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Greenland Dog ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Greenland Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Greenland Dog?
Greenland Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Greenland Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Greenland Dog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Greenland Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Greenland Dog dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Greenland Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Greenland Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentEnergeticFriendlyLoyalBold
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Greenland Dog sensitivity:
Greenland Dog dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Greenland Dog a good family dog?
Average: Greenland Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Greenland Husky need? Greenland Dog social needs:
Greenland Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Greenland Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Greenland Dog roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Greenland Dog is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Greenland Dog have high prey drive?
Greenland Dog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Greenland Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Greenland Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Greenland Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Greenland Husky bark?
Average to High: The Greenland Dog is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Greenland Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Greenland Dog in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Greenland Dog breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Greenland Dog indoors by introducing daily routines.

Greenland Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Greenland Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Greenland Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Greenland Dog alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Greenland Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Greenland Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Greenland Dog? How much bite force does a Greenland Dog have? How strong is a Greenland Dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greenland Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Greenland Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Greenland Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Greenland Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Greenland Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Greenland Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Greenland Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Greenland Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Greenland Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Greenland Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Greenland Husky? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Greenland Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Greenland Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Greenland Dog do?
Greenland Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Greenland Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Greenland Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Greenland Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Greenland Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Greenland Dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Greenland Dog breed? Most common health risks of Greenland Dog:
BloatEar InfectionsElbow DysplasiaGlaucoma Hip Dysplasia Primary Lens LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Greenland Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Greenland Dog see the vet?
Average
The Greenland Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Greenland Dog dogs live? How old can a Greenland Dog be? What is the age limit of the Greenland Dog? How many years can the oldest Greenland Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Greenland Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Greenland Dog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Greenland Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Greenland Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Greenland Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Greenland Dog have? What is the activity level of the Greenland Dog?
Greenland Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Greenland Dog need? How much exercise do Greenland Dog dogs require per day?

Do Greenland Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Greenland Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Greenland Dog breed need?
Greenland Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Greenland Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Greenland Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Greenland Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Greenland Dog? How much food should I feed my Greenland Dog?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Greenland Dog risk for obesity:
Average: The Greenland Dog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Greenland Dog weight regularly.

Greenland Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Greenland Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Greenland Dog coats?
BlackGray White
Grooming
How to groom the Greenland Dog and how often? How often should I take my Greenland Dog to the groomer?
Effortless: The Greenland Dog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Greenland Dog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Greenland Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Greenland Husky? Do Greenland Dog dogs shed a lot?
Greenland Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Greenland Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Greenland Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Greenland Dog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Greenland Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Greenland Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Greenland Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Greenland Dog drool?
The Greenland Dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Greenland Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Greenland Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Greenland Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Greenland Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Greenland Dog temperament with other people:
Greenland Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Greenland Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Greenland Dog temperament with children:
Greenland Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Greenland Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Greenland Dog breed live with a cat?
Greenland Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Greenland Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Greenland Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Greenland Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Greenland Dog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Greenland Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Greenland Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Greenland Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Greenland Dog dogs good office canines? Do Greenland Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Greenland Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Greenland Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Greenland Husky temperament with senior people? Are Greenland Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Greenland Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Greenland Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Greenland Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Greenland Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Greenland Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Greenland Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Greenland Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Greenland Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Greenland Dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Greenland Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Greenland Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Greenland Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Greenland Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Greenland Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Greenland Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Greenland Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Greenland Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Greenland Dog have? How many puppies can a Greenland Dog give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Greenland Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Greenland Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Greenland Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.

Greenland Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Greenland Dog requires minimal grooming.
  • Mouthiness: Greenland Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Child Friendly: Greenland Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Greenland Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Greenland Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Greenland Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Greenland Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Greenland Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Greenland Dog breed in the home.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Greenland Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Office Friendly: Greenland Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Greenland Dog History

Origins

12000 years ago, the first dogs arrived in America. However, people and their canines did not settle in the Arctic until the Paleo-Eskimo people 4500 years ago and then the Thule people 1000 years ago, both originating from Siberia. Around 4000 years ago, dogs first appeared in Greenland. Inuit dogs from Canada (Canadian Eskimo Dog) and Greenland (Greenland Dog) are descendants of Thule dogs, who relied on them for transportation. In 2015, a study using a number of genetic markers found that these dogs were the same dog and should not be treated as separate breeds, that they have an indigenous heritage that predates colonization and the timing corresponds with the arrival of the Thule people, and they were distinct from Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, and Malamutes. The Inuit dogs’ maternal mitochondrial DNA sequences were classed as haplotype A31, which implies a common female ancestor. This haplotype was not discovered in other modern dogs, but the closest match was a 1000 years old dog from Florida. According to a DNA study published in 2020, Greenland sled dogs have been kept isolated from other breeds since their arrival in Greenland with the Inuit people. Their lineage traces more genomic history than other arctic breeds to their ancestor’s remains which were found on Zhokhov Island, arctic northern-eastern Siberia, and dated to be 9500 years old.

Today

The Greenland Dog is a large-breed of husky-type dog kept as a sled dog today. It is considered nationally and culturally important to Greenland and efforts are constantly in the making to safeguard its purity. It is unlawful to import any dog from outside, except for police and assistance dogs with a special permit, and all dogs must be microchipped and registered in the Greenland dog database since 2017. Such limitations do not exist in the southwest, and dog purity is not maintained. As the population has declined, a variety of projects have been launched in an attempt to preserve the tradition, knowledge, and use of dog sledding in Greenland, as well as the breed itself.

Furthermore, as we already know, for years the Greenland Dog has been used as a draught animal, and as a result, the breed has acquired a robust body and thick coat, as well as a natural capacity for load pulling and endurance in a difficult working environment. Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer of polar regions, used Greenland Dogs to great success on his 1912 expedition to the Antarctic, where he became the first person to reach the South Pole. However, throughout the expedition, several dogs died as he started with more than they technically needed to pull the sleds, so he killed them along the way to use as food for the other dogs.

Recognition

Currently, these dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed as a working breed and classifies the breed as a Northern Breed. The FCI and the Canadian Club also recognized the breed. While they are gradually becoming popular outside of its homeland, it is still not common, only in Greenland.

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