Greenland dog - description of the breed

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The development of the North and South Poles is impossible to imagine without the help of sled dogs. The Greenland dog helped the Norwegian traveler to be the first to reach the South Pole. Born in a harsh climate, this breed of dog has been a faithful helper of man for many hundreds of years.

The history of the breed

The first Greenland dog came to Europe in 1936, after the end of the polar expedition they were brought by Paul Emil Victor. However, this is one of the oldest sled dog breeds on Earth. Denmark is considered her homeland.

The first and only "breeders" of the breed were Eskimos. Carrying out artificial selection among the livestock, they left the strongest and most enduring representatives to the tribe. They are classified as spitz, in their veins, of course, the blood of the northern wolf flows. The harsh conditions of the North tempered and determined the direction of development of this breed, creating the ideal sled dog.

The main task of animals is the transportation of goods. There was no other such universal transport in the Far North (deer could not be used everywhere). The Greenland dog (whose photo is presented in this article) can be a good watchman and, if necessary, stand up for himself. Previously used to hunt seals, bears or reindeer, but still, these are primarily sled dogs.

General Description

Greenland dog is a large beautiful animal with a powerful physique. She has a well-developed musculature of the body, strong bones, dark small eyes look unexpectedly friendly on a stern wolf face.

Dogs have a thick, straight, smooth coat with a very thick undercoat. Any color is allowed, except albino. The tail is curled up on the back. Pointed erect ears of a triangular shape. Large and strong paws. Body structure with a powerful chest is ideal for team work.

Breed standards

The breed standard was approved only in 1997. There are no working trials for a breed such as the Greenland Dog. All animals have excellent working qualities.

According to accepted standards, dogs must meet the following description:

• Case. Strong, compact, rectangular in shape on the long side. Broad, deep, well-defined chest. The straight back goes into a wide loin. Croup slightly deflated.
• Head. It has a wedge-shaped shape - wide (between the ears is the widest) at the base and tapers towards the nose. The nose is straight with a large lobe. The color can be in red dogs - liver color or dark. In winter, it tends to discolor, the phenomenoncalled "snow nose". Pronounced transition from muzzle to skull. The cranial part of the head is somewhat convex. Strong jaws with strong teeth, with a scissor bite. Animals have tight-fitting thin lips. The color of the eyes is dark or in the tone of the suit, slightly obliquely set. Small triangular erect ears with rounded tips. Muscular short neck.
• Legs. It has strong, straight muscular front and rear (with a moderate angle) limbs. Muscles are well defined on the thighs. Shoulders slightly sloping, elbows close to the body. Flexible and strong wrists, the pastern has a slight slope. Paws are round, large, with strong pads.
• The tail is set high, carried over the back, fluffy, thick and short.
• Wool is thick, dense, long, harsh with well-developed undercoat.
• Any color is allowed except albino.
• Height. They belong to the group of large dogs - bitches are at least 50 cm tall, males are at least 60 cm.
• Weight on average 30 kg.

Dogs have a wonderful run - harmonious, tireless and fast, for which, in fact, they are valued.

Disadvantages include any deviation from the standards. Aggressive or too timid dogs, albinos and animals that have either different colored eyes or blue eyes are not allowed for breeding.

Character

Greenland dog character is soft, lively and sociable. Animals are smart, do not show aggression towards people, even strangers. Hardy and energetic, able to persevereendure severe frosts.

Animals do not show obvious affection for the owner, demonstrating their love for him by conscientious work. Smart by nature, independent in character, hard worker in fact - all these are features of the Greenland dog breed. Puppies require attention, patience and consistency in training.

Freedom-loving character is not so easy to combine with unquestioning obedience to the owner. Animals are difficult to educate. For dogs of this breed, it is important to live in a pack, and the owner constantly proves that he is the “leader”. Once you lose the "respect" of your pets, it will be very difficult to regain dominance over them.

Content Features

Dogs are incredibly he althy. Absolutely unpretentious to the conditions of detention, calmly endure cold, bad heat. The temperature of +15 degrees already gives the animals discomfort. Animals require active physical activity, otherwise the psyche may suffer. Long runs behind the owner's bike are a great alternative to riding work.

The Greenland Sled Dog needs grooming. The thick and dense undercoat must be brushed periodically to avoid tangles. With proper care and maintenance, it can live up to 15 years, the average duration is 9-10 years.

Distribution

The breed has not received wide distribution. It is appreciated by dog racing enthusiasts and residents of the North for its unique endurance,ability to navigate the terrain and skills as a sled dog.

The breed is not very popular in Europe, including Scandinavian countries. This is clearly not a "sofa" option. A lot of freedom and movement, life in a pack and work in a team, with a good load - such conditions of detention are quite suitable for representatives of this breed. The breed is bred in Canada and Greenland.