Greenland Dogs - A Sled Dog Turned Companion Dog

By Jerry Welsh


The Greenland Dog, the breed that originated from the largest island in the world is also considered as one of the oldest dogs breeds. Also known as Inuit Dog, Esquimaux, Husky and Eskimo Dog, this sled pulling dog breed has existed with the Sarqaq people in Greenland more than 5000 years ago.

The Arctic is a harsh regions and these dogs have made a significant contribution on the survival of the people. A Greenland Dogs has a powerfully built strong boned body that is covered with a thick double coat. A Greenland Dog is well able to endure the freezing temperature of the Arctic because the waterproof coat as well as the bushy tail provide the dog protection. These dogs are commonly seen sleeping outdoors all curled up with the face covered by the bushy tail. The coat and bushy tail protects the dogs from extremely cold temperature.

The Greenland Dog also known as Gronlanhund has played a significant role in many Antarctic explorations. Roald Amundsen has given the credit of his success in capturing the South Pole to his team of Greenland Dogs. The Greenland Dogs is an outstanding working breed but the popularity of these dogs started to wane at the turn of the last century. The rising popularity of Samoyed, Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies has caused the decline of the Greenland Dog population. The use of snowmobiles further caused the decline of Greenland Dog population.

Eskimos have depended on sled pulling dogs to carry them and their supplies from one location to another and Greenland Dogs are one of the breeds that have made life of these people much easier. Living with the Eskimos in the harsh environment of the Arctic, these dogs were developed into hardy breeds. Dogs generally bond closely with humans but because Greenland Dogs are pack animals that work and stay with other dogs, they do not have the affectionate nature of other dog breeds. Greenland Dogs are noted for their high level of intelligence thus after they have stopped from being sled pullers, these dogs have adapted well to the life of being home companions.

Dogs are dubbed as man's best friend because of their tendency to form a close relationship with humans. Greenland Dogs are noted to have the aloof temperament manifested by wolves but after the dogs were raised as pets, the typical affectionate nature surfaced. Greenland Dogs that are no longer utilized to pull sleds have adapted well to being loyal and affectionate pets. Apart from being an independent breed, the Greenland Dog also has a stubborn nature. To be an ideal pet, a Greenland Dog has to be trained by a dog-experienced person that would known how to handle the dog firmly.




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