The Greenland Dog is a sled dog that originates from Greenland.  It is believed to be a very ancient bred, brought to its homeland by the first Inuit settlers around 1,000 years ago.  Some believe the Greenland Dog is one of the closest relations to the wolf.

    Greenland Dogs are powerful dogs, built and bred for pulling sleds through the snow.  They have thick fur that keeps them warm and prevents frostbite.  Normally their tails are rolled back, but at times it is more wolf-like, and hangs down.  When it lies down it curls in a ball, and often covers its nose with its tail.  Their thick, double-layer coat allows them to withstand temperatures of up to -75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Greenland Dogs stand between 22-25 inches at the withers, females being slightly smaller.

    Like some other sled dogs the Greenland Dog is becoming increasingly rarer, even in its native lands.  Never has it been a well-known dog, and when found out of Greenland it is more often than not that someone who visited the country returned home with the dog.  They are not so slowly being replaced by the snowmobile, its fanciers are keeping this breed alive, but sadly they are simply not as numerous as before.  Breeders in many of the Scandinavian countries are fighting to keep the Greenland Dog from extinction.

    Greenland Dogs are first and foremost a working dog.  They are loyal and affectionate, although when working together they tend to have more of a pact mentality rather than a strong relationship with their handlers.  Rarely will they get along with small animals, such as cats and small rodents.  They are suspicious of strangers, and must be shown whom the alpha is or they will try to take the role themselves.  Greenland Dogs do not make good first time dogs, and needs a good handler.