Did you know?
Most Greenland Dogs have a triangular shaped area on the shoulders called the “úlo”. It is named after a common woman’s knife from Greenland which is of the same shape.
Greenland Dog
You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!’ – Dave Barry
Int’l Ch Avderod’s Kimik
As his name suggests, the Greenland Dog is native to Greenland and also northern Scandinavia. Used as a sled dog to haul heavy loads, the Greenland Dog is a typical working husky-type dog. They were brought from Siberia to North America by the Thule people, ancestors of the Inuit, 1,000 years ago.
He has been a loyal companion of the northern native people since earliest times and is believed to be a direct descendant of the wolf. In 2015, a DNA study established that the Greenland Dog and the Canadian Eskimo Dog are the same dog, genetically identical.
The “Greenie” makes an excellent draft dog and guardian. Once used to hunt polar bear and seal, he tracks the seals by their breathing holes in the ice. Used to life in unforgiving northern climes, he can adapt to almost any environment. European explorers and fur traders in Canada and North America used the Greenland dog when hunting, exploring and traveling across the Arctic regions. Roald Amundsen used Greenland Dogs on his expedition to the Antarctic.
The Greenie’s numbers have declined since the advent of mechanized vehicles that are now used in their place.
Photos displayed courtesy of Len & Gayle Stakenas, Sanekats Reg’d, Alberta
Greenland Dogs stand 23.6 inches (60 cm) or more tall at the shoulder. They have thick, straight coats that stand off from their bodies, and heavy, protective undercoats. The coat can be any colour or combination of colours. Greenies carry their tails in a loose curl up over their backs.
Energetic and free-spirited, the Greenland Dog’s endurance and stamina are legendary. He is a faithful and hard-working dog who is happiest when he has a job to do. Although he is affectionate and loyal, he has an independent and self-sufficient nature.
Hardy and robust, the Greenland Dog prefers to live and sleep outdoors, and will happily do so no matter how cold the environment. He is really suited for country living as he needs a good amount of exercise and room to stretch his legs.
Avderod’s Nalaga
