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 come to the South Pole. Born in a harsh climate, this breed of dog has been a faithful helper for many hundreds of years.
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 Emile 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 the Eskimos. Carrying out artificial selection among the livestock, they left the strongest and most enduring representatives to the tribe. They are classified as Spitz, the blood of the northern wolf undoubtedly flows in their veins. The harsh conditions of the North hardened 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). A Greenland dog (whose photo is presented in this article) can be a good watchman and, if necessary, stand up for yourself. Previously used for hunting seals, bears or reindeer, but still it is, first of all, sled dogs.
general description
A Greenland dog is a large beautiful animal of a powerful physique. She has well-developed musculature of the body, a strong skeleton, dark small eyes look unexpectedly friendly on a severe wolf face.
Dogs have a thick, straight, smooth coat with a very thick undercoat. Color is allowed anyone except the albino. The tail lies on its back. Pointed erect ears of a triangular shape. Large and strong paws. The body structure with powerful breasts is ideal for harnessing.
Breed standards
The standard for the breed was approved only in 1997. Working trials for a breed such as a Greenland dog are not carried out. All animals have excellent working qualities.
According to accepted standards, dogs must comply with the following description:
- Body. Strong, compact, format rectangle on the long side. A wide, deep well-defined chest. The straight back goes into the wide lower back. Croup slightly deflated.
- Head. It has a wedge-shaped - wide (between the ears the widest) at the base and tapers to the nose. Straight nose with a big lobe. The color can be in red dogs - liver color or dark. In winter, it tends to decolorize, a phenomenon called the “snowy nose”. Marked transition from the muzzle to the 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, a little 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 expressed on the hips. Shoulders slightly inclined, elbows firmly pressed to the body. Flexible and strong wrists, metacarpus has a slight slope. Paws are round, large, with strong pads.
- The tail is set high, thrown back, fluffy, thick and short.
- The coat is thick, dense, long, stiff with a well-developed undercoat.
- Color is allowed anyone except the albino.
- Height. They belong to the group of large dogs - the growth of bitches is at least 50 cm, dogs at least 60 cm.
- Weight an average of 30 kg.
Dogs have excellent running - harmonious, tireless and fast, for which, in fact, are appreciated.
The disadvantages include any deviations from the standards. For breeding, aggressive or too timid dogs, albinos and animals with either eyes different in color or blue are not allowed.
Character
The Greenland dog character is soft, lively and sociable. Animals are smart, do not show aggression to people, even strangers. Hardy and energetic, able to endure severe frosts.
Animals do not show a clear affection for the owner, demonstrating their love for him with conscientious work. Clever by nature, independent in nature, a hard worker in essence - all these are the features of the breed Greenland dog. Puppies require careful attention, patience and consistency in training.
A freedom-loving character is not so easy to combine with unquestioning submission to the master. Parenting animals are difficult. It is important for dogs of this breed to live in a pack, and the owner must constantly prove that he is the “leader”. Once having lost the “respect” of pets, it will be very difficult to regain dominance over them.
Content Features
Dogs are incredibly healthy. Absolutely unpretentious to the conditions of detention, calmly tolerate cold, bad heat. A temperature of +15 degrees already causes animal discomfort. Animals require active physical activity, otherwise the psyche may suffer. Long runs on the owner’s bike are a great alternative to riding.
A Greenland sled dog needs grooming. Thick and dense undercoat should be combed periodically to avoid the formation of tangles. With appropriate care and maintenance, it can live up to 15 years, the average duration is 9-10 years.
Spread
The breed is not widespread. It is appreciated by lovers of dog races and residents of the North for its unique endurance, ability to navigate the terrain and skills of a sled dog.
The breed is not very popular in Europe, including the countries of Scandinavia. 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 satisfied with representatives of this breed. The breed is bred in Canada and Greenland.