Greenland Dog (Kalaallit Qimmiat)
CKC Working Group
Origin & History
The Greenland Dog (Grønlandshund) is one of the world's oldest dog breeds, dating back over 4,000 years to the Arctic's first inhabitants. These rugged dogs were developed by the Thule people and later the Inuit as indispensable hunting and sled dogs capable of surviving extreme polar conditions.
Closely related to the Canadian Eskimo Dog, Greenland Dogs accompanied early Arctic explorers including Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen on their expeditions. Their incredible strength and endurance allowed them to pull heavy loads across vast ice fields in temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F).
Unlike many modern breeds, Greenland Dogs remain largely unchanged from their ancient ancestors. They continue to serve as working dogs in Greenland's remote communities, where they are known as "Kalaallit Qimmiat" in the Greenlandic language.
The Greenland Dog is recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, but not by the American Kennel Club. The breed maintains its primitive working characteristics and remains relatively rare outside of the Arctic.
Stats:
- Height: 22-25 inches
- Weight: 50-70 lbs
- Coat: Dense double coat with straight, coarse guard hairs
- Colors: All colors including white, black, gray, and various patterns
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
Note: The Greenland Dog is considered a national symbol of Greenland and remains an essential part of traditional Inuit life in remote Arctic communities.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Very high; bred for endurance work in Arctic conditions | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Strong-willed; needs firm, consistent training | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Heavy seasonal shedding; regular brushing needed | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Good with families but needs space and activity | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Excellent; naturally alert and protective | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Not suitable for novice owners | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Extremely high; strong hunting instincts | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Moderate; vocal when working or excited | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Ok if properly socialised; bold personality may lead to conflicts | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
The Greenland Dog is known for its robust health, having avoided many genetic issues common in more commercial breeds. However, potential health considerations include:
- Hip Dysplasia: Occasional cases reported
- Gastric Torsion: Risk in deep-chested breeds
- Eye Conditions: Occasional hereditary issues
Due to their primitive nature and working background, Greenland Dogs typically enjoy good overall health when properly cared for.
The Greenland Dog is not yet registered with the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) .
Glossary of general canine health conditions.