Page 102 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ-TYPE DOGS

Greenland Dog POLAR EXPLORER

The Greenland Dog has played a vital role in
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
expeditions to the North and South Poles. The
20–27in 60–106lb Over 10 years Any color
explorers Robert Peary (1856–1920) and Roald
(51–68cm) (27–48kg)
Amundsen (1872–1928) used the sled dogs and
handling methods of indigenous Arctic peoples.
Amundsen (below) took Greenland Dogs on
This friendly dog has great strength and endurance and his attempt to conquer the South Pole in 1911,
loves outdoor action but needs firm handling and 11 of these survived to reach the Pole with
him. Greenland Dogs were used for working
on Antarctic bases until they were banned from
The classic sled dog of polar expeditions, a sled, they are hitched on separate lines
Antarctica as a non-native species in 1992.
the Greenland Dog was used by indigenous so that each dog can pick its own way
peoples long before European and American across the terrain.
explorers discovered its worth. Dogs of this The Greenland Dog needs careful
type were brought to Greenland from Siberia training and handling because it is both
with migrating people 5,000 years ago. powerful and stubborn, and has a strong
The dogs need endurance to work hard drive for dominance (although more with
in temperatures as low as -69°F (-56°C) other dogs than with people). The breed
and are trained to pull sleds of up to 1,000lb also needs physical and mental challenges
(450kg). The hunters also train their dogs to keep it busy, so does best in the hands
to hunt seals and walruses and even take of an experienced owner. With the right
on polar bears. The animals work as a pack owner, the Greenland Dog is a cheerful
but semi-independently: when pulling extrovert and affectionate companion.

Bushy tail curls
loosely over back
Small, erect,
Black and fawn
wide-set ears

Lighter
markings
on face

Muscular,
compact body

Thick, weatherproof,
double coat

Hair forms long
breeches on
hindquarters
Large feet
with thick hair
Sturdy, heavily between toes
boned legs

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