Pet Wiki

Greenland Dog

Also called Grønlandshund, Kalaallit Qimmiat, Qimmeq Qimuttoq, Esquimaux Dog

Energetic, bold and mentally tough, with seemingly endless endurance.

SizeLarge
Weight27 to 47.5 kg (60 to 105 lb)1
Height55 to 60 cm (22 to 24 in)males from 60 cm, females from 55 cm234
Lifespan10 to 12 years1
CoatThick double coat
OriginGreenland; FCI breed under the patronage of Denmark24
GroupFCI group 5
Recognised breedShort profile
huge stamina
friendly to people
bold and hardy
231

Personality what they are like

Energetic, bold and mentally tough, with seemingly endless endurance. It is friendly with people, including strangers, which makes it a poor guard dog but a sociable companion, and it has a strong independent streak.231

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A sturdy, slightly long-bodied polar spitz with a broad wedge-shaped head, small triangular ears and a bushy tail rolled over the back. A soft woolly undercoat sits beneath a straight, coarse, water-repellent outer coat.243

Coloursany solid or parti-colour (except albino and merle)24

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Greenland Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: two hours or more daily plus mental work. Sledding, bikejoring and canicross suit its pulling instincts.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush thoroughly several times a week, daily during the seasonal coat blow when a shedding rake helps.1

Home where they are happiest

Made for cold climates; happiest with lots of outdoor space and an owner experienced with sled breeds.21

Company who they like around

A pack dog that works in teams; responds best to calm, positive training and early socialisation.13

The story where it all began

The Thule people brought these dogs from Siberia into Greenland about 1,000 years ago, and for centuries they were the Inuit's only sledge dogs for travel and hunting. Roald Amundsen relied on them with great success in his Antarctic expedition of 1912.421

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The pale shoulder marking called the 'úlo' is named after a traditional Greenlandic woman's knife of the same shape.4

  2. 2

    Its lineage has been linked to 9,500-year-old dog remains from Zhokhov Island in Siberia.4

  3. 3

    In much of Greenland north of the Arctic Circle, bringing in other dogs is banned to protect the breed.4

  4. 4

    When resting it often curls up with its bushy tail over its nose.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Greenland, the country where it was developed by the Inuit (Thule people) as a sled dog, and is known locally as Kalaallit Qimmiat, meaning 'Greenlandic dog'.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

NanookSikuAputQimmiqTundraMikiNukkaBlizzardFrostyKodaYukonHuska

A day in the life told by a Greenland Dog

I wake with the sun barely over the snow, and my humans are already pulling out the sled. My tail wags like a flag as I hop into my harness, today we run the trail to the lake and back. The wind stings my nose, but I love it. I pull with all my might, my paws crunching the crisp snow. We stop by a frozen stream, and I roll in the powder just because I can. Back home, I get a good rubdown and a bowl of water. Then I curl by the fire, dreaming of tomorrow's run. Life is simple when you're born to pull.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 274, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), sledge dog; current standard dated 30 Mar 20222
The Royal Kennel Club
Recognised 1880; first shown in Britain in 18754
UKC
Recognised 1 Jan 1996, Northern Breed Group3
Dansk Kennel Club
Breed standard holder4

How many about 12,000 in Greenland4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Greenland Dog tip

As a large, very active working breed, the Greenland Dog thrives on high-quality, nutrient-dense food rich in protein and omega fatty acids. Treats should be given in moderation to maintain a lean, muscular condition.

Source: purina.co.uk

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

  • 1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
  • 1 medium carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
  3. Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
  4. Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Greenland Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Greenland Dog at least two meals a day, as adult dogs should not go more than 8 to 10 hours without food. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts and times.5

What should a Greenland Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for an active, large breed. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Never give raw meat, bones, or dairy. Always check with your vet for a complete diet plan.6

How often should I bathe a Greenland Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog is very dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Greenland Dog need brushing?

Brush your Greenland Dog several times a week, and daily during the seasonal coat blow. A shedding rake helps remove loose undercoat. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing as a minimum.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Greenland Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Greenland Dog need?

This breed needs at least two hours of vigorous exercise daily, plus mental challenges. Activities like sledding, bikejoring, or canicross suit its pulling instincts. Daily walks and play are essential.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Greenland Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly ear checks and daily tooth brushing.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Greenland Dog live?

The Greenland Dog typically lives 10 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.1

Is a Greenland Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is friendly with people, including children, and is a sociable companion. Early socialisation helps with other pets, but its strong independent streak means supervision is wise. It is a pack dog that works well in teams.231

Can a Greenland Dog be left alone?

This breed is a pack dog and may struggle with long periods alone. It needs lots of outdoor space and an experienced owner. If left alone too much, it can become bored or destructive. Ask your vet or a good breeder for specific advice.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Purina UK: Greenland Dog purina.co.ukused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming
  2. FCI-Standard N° 274 fci.beused for history, size, coat, colour, temperament
  3. UKC Greenland Dog ukcdogs.comused for recognition, temperament, coat
  4. Wikipedia: Greenland Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, recognition, population, facts
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.