Greenland Dog

The Greenland dog is believed to be an ancient breed that arrived in Greenland 4,000 years ago. It is thought that the Greenland Dog, including the Canadian Eskimo Dog, descended from ancient canine breeds associated with the Thule people who relied on sled dogs for transportation in Siberia. Though Greenland dogs have been around for centuries, the breed made its first appearance in the UK around 1750. It became popular as a versatile working dog breed and have participated in the Darlington dog show in 1875.

In 1880, the Greenland dog was recognised by The Kennel Club and more than a century later by the United Kennel Club in 1996. Although they are gaining popularity outside of Greenland, the Greenland Dog remains a rare breed.

The Greenland Dog is a robust and heavy-built dog with a wolfish appearance. It has a broad, wedge-shaped head, small pricked triangular ears, slightly tilted eyes that show its keen and fearless expression, and black or brown nose that follows the colour of its coat. Its muzzles are somewhat long gently tapering toward the nose. This Arctic dog breed has muscular and sturdy legs that are covered with shorter hair compared to the rest of its body, well-muscled shoulders, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a large bushy tail that rolls across its back.

When it comes to its coat, the Greenland Dog wears a thick double layered coat that is medium in length. The undercoat is dense, soft and woolly, providing warmth, while the topcoat is long and coarse to protect against the cold. Its hair, neck, withers, the underside of the tail have longer hair than it is in other areas of the body such as its legs, head and underbellies. Its coat comes in several colours, which are a various combination of white, brown, black, red and grey.

The Greenland Dog is also not suitable for family pets where there are young children. This dog can be quite rambunctious in a home environment and will likely accidentally knock over toddlers during playtime. Any interaction with this breed and the children must be supervised at all times to avoid any accidents. When it comes to its relationship with other household pets, Greenland Dogs, being pack animals, are generally good around other dogs. However, it's not the same with smaller animals.

They are even-tempered and will rarely show any aggressive behaviour to strangers and will prefer to keep their distance until they become familiar with them. Greenland Dogs are generally quiet and calm dogs, which is why they are not ideal guard dogs. However, they will not hesitate to howl, not bark, when the mood suits them. They are not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners because this dog will need a steady handler to look to for instruction and direction.

• Senior and less active: up to 1,420 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,600 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,780 calories daily

Are you excited to be getting a Greenland Dog? Getting a dog is fulfilling since you get another friend, companion, even family member. Like any addition to the family, it requires money. Aside from that realisation, Greenland Dogs are rare breeds, and so buyers have to be put on a waitlist. Regardless whether you're convinced to buy a Greenland Dog, it pays to examine how much a person will need to spend on average.

• Purchase price of the puppy – £500 and up
• Pet insurance coverage – £20 to £50 a month
• Veterinary checks (and basic procedures) – £1,000 a year
• Food costs – £40 to £50 a month
• Dog supplies – £200