PetSecur Logo
HomeDogsGreenland Dog

Greenland Dog

Loved by 72% of pet parents

Hardy, energetic, and independent, this breed thrives in cold climates and excels at pulling sleds. Loyal and social, it forms strong bonds with family and enjoys active lifestyles.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Playfulness
Adaptability
Greenland Dog dog breed

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

60–68 cm (male)

55–61 cm (female)

WEIGHT

30–32 kg (male)

26–30 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–14 years

Greenland Dog: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Greenland Dog

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Greenland Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Greenland Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Greenland Dog is independent, loyal, and alert, displaying a strong pack instinct and a generally friendly yet reserved demeanor toward strangers.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Generally friendly but can be independent

Intelligence

Learns well but sometimes stubborn

Energy Level

Very high stamina and activity needs

Playfulness

Moderately playful when engaged

Adaptability

Struggles with change and new environments

Greenland Dog playing

Strengths

  • High endurance for long distances
  • Strong pack instincts and loyalty
  • Excellent cold weather tolerance
  • Robust health and physical strength
  • Skilled sled and working dog abilities

Challenges

  • High prey drive may cause chasing
  • Needs significant daily physical exercise
  • Not suited for novice dog owners
  • Can be independent and stubborn
  • May show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs
Greenland Dog with family

Protect your Greenland Dog

Greenland Dog are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Intelligence & exercise needs

Greenland Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Greenland Dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn, often showing a strong will. They respond best to experienced handlers using consistent, positive training methods and early socialization.

Trainable Tasks:

Sled pulling commands
Recall training
Pack walking etiquette
Cart pulling
Scent tracking
Boundary training

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

90–120 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has very high energy and stamina, requiring vigorous daily exercise and mental challenges to stay healthy and content. Without adequate activity, they may develop undesirable behaviors.

Recommended Activities:

Sled dog racing
Skijoring
Long-distance hiking
Canicross running
Agility courses
Backpacking trips

Is this breed right for you?

Greenland Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Greenland Dog would fit well in your home.

First-time Owner

Not ideal

Their independent and strong-willed nature can challenge inexperienced owners

Apartment Living

Poor fit

They need lots of space and are not suited to confined environments

Active Lifestyle

Excellent match

They thrive on vigorous exercise and outdoor adventure

Kids

Supervised only

Their boisterous energy can overwhelm small children without close supervision

Multiple Pets

Caution needed

Strong prey drive may cause issues with other pets, especially smaller animals

Being Left Alone

Not recommended

They dislike being left alone and can become destructive or vocal

Frequently Asked Questions about Greenland Dog

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed

Interactive Tools

Helpful pet owner tools

Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey

Pet name generator

Get inspired with the perfect name for your new furry friend
  • 1000+ unique pet names
  • Filter by gender & personality
  • Save your favorites

Random breed generator

Discover new and interesting breeds you might not have considered
  • Explore unexpected matches
  • Learn about rare breeds
  • Find hidden gems

Breed comparison tool

Compare different breeds side by side to make the best choice
  • Side-by-side comparison
  • Multiple criteria options
  • Detailed breed information

Share this Breed

Found this helpful? Share this breed profile with fellow dog lovers or save it for later.

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours