Greenland Dog Breed

Description

Greenland Dog Breed: This is the only surviving native breed in Greenland, having survived a canine epidemic and it was protected from genetic dilution by a law forbidding matings with imported dogs. As a haulage dog he stands midway between the heavy weight Alaskan Malamute and the lighter Siberian Husky but like them his physical features and coat equip him for life in a cold climate.

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable, it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.

General appearance

Powerful body and heavy coat, striking appearance. Marked contrast in size between dogs and bitches.

Characteristics

A working sledge dog, primarily assessed for freighting capacity in Arctic conditions, adaptable, distinctly independent, alert and bold. Bitches more amenable.

Temperament

Sound, dignified, intelligent, good-natured, affectionate.

Head and skull

Head well proportioned, broad and wedge shaped with moderate stop. Skull strong and flat; powerful jaws. Nose and lips black or brown. Muzzle medium length, gently tapering to nose.

Eyes

Dark brown or tawny. Placed slightly obliquely, neither prominent nor too deep set. Expression alert and fearless.

Ears

Short and firm, well set apart. Carried shapely erect and facing forward. Internally protected by fur.

Mouth

Teeth large, strong and uncrowded. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw.

Neck

Rather short, heavy and muscular, with loose skin.

Forequarters

Shoulders broad, big boned and muscular. Forelegs perfectly straight and vertical in stance, powerful and heavy-boned.

Body

Chest deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. Body strong and well muscled, with level back, presenting a well balanced and compact appearance. Length of body slightly greater than height at shoulder.

Hindquarters

Thighs broad, strong and heavily muscled. Stifles well bent, hocks well let down. Heavy bone. Legs straight when viewed from rear.

Feet

Rather large and strong, with strong nails. Thick pads with protective growth of fur between toes.

Tail

Large and bushy. Set high, curled loosely over back and falling either side.

Gait/movement

Strong drive, limbs moving parallel, back held level.

Coat

Thick double coat consisting of an impenetrable undercoat 2.5-5 cms (1-2 ins) long, uniform over body, with well protruding outer coat of coarser longer hair, which is quite straight. Outer coat at its longest on neck and withers, breeches and underside of tail. Underbelly also well covered. Hair on head and legs rather short.

Colour

All known dog colours, or combinations of these colours. Merle is not acceptable.

Size

Height: dogs: 58-68 cms (23-27 ins) at shoulder; bitches: 51-61 cms (20-24 ins) at shoulder. Weight: dogs: 34-47.5 kgs (75-105 lbs), bitches: 27-41 kgs (60-90 lbs).

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work.

Note

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Greenland Dog Breed

Description