Greenland Sledge Dog

The Greenland Sledge Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds, and has been around since ancient times. It is believed that they were brought from Siberia to North America about 1,000 years ago by the Thule people. While the Paleo-Eskimo people along with their dogs settled in the Arctic about 4,500 years ago, the Thule people did not settle until about 1,000 years ago. Genetic analysis has showed that the Inuit dogs of Canada and Greenland both descended from dogs associated with the Thule people. Analysis also showed that Canadian Eskimo Dogs and Greenland Sledge Dogs are genetically identical. Greenland Sledge Dogs were employed as hunting and transportation dogs, with traits such as endurance and strength being selected for. They were large game hunters, taking down animals such as seals and polar bears.