Dogs

The earliest presence of dogs in Greenland dates back to the first eastward migrations of Paleo-Inuit peoples across the North American Arctic, beginning around 2500 BCE. The Greenland Sled Dog, recently recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as one of the world's oldest living dog breeds, arrived with these early settlers, functioning as essential draft animals and companions. Their history is inextricably linked to the cultural migrations and human settlements across Greenland.

While the Greenland Sled Dog is the most renowned, it's not the sole canine resident of Greenland's past. Studies of ancient and modern DNA from archaeological finds reveal that various sled dog variations and other breeds have coexisted in Greenland since dogs first arrived here approximately 4,500 years ago.

European dogs (Qallunaat qimmii)

Dogs not classified as Greenlandic sled dogs are referred to as "European dogs" in Greenland. Their arrival coincides with various waves of European immigration:

• The Greenlandic Norse: Around 1000 AD, the first European dogs arrived with Norse settlers from Iceland, who appear to have brought three distinct breeds.
• Danish/Norwegian Colonization: Following the disappearance of the Norse around 1450 AD, another influx of European dogs accompanied the Danish/Norwegian colonization of Greenland, which commenced in 1721. Little is known about these early colonial dogs.
• Sheep Farming: From 1915 onwards, various herding dog breeds were introduced to South Greenland to support the expanding sheep farming industry. Much like sled dogs in the North, these herding dogs remain vital working animals for sheep farmers.
• Domestic Dogs: After World War II, a diverse array of domestic dog breeds increasingly found their way to the southwestern part of Greenland. The "Nuuk dog," a once-common mixed breed in southern cities, gradually became rarer due to the introduction of new breeds and the implementation of stricter animal welfare legislation.

Historical information regarding the specific origins of European dogs in Greenland is limited. Several ongoing research projects are actively investigating their history and lineage to uncover:

• Which dog breeds existed and their places of origin.
• What these findings reveal about cultural immigration and the spread of people within Greenland.
• Whether interbreeding occurred between dogs from different cultural groups.

Greenlandic Sled Dogs vs. European Dogs

The sled dog is a living cultural heritage, central to the traditional Arctic Greenlandic way of life. To protect this unique breed and prevent crossbreeding with European dogs, Greenland has established two distinct zones:

• Above the Arctic Circle: This region extends from Sisimiut northward, and includes all of East Greenland. Generally, only Greenlandic sled dogs are permitted in this zone.
• Southwest and South Greenland: From Maniitsoq to Narsarmiit, all dog breeds other than Greenlandic sled dogs are allowed.

Legislation governing the sled dog districts dates back to 1907, outlining rules for transporting dogs into and out of these areas, and specifying permissions for service dogs of other breeds to reside there. Prior to this law, sled dogs were utilized throughout Greenland, as evidenced by archaeological finds and historical documents. However, due to varying ice conditions, fewer sled dogs were likely present in Southwest Greenland. With colonization after 1721, sled dogs were gradually replaced by other breeds in the southwest, as their instinctive behavior to attack livestock made them less suitable for the new economic and housing conditions of the colonial period.

Sled Dogs in Inuit Nunaat

Sled dogs were historically widespread among Inuit across the Arctic. Two primary types of sleds were employed:

• Low sleds: Used for transporting heavy loads such as a qajaq (kayak) and umiaq (women's boat) by Inuit in Greenland and Canada.
• High-built sleds: Designed for transporting smaller loads, prevalent in Alaska and Siberia.

You can read more about dog sleds here.

In the Arctic, dog behavior and characteristics, including obedience and interaction with other dogs, were paramount in selection and breeding practices. Inuit traditions emphasize choosing sled dogs based on favorable traits. Avoiding inbreeding was also a crucial as it could increase the risk of hereditary diseases, genetic defects, and reduced health. This is managed by mixing different sled dog groups through exchanges or by purchasing dogs from other owners.

The decline in sled dog populations across the Arctic can be attributed to various factors. For instance, in Canada, the colonial administration's culling of up to 20,000 dogs from the 1950s onwards had a devastating impact on Inuit communities. The original Canadian sled dog, related to the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, now has a very small population, unlike its widespread relatives. This culling was an assault on Canadian Inuit culture and denounced by the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC), which lead to an official apology from the Canadian Government in 2019. Canada is now also exploring the possibility of bringing sled dogs from Greenland to help revive the tradition.

In Nunavik, Canada, the traditional dog sled race, Ivakkak, was established in 2000 and is held annually in February-March. The race covers 442 km and must be completed within a week, starting from Umiujaq and ending in Puvirnituq in northern Quebec. This race is an important cultural event that emphasizes responsible sledding, celebrates Inuit heritage and the revitalization of sled dog culture.

Read the Canadian government’s apology here.

The statement by Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) here.

Read more about Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) here.

Read more about Ivakkak here.