Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. Regular activity, a stable weight, a diet adapted to work and preventive veterinary monitoring promote good longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Greenland Dog is a hardy dog with a robust build, capable of sustained effort in harsh cold conditions. This sturdiness does not eliminate the need for a sensible progression of exercise, joint monitoring, and appropriate recovery after work.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring must focus primarily on mobility, signs of joint pain and acute digestive symptoms. In this large active dog, any swollen abdomen accompanied by restlessness, drooling or unsuccessful attempts to vomit is a veterinary emergency.
Hip dysplasia: Poor congruence of the joint can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis, particularly in this large active dog.
Elbow dysplasia: This joint development disorder can limit mobility and requires screening of breeding dogs.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: This digestive emergency affects large-breed dogs and requires immediate veterinary consultation if suggestive signs are present.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double coat provides excellent protection against extreme cold, but it tolerates heat poorly and adapts with difficulty to warm temperate climates. During the summer period, exertion must be scheduled during the cooler hours, with permanent access to shade and water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The ration must precisely match the level of activity, as needs vary greatly between rest and intensive work. Weight, silhouette and muscular condition must be checked regularly in order to adjust intake without compromising endurance or overloading the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows of breeding dogs screened.
- Examine the pads and paws after each effort.
- Strictly limit activity during periods of high heat.
- Brush the teeth regularly and monitor the length of the claws.
- Seek urgent veterinary care at any sign of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Vaccination
Greenland Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Greenland Dog need? Like all dogs, Greenland Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Greenland Dog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Greenland Dog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Greenland Dog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Greenland Dog
Before breeding or sustained practice of a pulling sport, veterinary screening of the hips and elbows is recommended. Regular gait examinations, dental follow-up and an annual general check-up complete prevention.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
