Greenland Qimmeq Confirmed Oldest, Genetically Unique Sled Dog

Recent genomic studies have confirmed that the Greenland sled dog, or Qimmeq, is the oldest known domesticated dog breed, with a genetic lineage closely tied to ancient Arctic dogs and the rapid, earlier-than-expected migration of Inuit people into Greenland about 1,000 years ago. Researchers sequenced 92 genomes from ancient and modern Qimmeq, revealing a distinct clade linking them with a 3,700-year-old Alaskan sled dog. The Qimmeq has remained largely genetically isolated, with minimal European ancestry, mirroring Greenland's indigenous cultural and linguistic divisions. The population has halved since 2002, dropping from roughly 25,000 to 13,000 by 2020, due to climate change, urbanization, and snowmobile competition. These findings provide a genetic baseline for conservation efforts as the breed faces environmental and cultural challenges. Scientists stress the Qimmeq's importance for Arctic heritage and insights into human-dog co-evolution.