Aarluk (11) is the oldest dog in our kennel. He has been retired for almost three years, and one of the questions we are asked most often is when and why a sled dog retires—and what happens once their working career comes to an end.

The simple answer is that there is no standard rule. Just like people, every dog is an individual.

Some dogs continue running in a sled team until they are 10–12 years old, although with gradually lighter workloads as they age. Others tell us much earlier that they are ready to retire. Knowing our dogs well is one of the most important parts of our job. We have to recognize when enough is enough.

Whenever possible, we like our retired dogs to spend the rest of their lives with us. Aarluk may no longer pull a sled, but he still has an important role in the kennel. Calm, social, and endlessly patient, he has become a natural grandfather to our puppies and young dogs. He teaches them manners, confidence, and social skills in a way that only an experienced older dog can.

Outside the kennel, Aarluk has embraced life as a family dog. He still enjoys walks—long or short, depending on how he feels that day—and joins us on adventures whenever he can. Camping trips, fishing trips, and weekends at the cabin are among his favourite activities. At home, he knows exactly where to find the refrigerator and the sofa, even though he still spends most of his time living outdoors.

Age alone is never a reason for euthanasia. Health, quality of life, and illness determine when it is time to say goodbye. Some dogs are fortunate enough to reach a very old age, while others sadly do not. Large breeds such as the Greenland Dog generally have shorter lifespans than many smaller breeds.

Aarluk has already exceeded the average life expectancy for a Greenland Dog, and every healthy day we spend with him feels like a gift. We hope he still has many adventures ahead of him—and perhaps, if we're lucky, he'll celebrate his fifteenth birthday with us.

Some dogs simply lose their enthusiasm for running. It becomes obvious that they would rather stay home than jump, bark, and throw themselves into the tug line. Others are exactly the opposite. Their minds are as eager as ever, but their bodies can no longer keep up. In those cases, it is our responsibility to make the decision for them.

It is important to remember that sled dog racing and expedition work are extreme sports for the dogs as well. They place tremendous demands on both body and mind. Retirement does not mean a dog's life is over. It simply means they have finished their career as elite athletes and are ready for a slower pace of life.

Retired dogs require a little extra attention, a little extra care, and a little extra room in our hearts. They have spent their lives working for us in front of the sled. Now it is our turn to care for them. They may need a bit more food to maintain their weight, softer bedding, veterinary care more often, or simply a little more patience—but above all, they deserve the love and respect they have earned.

We are proud that our dogs grow old with us. However, if we ever find that a retired dog is no longer happy in kennel life, we will do our best to find them a home better suited to their needs. Some retired dogs struggle with watching the rest of the team leave without them, and in those situations, we must put the dog's welfare ahead of our own wishes.