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Armenian Gampr Sheepdog

Armenian Gampr Sheepdog

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 Armenia
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
Gampr
Armenian Ovtcharka
Gampyr
Armenian Gampr
Gampr Shepherd Dog
Aralez
Armenian Wolfhound
Volkodav
Armenian Shepherd

A brief presentation of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
The Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is a large to very large land breed that developed in the Armenian highlands as a livestock herder thousands of years ago. They are naturally protective and gentle with livestock and family members of all ages, but can be more serious and aloof than most breeds and are not inclined to play. Although they are intelligent, courageous and generally calm, they don't tend to get on well with other animals unless they receive a lot of socialization. This breed is particularly healthy, and its lifespan is slightly longer than that of most dogs of its size.

History of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
The Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is a large to very large landrace breed that developed in the highlands that make up Armenia's historic homeland. This means that the breed's development depended more on the isolated region where the dogs were found than on the preferences of the human population, as the reproduction of Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs was not controlled. Landrace breeds are subject to greater variability in appearance and structure than standardized breeds, but in many cases they are genetically healthier. Numerous carvings and engravings of dogs in the area trace the history of domesticated dogs in the region and, around 1000 BC, a large proportion of these petroglyphs appear to be Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs, indicating that the breed was not only well established at this time, but often preferred. They are even sometimes considered the inspiration for the Aralez, dog-like spirits that descend from the sky to lick the wounds of dead heroes and bring them back to life. The invasion of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century drastically reduced the population of these powerful canines, but also allowed them to spread, as they served as the basic stock for a variety of Turkish breeds. When the Soviet Union came to power shortly afterwards, it took many of the best Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs and combined them with other breeds, giving rise to the Caucasian Ovcharka. Recent downturns in the Armenian economy not only led to a reduction in the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog population, but the remaining Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs were often malnourished and many were underdeveloped. Fortunately, when the economy rebounded, so did the robust health of the next generation of dogs. Although the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog population in Armenia has not fully recovered, efforts to preserve the breed in the United States have shown promise.

Appearance of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs developed as livestock guardians, protecting livestock from large predators such as wolves, leopards and even the occasional Caucasian bear. It takes a big, powerful dog to cope with such threats; the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog, which typically measures between 63 and 89 centimeters and weighs between 38 and 84 kilos, has been doing so for thousands of years. They are well-muscled, with long, straight backs and pronounced shoulder blades. These canines have a broad, heavy head, with a muzzle slightly shorter than the length of the skull, but strong and straight. The Armenian Gampr Sheepdog can come in almost any color and can have varying characteristics. They tend to have almond-shaped brown eyes in various shades, and their medium-length triangular ears hang over the sides of their heads. Dogs still employed as livestock guardians will often have their ears cropped, as this prevents the large predators they are still defending against from gaining the upper hand by biting and holding their ears. Males are generally larger, with a thicker body and head than their female counterparts.

Temperament of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
Like most livestock herding breeds, the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is an independent, reliable animal that can generally be relied upon to be both brave and cautious. They tend to be more reserved than most breeds, even with their families, although they remain fiercely loyal and naturally protective. Although they are known to be particularly gentle with children, they are nonetheless powerful animals, and any interaction between canines and young children must be closely supervised. Although Gamprs want to have a place in the family, they are less inclined than other breeds to want to please their master, and can be quite difficult to train. These dogs are not naturally social with other dogs and can be extremely territorial; socialization must be frequent and early. Because of their territorial nature, socialization is often most effective on neutral territory. Even when socialized, this breed tends to remain somewhat aloof and is not particularly playful by nature.

Needs and activities of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
Although the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is not an overly energetic animal, it is a working breed that needs a moderately high level of exercise to maintain its physique. This is a very large breed of dog, and exercises and activities that strain the joints, such as jumping, prolonged running sessions and even stair climbing, should be kept to a minimum, especially while the animal is still growing. This helps avoid bone and joint problems as the canine grows. A long daily walk is an excellent form of exercise for these dogs, and as working Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, this is perhaps the best time to walk this particular breed. The Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is not suited to a small or confined living space and will do best in a working environment or in a home with a very securely fenced yard.

Maintenance of the Armenian Gampr Sheepdog
Armenian Gampr Sheepdogs have a double-layered coat with a thick, well-developed undercoat and a rough outer coat that protects them from both weather and predators. The coat contains protective oils that help to remove dirt and debris and protect the skin. It should therefore only be bathed a few times a year, as required, and weekly brushing with a rake will generally prevent the formation of large mats. The Armenian Gampr Sheepdog is known to shed more at the change of season, and may require more frequent brushing at these times. These dogs are known to grow more slowly than average and may benefit from a diet designed for large-breed puppies until their growth has slowed. Start a grooming routine when your dog is young; this will allow weekly nail trimming, teeth brushing and gentle coat maintenance.
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