Gampr Armenian Wolfhound: character, description of the dog breed with photos

Brief characteristics of the dog

Other possible names: gailhecht, bear dog, archashun, Armenian gampr.
Adult height: males from 67 cm, females from 63 cm.
Weight: from 45 kg to 70 kg. Sometimes they reach 90 kg.
Characteristic color: any with a black mask, except brown.
Coat length: short-haired, with double undercoat.
Life expectancy: 13-15 years.
Advantages of the breed: loyal, brave, strong.
Breed difficulty: independent.
Average price: Armenian gampr costs $200 and above.

Gampr breed standard

The aboriginal status of the Gamprs was reflected in their appearance. Since the owners of wolfhounds have never abused interbreeding, modern individuals are no different from their ancestors who roamed the territory of the Armenian Highlands 300 years ago. At the same time, the dogs themselves sometimes came into contact with wolves, which also left an imprint on their appearance. The closest domesticated relatives of the Gampras are the dogs of the North Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia (Turkey) - due to the proximity of these territories, the animals living in them spontaneously mated with each other.

The average Armenian wolfhound today is a dog of outstanding dimensions, weighing from 40 to 70 kg. The lower height bar for males is 67 cm; for bitches – 63 cm; the upper limit is 77 and 71 cm, respectively. There are significant differences between the guard and herding varieties of the breed. Shepherd dogs are noticeably smaller than their yard relatives, and at the same time they have a less stable temperament. Guard gampras have a gigantic physique, they are more self-possessed in character, less mobile, but they have a hypertrophied territorial instinct.

Head

A massive, dry head is one of the defining features of the breed. The skull of the Armenian wolfhound is large, wide, and it accounts for 60% of the volume of the dog’s head. The feet of purebred animals are soft, the cheekbones are almost not prominent, but the cheeks are plump and toned. The frontal lines are straight and parallel to the nose.

Jaws and teeth

Gampras have incredibly powerful jaws with strong, tightly set teeth and a scissor bite.

Eyes

The eyes are distinguished by a deep, slightly “pressed” fit and an almond-shaped, slightly slanted cut. The eyeballs themselves are small, the color of the iris is honey, but always darker than the color of the coat. The dog looks intelligently, seriously and sternly, and the stern expression of the gaze is characteristic not only of adults, but also of one and a half month old puppies.

Ears

The ears of the Armenian Wolfhound are set at or below the eye line, and the ear flap is wide apart.

Neck

The gampra's neck is characterized by a moderate length and an average slope. The muscle tissue in the area of this part of the body is developed, adding massiveness to the silhouette.

Frame

The Armenian Wolfhound is a breed with a long build and a body index of 108-110. The stretched format is achieved not due to the length of the lower back, but due to the structural features of the chest. The chest itself is characterized by sufficient width and depth, while its lower line should be below the elbow joints and gently transition into a moderately tucked abdomen.

Gampras have very wide, straight backs with a clearly visible hump at the withers. The lumbar region is short, but quite filled. The croup is massive, elongated, without sloping.

Limbs

Correct placement and parallelism to each other is a mandatory requirement for both the front and hind legs of the Gampra. The humerus and long elbows form an articulation with an angle of 108-110°. The forearms should be strong and parallel to each other. The same rule applies to the wrists, however, when looking at them from the side, an oblique stance should be clearly visible.

A distinctive feature of the hind legs of the Armenian Wolfhound is slight straightness in the area of the hock and knee joints. The femur and tibia are elongated, with pronounced articular joints. The metatarsals have the same length as the femurs, and are also distinguished by their rather large size and stretched pre-calcaneal part. The dog's paws have a regular rounded shape, tightly gathered toes and soft pads. The gampr moves with a free, powerful gait, keeping the neck, croup and back in one line.

Tail

The tails of representatives of the breed are high and usually droop downwards. If the wolfhound is angry or simply in a hurry to do business, the tail rises above the back, becoming like a sickle or a ring.

Wool

The modern standard recognizes only the short-haired variety of Gampr. These are individuals that have thick fur with very short fur on the muzzle, forelimbs and ears. Long-haired Armenian wolfhounds are not yet registered by canine associations, but they are quite successfully bred and are very popular in the northern part of the Caucasus.

Color

Formally, any Gampra color is acceptable, but fawn and zonular remain the most preferred. It is desirable to have a “mask” spot on the animal’s face. It is not welcome if the dog is liver or brown.

Disadvantages and disqualifying vices

Serious defects in appearance include an excessively narrow muzzle, lightened iris and nose, bulging eyes, small yellowed teeth, sloping croup, short body with a sagging belly, as well as a hunchback or saddle back. Blind and deaf gampras, individuals with cryptorchidism and those who do not have double hair are subject to disqualification.

History of the origin of the breed

Armenian wolfhounds are the oldest loyal companions of man , and their history goes back more than one thousand years. This is a breed of indigenous dog that has bypassed human intervention and escaped selection.

Rock paintings discovered in different regions of Armenia prove the existence of such dogs back in the 1st millennium BC, as well as the fact that they lived almost throughout the entire Armenian Highlands. And some images found in the area of the city of Kars even reach the 3rd millennium BC.

In the vicinity of the shallowed Lake Sevan, tombs were found, in one of which they found the skull of an identical dog, dating back to the 8th century BC. And in the 1st century BC. Gampras were in the military service of the Armenian king Tigran II.

There is even a legend according to which in the 5th century AD. one of these dogs saved the life of the future king Sanatruk. In the 12th-13th centuries, the Gampras were highly revered by the Turkish nobility, who settled in many Armenian areas after the conquest.

There is also a tragic moment in the history of the breed already in the twentieth century, associated with the genocide of the Armenian people by the Turks. During raids on Armenian settlements, Gampras bravely stood up to protect their family, for which they were destroyed in the first place.

Gampr is a national breed and a treasure of Armenia. The Armenian Wolfhound is often confused with the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
But in 2011, a breed standard for the Armenian Wolfhound-Gampr was released. In the same year, the breed was recognized by the International Canine Union (IKU). And in 2021, Gampra was recognized by Alianz Canine Worldwide.

How to choose a Gampr puppy

The Armenian Gampr is a rare breed. Since the dogs are still considered a subspecies of Caucasian Shepherds, confusion in litters is common. Unscrupulous breeders buy large puppies of short-haired shepherd dogs (Caucasian or Central Asian), breed them with each other and sell them under the guise of the national breed of Armenia.

Almost all nurseries that breed Gampras are located on the territory of Armenia. They are controlled by KKSKA. Buying a puppy is not easy - you will have to submit an application and stand in line for the planned mating.

Therefore, future owners rarely have the opportunity to see puppies and their parents in person - all they have to do is leaf through photographs of the manufacturers. And it’s not possible to choose a specific kitten - whichever the breeder gives, that’s what they buy.

However, the puppy should be examined before signing the contract. If it is impossible to visit the nursery, ask the breeder to record a video. He will demonstrate the bite, the condition of the ears, eyes, palpate the stomach, and show the baby in play and running.

Additionally take into account that:

The nose, paw pads and eyelids of puppies up to 4 months may be pink - they will darken later;
the head should be large, the paws should be powerful, the coat should be short and soft;
An underbite is allowed - it develops into a scissor bite, but not in all dogs.

Be sure to check the certificate of registration of the nursery, permission to breed Gampras, pedigrees of producers, certificates of victories in exhibitions.

Purpose of the breed

Since ancient times, Armenian wolfhounds have been used as assistants to shepherds, who do not graze livestock, but bravely protect the herds from wolves. By the way, crossing a gampra with a wolfhound produces excellent offspring. Perhaps from these connections some dogs have a wolf color.

In addition, they are excellent defenders and guards. They always try to choose elevated places to make it easier to monitor the territory. In case of danger, gampras fiercely and fearlessly stand up to protect their owners and home.

Armenian wolfhounds are also used in search and rescue teams during landslides or avalanches. But above all, the Armenian wolfhound is a full member of the family and a reliable companion.

How much do puppies cost?

The price of Gamprov is moderate. The average cost of a puppy is 40,000 rubles. If the owner offers a kitten for less than 30,000 rubles. - It’s better not to take it. This is not a purebred Armenian wolfhound, but a crossbreed.

Armenian wolfhound puppies from champions that are of breeding value or belong to the show class cost more. Prices for them start from 50,000 rubles. and reach 70-80 thousand rubles.

Description of the nature of the breed

Armenian wolfhounds are also called gampr, which means “strong” and “powerful”. And the breed fully justifies this name. Gampr is able to single-handedly deal with a wolf, as well as resist anyone who dares to invade his territory.

This is a dog that does not require special training. Over the centuries of existence next to humans, they have learned to understand their owner at a glance without additional training.

Gampras are able to independently make informed decisions in any situation. But these are such independent and independent dogs that only they decide what and when to do. If you start re-educating such a dog, you will only ruin your relationship with him and make him embittered.

In a calm environment, gampras are absolutely devoid of aggressiveness. Instead, they are alert and attentive. Aware that their loud bass voice can frighten their owners, they rarely bark. Instead, they try to stop the enemy with their menacing appearance, and if this does not work, then they move on to decisive action.

When protecting gampras, they always try to first protect children and young animals, and only then begin to actively protect the entire environment. They are able to get along well with other dogs.

by nature . But they need a strong-willed owner with good leadership qualities, who will not allow a freedom-loving dog to take the place of leader.
Armenian wolfhounds are endowed with noble calm and balanced character and stable psyche, which allows them to be a reliable friend.

Education and training

Not so long ago, no one was interested in training Gampers, since the emphasis was on the natural instincts of the breed. Typically, puppies copied the behavior of adults, accumulating their own life experience over time. In addition, in the old days there was an opinion that training wolfhounds only harms them, drowning out the wolf genes in them. As for modern representatives of the breed, it is impossible to evade training with them. Especially when it comes to pets living in families, exhibiting at exhibitions and visiting training grounds, it is vitally important to instill the basics of correct behavior in such dogs.

Increased attention should be paid to the puppy’s socialization stage: the animal’s attitude to the world is formed in the first months of life, and it is very important that during this period the baby has positive impressions of the surrounding reality. Let the four-legged rogue communicate with other animals, visit crowded places and watch children play. It is important for a puppy at the age of 2-3 months to understand that the outside world does not pose a threat and no one is trying to make an attempt on his life.

Do not try to raise a stern recluse from a gampra. It’s better to play with your pet more often, invite the dog to the house where the rest of the family members are gathered, and also communicate as much as possible. Do not forget that the stability of the psyche and behavior of the Armenian wolfhound depends, among other things, on the nature of the relationship with the owner. The most difficult period in the life of a Gampr is adolescence. This is the time when the puppy begins to undermine your authority and try to take the place of the leader of the pack. The owner’s task at this moment is to stay on the leadership throne without putting too much pressure on the pet (remember, hard pressure irritates and angers the breed).

The Gampers are in perfect order with their intellectual abilities, so to pass the UGS, OKD and even the ZKS, they only need to put in a little effort. No special approach to training is required: use any standard training manual. By the way, most of these manuals suggest first determining the type of HNA (higher nervous activity) of your pet and based your studies on the result obtained. And of course, do not forget that one person must work with the dog, as well as take it to courses with an instructor or to a training ground, and the one who, in the eyes of the animal, has the status of boss and alpha male.

Choosing a puppy

A dog that is bred for protection and protection should not be insecure and cowardly. Even as a small puppy, she should exhibit qualities such as curiosity and courage. You can notice this by observing the behavior of the puppies and choose the most active one.

Take the one who will confidently and with interest run up to you to get acquainted. It is recommended to purchase puppies of all large breeds no earlier than two months of age, and preferably closer to three months. This is due to the fact that they mature a little later than small dogs.

Naturally, no one wants to initially adopt a puppy with any problems. Therefore, take a closer look at the baby, feel his tummy: it should not be swollen and hard. At the same time, inspect bare areas of skin for irritation. Feel free to look into your ears and evaluate how clean they are.

If your puppy has problems with his ears, they may give off an unpleasant odor. A puppy sometimes develops rickets from improper feeding and maintenance, which can be indicated by inconspicuous peas on the ribs, which can only be detected by feeling them with your fingers.

The paws should have only slightly protruding cartilaginous growth points at the folds. There should be no more growths, and even more so, the puppy should not limp. And finally, ask the owners about the availability of vaccinations, as well as when and with what the puppies were wormed. If this has not been done, then on the way home it would be a good idea to stop by the veterinarian and veterinary pharmacy.

Similar breeds

Alabai

The main difference between the breeds is that the Gampr is often larger in size than even the giant Alabai. Otherwise, the dogs are very similar: in character, external features and living conditions.

Kangal

The Turkish Kangal is a real treasure of the country; it is depicted on coins, and the safety of the breed is taken care of at the highest level. Dogs are used as guards and shepherds. Outwardly, they are very similar to gampras, but most often they outgrow them, reaching 90 cm at the withers.

Photo: wikimedia.org

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Dogs are confused quite often, since wolves were once one of the ancestors of both breeds. The dimensions of the animals are almost the same, but the coat of the Caucasian is longer and denser, which makes it look like a bear.

Photo: wikimedia.org

Care and maintenance

Despite the fact that Gampras have shorter hair compared to Caucasians, during shedding they may not look very presentable. In this case, the dog needs to be combed, and if possible, remove excess hair with your hands (manual trimming). There is no need to bathe your Gampra often. It’s better to keep an eye on the absence of fleas and the cleanliness of your ears.

Dogs such as Armenian wolfhounds are absolutely not suitable for apartments. But if this happens, then keep in mind that the dog needs daily walks and physical activity. And from the first days, teach your dog to relieve himself outside.

And when kept in a private house, a spacious enclosure with a booth is required. If possible, the walls of the enclosure should be open so that, while sitting in it, the dog can observe what is happening. It is advisable not to keep the gampra locked up all the time , but to allow him to move freely around the territory and choose a convenient place for observation.

Training

Gampr is a contact dog, it is important for her to communicate with a person constantly. Puppies require early socialization. The Armenian Wolfhound is smart and at the same time likes to make decisions on its own. Gampr needs to explain in time that man is the leader of the pack.

In urban conditions, the Armenian wolfhound will get bored, since it is difficult to realize the guardian instinct here.

Possible health problems

Armenian wolfhounds do not have hereditary diseases and various food allergies. These are healthy and strong dogs that only need the necessary vaccinations and periodic deworming. In rare cases, gampros develop dysplasia and ear diseases. But, as a rule, this is a consequence of improper care and maintenance of dogs.

Upbringing

There is an opinion among breeders that Armenian wolfhounds are raised on their own. This is partly true - shepherding and protective qualities are in the pets’ blood, they show them even without special training.

But this does not mean that the puppy will independently grow into an obedient dog without behavioral problems. Armenian wolfhounds need socialization, education and training from an early age. It is advisable to teach obedience skills and commands from OKD for up to six months. It is almost impossible to cope with a grown-up, uncontrollable junior.

Take into account the pet's temperament. The Armenian dog breed Gampr remains a puppy for up to 2 years. Until this age, she is not overworked.

In addition, demanding impeccable obedience from wolfhounds is stupid. These are not service dogs. They have their own opinion and vision of life. Dogs do not obey and do not follow commands - they listen to the advice and requests of the owner.

Nutrition for puppy and adult dog

Normal nutrition for a large and strong dog, such as a Gampr, requires at least 40% of the volume of meat or fish. The meat can be absolutely anything, but not fatty. It can also be various by-products. Meat products can be given raw, but it is better to boil fish a little.

To feed small puppies for some time, it is better to boil the meat, unless the breeders have accustomed them to fresh meat. The second part of the diet consists of porridge, which can be slightly diluted with vegetables. Bones with cartilage, also called sugar, are beneficial for a dog’s teeth and joints.

Try to place the food bowl at the level of your dog's chest. Firstly, it is uncomfortable for her to eat head down, and secondly, feeding in this position does not have a very good effect on digestion and the spine. Gampra can also be fed with dry food, but it is still recommended to give preference to natural food. The main thing is not to overfeed your pet and make the dog’s diet as balanced as possible.

Socialization

The Armenian dog Gampr is affectionate with children. For her, they are something like stupid puppies or lambs from the herd. The animal allows the kids to do whatever they want with him, and will never snap at the kids.

However, it is not recommended to leave children under 10 years of age and gampros alone. The dog is neat, but is not able to keep track of the omnipresent little one - the latter can deliberately crawl under the dog or collide with it. Until the child learns how to handle the animal, communication is controlled by adults.

Armenian Gampras do not take children seriously. They are condescending and ironic even towards adults who grew up before their eyes.

The Gampr breed gets along well with other pets. Dogs do not have conflicts; they love to take care of the weak. However, harmonious relationships are impossible without proper introduction of animals, education and socialization of the dog.

Briefly about training

Armenian gampras do not need training , and besides, they are difficult to train. They are very smart and easily remember the necessary commands, but they are used to deciding for themselves what needs to be done. The Gampr must understand why he needs to perform this or that action, so during the training process, try to motivate your pet well with plenty of praise and treats.

For such a self-sufficient pet, you must be a leader with a strong character. If you want to achieve obedience from a gampra, then act confidently and patiently.

And keep in mind that in relation to the Armenian wolfhound, coercive and violent methods are extremely unacceptable.

Character

The Armenian dog breed Gampr is more than a dog. The pet considers itself a person with appropriate rights.

Gampr is a loyal dog. But this loyalty does not come from innate love for a person. For the Armenian Wolfhound it is important to be part of the family, to feel equal to other people. Bringing a puppy into the house and feeding it is not enough. You need to make friends with him, take into account his opinion, character, mood.

Only in such conditions will the Armenian Gampr grow up to be a faithful dog, ready to protect the owner and his family. If the dog understands that he is perceived as a dog, and not as a partner, he will find another friend.

These qualities of a dog are impossible without sensitivity. Therefore, gampr, first of all, gets close to children and women, because they are more emotional. Only then does he become attached to the head of the family. He considers him the main one and always obeys him.

However, the subordination of the wolfhound is peculiar. It doesn't bend and doesn't get used up. If it seems to the pet that the owner is wrong, he will refuse to obey and insist on his own version.

However, the opinion of the Armenian gampra is worth listening to. Dogs have excellent intelligence and intuition. In a difficult situation, they make their own decisions with lightning speed. And it turns out to be the only true one.

Advantages and disadvantages

Large and strong Armenian wolfhounds, although they look massive and intimidating, are actually very calm, kind and balanced dogs. But these qualities apply only to the family in which they live. If necessary, they are always ready to selflessly protect against uninvited guests.

These dogs speak so rarely that some owners doubt for a long time that their pet can bark at all. The most convenient place for them will be the one from which they can closely observe what is happening. It is very important for them to keep everything under control at all times. Therefore, try to place the enclosure in a clearly visible place and lock the dog in it only when necessary. Gampras are not suitable for city apartments.

Armenian wolfhounds are accustomed to taking care of their family and those who live next to them. They show special care and vigilance towards children and animals. In case of danger, this is the first category that falls under their protection.

Incredibly intelligent gampras are able to make independent decisions. They have a very developed sense of independence, which makes the learning process difficult or even impossible for inexperienced dog breeders. This is also due to the fact that these dogs, even without training, always know what to do in a given situation.

Unpretentious in care and feeding, Armenian Gampras have almost perfect health and are considered long-lived among dogs. There are cases when such dogs lived up to 20 years. Therefore, if you provide your pet with proper care, regular feeding, and surround it with care and love, then this big bear dog will become an equal member of the family and a reliable friend and companion for you for many years.

Gampr character

The Armenian Wolfhound is a thinking and very independent breed. True, it should be clarified that animals did not begin to possess these qualities immediately and exclusively with the help of humans. Since ancient times, gamprs have been used as pets for everything - dogs guarded estates, herded sheep, pulled people out from under the snow, participated in fights in the ring, and even went after a bear. Today's representatives of the breed can also do all this, but, unfortunately, they do not always get the opportunity to prove themselves in action.

The main thing that distinguishes the Armenian Wolfhound from most other dogs is its exceptional independence and reluctance to obey just anyone. As an example: the trust and love of these serious brutals will have to be earned for a long time, and their worth as an owner will have to be regularly proven. Experts say that it is easier for Armenian wolfhounds to establish contact with children than with the obvious leader of the pack. Accordingly, be understanding that at first the pet will look closely at its senior mentor for a long time.

Another unique character trait of the Gampra is the ability to intuitively predict danger and work proactively. This is also the main problem for the owner: sometimes the four-legged guard makes a mistake and mistakes completely harmless actions as a threat. For this reason, it is not recommended to relax when walking with a wolfhound in public places - even a dog running around in a muzzle can bring passers-by to a state of shock with just its appearance.

Armenian wolfhounds have a very developed sense of family community, so in a critical situation the dog will protect both the leader of the pack and his children with equal zeal. True, such actions are possible only in families where the pet is sincerely loved and respected. In relationships with pets, gampras are loyal and friendly. Moreover, their peacefulness extends only to those representatives of the fauna whom they consider weaker and stupider than themselves. For example, an adult dog will not attempt to kill a kitten, but will certainly try to take sheep and goats under its protection. At the same time, friction with large fellow tribesmen is inevitable, so it is strongly not recommended to keep two same-sex Gampras.

Everyone who is not part of the wolfhound’s family circle is automatically added to the list of unreliable persons. At the same time, outwardly everything will look more than decent - the dog will continue to let the owner’s friends into the house and will even try to portray extreme indifference to everyone he sees not for the first time. But even here it is better not to lose vigilance: if a guest allows himself an action that seems suspicious to the gampr, the four-legged bodyguard will immediately react to it.

Owner reviews

Alexander:

We got a gampr to guard our house. But after a short time we realized that this was not just a security guard, but a member of the family, like each of us. In some incredible way, he always knows what to do and even carries out many commands. Although no one purposefully taught him this. Our dog runs freely around the yard, and only at night we lock him in an enclosure.
I have never met a calmer dog. And what’s most interesting is that the dog practically does not bark, but simply mutters threateningly. It is very easy to care for, which is also a big plus for me.

Elena:

Five years ago we moved into our own house and before Gampr I only had cats. My husband is on business trips almost all the time, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle raising such a dog. But Rey is the smartest dog in the world. He understands everything, it’s a pity that he can’t say anything.
And in the absence of my husband, I am absolutely not afraid to be at home alone, since I know that my faithful Ray is sensitively watching over my peace on the porch.

Tell us about your pets. We also look forward to your advice on raising these smart and independent Armenian wolfhounds.

Facebook

Leave a review

Breed characteristics and character

The main feature of the breed is its independent mind. In order to recognize its owner, a dog must independently make a decision and understand that he needs it. This feature requires considerable effort from the owner in building relationships.

The Armenian wolfhound very subtly recognizes the attitude of a person and in order for him to be able to recognize the leadership of his master, he, in turn, must have an equally strong spirit. Otherwise, the dog will not accept human dominance and will take a leading position.

Gampr is a big dog

In addition, Gampr is distinguished by his balance and emotional stability. It is almost impossible to break the spirit of such a dog, because he realizes how strong and dangerous he is. For this reason, the wolfhound behaves quite cautiously with those who are weaker than him and whom he is called upon to protect.

The Caucasian guard is vigilant and at the same time careful - he will not bark or growl for no reason, in comfortable conditions he is absolutely quiet and calm, he may even seem phlegmatic, although in fact, if even the slightest threat arises, one roar of such an animal will be quite enough to scare enemy.

The dog is sensitive to emotions and easily recognizes fear and hatred, but no less subtly senses manifestations of respect and love. At all times, this breed has been valued for its absence of unreasonable aggression - the dog shows its iron character only in cases where it is necessary, if its clients or itself are in danger.

Caring for the Armenian Gampr

When it comes to food, the Armenian wolfhound is completely unpretentious; he happily eats everything his owner gives him. However, it must be remembered that for such a large dog, a complete and balanced diet is extremely important, providing the body with all the necessary nutrients . This is especially true during periods of active growth. The Gampra diet should consist of the following natural products:

raw lean meat (veal, beef, goat, rabbit, etc.);
brain bones, tendons and cartilage;
boiled fish without bones;
cereals (oatmeal, eggs, rice, etc.);
vegetables (cabbage, carrots, turnips, etc.);
eggs;
unsweetened sour milk (kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc.).

Special vitamin and mineral complexes must be added to food, which prevent joint diseases and ensure the health of the entire musculoskeletal system. It is unacceptable to feed a wolfhound smoked, hot, spicy and sweet foods, even as a treat or reward. Adults are fed two meals a day (morning, evening), while puppies are fed 3–6 times (depending on age).

Although natural food is preferred for wolfhounds, it is acceptable to use dry store-bought food designed for large and giant breed dogs.

Caring for the coat is not particularly difficult, since thick wool has self-cleaning properties. Bath the animal only if necessary (no more than 1-2 times a year), using special pet shampoos. Combing is carried out regularly (once every 5-7 days); during periods of heavy shedding, this should be done daily. The pet is carefully examined weekly. Ears, teeth and eyes are cleaned regularly, but not too often (3-4 times a month). If the dog does not grind down his constantly growing claws himself, then they need to be trimmed.

You definitely need to take long walks with Gumpr.

The Armenian Gampr needs daily long walks (at least an hour), during which he will receive the necessary physical activity . Such a dog cannot be locked up in a small space. For a normal comfortable existence, she definitely needs a walking area and a spacious enclosure with an insulated booth. This is why a wolfhound cannot be kept in a city apartment, where it will inevitably get bored. The dog must be busy with real work (protecting the territory) and feel indispensable. It is better not to keep the gampra on a chain.

Training

There is no need for special training of Gampers, since all the necessary qualities are already inherent in this breed by nature itself . But it is imperative to train a dog; it must know the entire set of commands and obey its owner unquestioningly. It is strongly recommended to take a course of OKD (general training course), starting from 7–8 months.

Violent and coercive measures when training a gampra are not very effective and do more harm than good. The owner must always act confidently and quickly, showing the dog that he is the master of the situation.

Diseases

Armenian wolfhounds have good health and do not have genetic diseases. Due to activity on the street, it is necessary to pay special attention to anti-parasitic treatments and adhere to the timing of vaccinations. With proper care, a dog can live to a record number of years - 20.

Among the diseases that can most often be found in gampros are:

joint dysplasia;
otitis;
mechanical damage.

As a rule, all of these health problems arise as a result of improper care or nutrition.

Briefly about the main thing

Gampr is an indigenous ancient breed of dog from Armenia;
Dogs are devoid of aggression, but need education and determination of their place in the family;
It is better to choose a natural type of food, but dry specialized food is also suitable;
The dogs are in good health and have no genetic problems;
The wool is combed out during the molting period with a comb or trimmed by hand;
Not suitable for apartment living;
The cost of a puppy is about 1000 US dollars, a small number of kennels.

Breed characteristics

Aggressiveness: Moderate ( Overall score
3/5)
Activity: Very high ( Overall score
5/5)
Training: Difficult ( Overall score
2/5)
Shedding: Moderate ( Overall Score
3/5)
Need for care: Medium ( Overall score
3/5)
Friendliness: Below Average ( Overall Score
2/5)
Health: Good ( Overall score
4/5)
Cost of maintenance: Above average ( Overall score
4/5)
Attitude towards loneliness: Moderate time ( Overall score
3/5)
Intelligence: Smart ( Overall score
4/5)
Noise: Average ( Overall
3/5)
Security qualities: Excellent ( Overall score
5/5)

Basic moments

From Armenian the name of the breed is translated as “powerful”, “strong”.
The first images of gamprs can be seen on coins from the time of King Artashes I.
The breed is included in the list of national heritage of Armenia, and a monument was erected in Yerevan in honor of its representatives.
Gampra is not recommended for people who do not have leadership qualities and do not have experience working with dominant dogs.
For Armenian wolfhounds, both a liberal-permissive style of communication and an overly authoritarian one are equally harmful. An animal should not feel like a boss in the family, but a humiliated position is not for him.
Gampras are not characterized by unconditional attachment to their owner. If the owner treats the dog harshly and unfairly, the pet pays him with contempt and disobedience.
Possessing a stable psyche and a tendency to make independent decisions, the Gampr is considered the most dangerous type of wolfhound in battle.
Some cynological associations classify the Gampra as a Caucasian Shepherd Dog of the Armenian type.

The Armenian Wolfhound is an ideal watchman, security guard and shepherd, possessing the ability, unique for a working dog, to think for the owner. Having a reasonable character and a moderately phlegmatic temperament, the gampr does not respect blind submission, preferring to independently understand difficult life situations. At the same time, the animal loves to take care of everyone it considers part of its family, so the owner and his closest relatives are ensured timely reflection of any living threat.

Pregnancy

A bitch's pregnancy is a period when it is necessary to reconsider her diet and pay special attention to her health.

Clubs of Armenian Wolfhound lovers in many countries work to preserve the breed, so each litter receives maximum attention from specialists.

To avoid joint problems, the bitch should receive additional vitamins and minerals. It is better if they are selected by a competent veterinarian.

The owner will be required to set up a quiet place for the animal, take it for walks more often and ensure that there is no heavy stress.

Photo: wikimedia.org