Gampr (Armenian wolfhound)
The Gampr (Armenian Wolfhound) is a breed native to the Armenian Highlands. Breeders claim that it requires no special training to protect its owner and property; it's all in the Gampr's blood. These intelligent, strong, loyal, and beautiful dogs deserve worldwide recognition, but the breed is not yet officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), only by the International Canine Union (ICU).
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History of origin
Dogs of this type were common throughout the Armenian Highlands since ancient times. This is evidenced by rock carvings in historical regions of Armenia. About 20% of the petroglyphs depict dogs, which are virtually indistinguishable in appearance from the modern Gampr. The rest depict animals and dogs that are now extinct.
The Gampr is one of the few aboriginal breeds that has not been subjected to rigorous selection. The expansion of the gene pool has largely been facilitated by spontaneous matings with local wolves, which still occasionally occur today.
On February 10, 2011, the Armenian wolfhound Gampr was recognized by the International Cynological Union (IKU).
The word "gampr" translates from Armenian as "strong, powerful, large." In Armenia, the breed is known by various names that reflect its functionality: gailkhekht – wolfhound; archashun – bear dog; potorkashun – rescue dog; ovvashun – shepherd's dog; and, of course, the gampr – guard dog. This suggests that for centuries, gamprs were used to hunt large game, shepherds used them to protect their flocks from predators and intruders, and at home, they were the sole guard and protector. Gamprs also served in rescue teams, primarily to locate people trapped in the mountains, buried under snowdrifts.
Video about the Gampr (Armenian Wolfhound) dog breed:
https://youtu.be/HV3Ghpt1V6w
Appearance
The Gampr is a very large, strong dog with an athletic build and a slightly elongated frame. The height at the withers for males should not be less than 67 cm, and for females, 63 cm. Weight ranges from 45 to 70 kg.
The head is well-defined and large. The skull is broad with a soft stop. The forehead is level. The jaws are very strong. The cheeks are clean. The ears are set slightly below eye level. The eyes should be darker than the coat color, relatively small, almond-shaped, deep-set, and slightly slanted. The typical serious and stern expression appears in puppies as early as a few weeks of age. The teeth are strong, white, and well-developed, with a scissor bite.
Physically and psychologically, Gamprs are fully formed by the age of two.
The neck is strong, powerful, and of medium slope. The body is elongated by the ribcage. The chest is broad and deep with a slightly rounded sternum, reaching below the elbow joint. The belly is slightly tucked up. The withers are prominent. The back is straight, broad, strong, and muscular. The loin is short. The croup is elongated and wide. The tail is set high and carried low. When moving or excited, it is raised over the back in a sickle shape or in a ring. The forelimbs are straight, parallel, and very massive. The hind legs are straight and parallel, somewhat aligned at the hocks and stifles. The lower thighs and thighs are long. The stifle joint is well defined. The paws are strong, round, well-knit, with soft pads.
In appearance and character, the gampr is very similar to Turkish Kangal, which allows cynologists to speculate about their family ties or common ancestors. It's likely that dogs in neighboring territories crossed paths with each other many times.
The skin is very thick. The Gampr's coat is coarse to the touch, very dense, and thick. It can protect the dog not only from extreme weather conditions but also from predators. The average hair length is about 4 cm, but the standard specifies 2 to 6 cm. The undercoat is very well developed. It is slightly shorter on the paws and face. A long-haired variety also exists, but it is currently recognized only in Armenia. Colors vary widely and are all evaluated equally. Only liver and its shades are not permitted. A dark mask on the face is appreciated; its absence is not considered a fault.
Character and behavior
The Gampr is calm, independent, brave, and alert, with a balanced temperament and a strong character. It is capable of making independent decisions and possesses a strong instinct for self-preservation. Protecting its owner and property is in the Gampr's DNA. Furthermore, it is exceptionally friendly toward people, which is an important factor for a family dog, not just a commercial guard dog.
Distinctive character traits of the Gampra: independence and a lively mind.
Gamprs are very attached to people and consider themselves family members. This is especially true for dogs that live in close contact with humans. If an owner ignores a Gampr, it will respond in kind. Proud and self-assured, it won't devote itself to its owner unless it's needed. A relationship with a wolfhound is like a friendship that must be protected and nurtured.
Armenian breeders are currently developing a cooperation program with the Ministry of Defense. They believe the Armenian Wolfhound is well-suited to the role of border guard dog and could easily replace the German Shepherd.
It's interesting how the Gampr builds family relationships. Before recognizing the head, it will show affection for younger family members, women, and children. Then it will try to assume a leadership position, and if the owner doesn't allow it, the dog will remain in its assigned position. Gamprs exhibit similar behavior toward pets. They primarily care for lambs and kids. Only after ensuring they are safe will they protect adult animals. They engage in fierce battles for dominance with males of the same tribe. If socially adapted, they are completely indifferent to cats and other small animals.
The Gampr is a guard dog, always ready to protect its assigned territory, people, and animals, at any cost. It never raises the alarm at any suspicious noise, and shows no nervousness or restlessness. When necessary, it acts quickly, decisively, and firmly. Generally, this is exactly what is expected of a dog entrusted with its safety. To be a livestock guardian, which is considered the Gampr's primary job, it must possess complete self-control, independent of human decision-making. Gamprs are intelligent and insightful, proud, strong-willed, and willing to work and serve their master, yet never servile.
The emphasis in breeding solely on size and fighting ability has resulted in several lines of dogs that lack the intelligence and wisdom to perform the job of guarding family and livestock or being trusted with children.
Without emotional and physical closeness with their family, a Gampr loses its purpose in life. However, for the dog to fully express its positive qualities, its owner must become a true leader and pack leader. In their reviews, Gampr owners write that the dog somehow always knows what to do, as if it understands human speech, and fulfills requests that no one has specifically taught it. It is very calm, yet always alert.
Education and training
Gamprs are difficult to train using conventional training methods and techniques, but they definitely require a basic obedience course. As for protection, Gamprs will develop into reliable guard dogs and protectors through proper training and close contact with humans, not through a protective training course. Ideally, puppies should learn from older dogs, but this isn't always possible.
At any age, it's crucial that a Gampr's primary trait be self-control. If a puppy can't control its excitement, it will be more difficult to work with.
Content Features
The Gampr is a typical backyard dweller, requiring plenty of space, good exercise, and regular, long walks. It loves to run and is very active and athletic. Naturally, it is not afraid of frost, snow, or heavy rain. Gamprs are not suited to being kept on a chain; they can be confined to an enclosure for short periods. Providing decent living conditions in urban areas is virtually impossible.
The Gampr is not suitable for apartment or home living; it is a yard guard dog that is adapted to year-round outdoor life and guard duty.
Gamprs need to be around people and animals at all times. This applies not only to puppies but to adults as well. They naturally seek close contact and should be part of the family, not just in a backyard. Gamprs protect all family members, care for them, and anticipate danger. While this is a plus, it can also be a minus. For example, if a Gampr is on a walk and thinks a speeding cyclist is about to attack a child, it should always wear a muzzle, even if it's perfectly trained, in unfamiliar, unfenced areas.
Care
The Gampr is completely undemanding in terms of grooming. If the dog lives outdoors, hygiene procedures are limited to periodic brushing during the shedding season (you can use express shedding for dogs) and very infrequent bathing. Eyes and ears are also kept clean, but they generally don't require regular cleaning. The dog is examined periodically to detect signs of infection. Gampr claws often don't wear down on their own on soft surfaces, so they need to be trimmed not only in sick, elderly, or weakened dogs, but also in healthy adults.
Nutrition
Like any other dog of this size, the Gampr requires a well-balanced diet, especially during the period of active growth. A lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to improper physical development, musculoskeletal weakness, and other problems in adulthood. Gamprs are fed 1-2 times a day. Meat and offal should make up at least 1/3 of the diet, with the remainder consisting of: porridge, vegetables, dairy products, eggs. The total daily serving size is approximately 3-5% of body weight.
In rare cases, owners introduce Gamprs to dry food intended for large and giant breeds. Most breeders believe that a natural diet is a more suitable option for this native breed.
Health and life expectancy
Gamprs are strong and healthy, very hardy and adaptable dogs. Today, the breed is considered genetically sound. However, there are reports that Gamprs are susceptible to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and other internal organ problems. Skin and ear problems are also possible. Whether these problems are hereditary or related to improper care, nutrition, and housing is difficult to determine.
Life expectancy is usually 10 to 12 years. A wolfhound requires standard veterinary and preventative care no less than any other dog. The robust health and immunity that breeders claim prevents owners from skimping on their upkeep and nutrition.
Choosing a Gampr puppy
Gampr puppies are very different from adult dogs. They are gentle in every way, with a large head, short fur, and very powerful paws. The nose, pads, and eyelids of newborns are sometimes pink. Over time, these gradually darken and should be fully pigmented by four months. During the first nine months, Gampr puppies may have a slight underbite, which either corrects or remains with age. It's important to remember that the standard requires a scissor bite. At birth, breeders look for puppies to lift their bellies off the ground at two weeks of age. Failure to do so may indicate genetic abnormalities in bone and joint development.
To the untrained eye, a Gampr puppy is virtually indistinguishable from a Caucasian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, or other similar breed. Some people might not even be able to distinguish a purebred puppy from a mongrel of similar type and color. Therefore, it's advisable to buy a small wolfhound only from a certified breeder.
Outside of Armenia, the breed is very rare. There are a few breeding centers in Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries. Several breeding centers in the United States are currently breeding Gamprs, working closely with their Armenian counterparts.
Taking puppies from unknown parents is a major gamble. In this breed, it's important that several generations of dogs display the typical character traits, a calm, balanced temperament, and the working qualities that have earned the Gampr its reputation.
Price
The price of a Gampr puppy varies widely. In Russia, the average price is 50,000 rubles. Pups from elite lines and reputable breeders can cost significantly more. Armenian Wolfhound puppies are often found at markets for around 25,000 rubles. These dogs are usually bred by breeders who pay little attention to preserving the character and working qualities of the native breed.
Photos
The gallery contains photos of puppies and adult dogs of the Gampr breed (Armenian wolfhound).
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