Gampr Or Armenian Wolfhound

The Gampr, sometimes referred to as the Armenian Wolfhound, is a strong and historic breed that has spent centuries defending families and livestock. These canines are ingrained in Armenian history and culture and are renowned for their strength, loyalty, and intelligence.

This breed is unique in that it can function independently and make decisions under pressure. Without a lot of training, their innate instincts make them excellent guardians of homes and livestock.

This post will discuss the history, special features, and qualities that make the Gampr a dependable and exceptional travel companion. There’s plenty to learn about the Armenian Wolfhound, regardless of your desire for a devoted guardian or your general curiosity about this amazing breed.

Brief facts about the Armenian wolfhound

One of the oldest dog breeds with a lengthy history is the Armenian Gampr. For centuries, the initial members of the breed served as guardians of cattle, people, and their belongings, and they were dependable companions to people at all times.

Country🇦🇲

The Armenian Highlands, a mountainous region in the north of Western Asia, are the birthplace of the indigenous Armenian Gampr (Armenian Wolfhound) breed. In the mountainous area, cattle breeding was actively developed, and there were also a lot of predators there.

The Gampr’s official homeland is Armenia. Armenians adore and treat Gamprs with respect, making the breed a national treasure in their country. In addition, there is a pressing need to preserve Armenian Wolfhounds throughout the nation. Local dog breeders now prioritize maintaining the Armenian Wolfhound’s useful service characteristics while enhancing the exterior’s quality.

Given that the name of the breed is directly derived from the Armenian word "Gampr," which means "strong, powerful," it is not surprising that members of the breed are known for their strength and endurance.

Group

It is important to note the years 2011 and 2016 in the breed’s formation and development history. The International Cynological Union recognized the breed in February 2011 and added it to the "working dogs" category. Additionally, the International Cynological Organization, which oversees the regulation of purebred dog breeding and coordinates national breed clubs, recognized the breed in 2016 and added it to the register.

Wool

The thick skin of the Armenian Gampr shields it from the elements and from heat, cold, and other harm. Its coat is coarse and dense. You need a well-developed, thick undercoat.

The coat is typically 2–6 cm long, with an average of 4 cm. On the ears, the muzzle, and the front limbs, shorter hair is evident. Another variety has long hair and a coat that is 13 centimeters long. The long-haired subspecies is being officially recognized, according to Armenian cynologists.

Colors

Members of the breed may exhibit a range of colors. It recognizes coat colors of any hue. The colors with the dark mask on the muzzle, such as zonary and fawn, are thought to be the most beautiful. Fur with liver or brown tones is not desired.

Size

The lower limit of a Gampr is 67 cm for a male and 63 cm for a female at the withers. At the withers, males can grow to a height of 77 centimeters, while females can reach 71 centimeters.

Weight

In order to accurately calculate the weight and height of an Armenian wolfhound, it is necessary to assess the dog’s overall proportionality. A Gampr can weigh between 45 and 75 kg, according to standard specifications.

Temperament

The Armenian Gampr has a high level of activity and a moderate level of aggression; training this animal is thought to be challenging. The Armenian Gampr breed exhibits territorial behavior, showing careful attention to everything within its "territory." Dogs are friendly toward their own people but cautious around strangers. Unless two males of large breeds meet, other animals do not irritate Gamprs.

The Armenian Gampr’s physical attributes indicate that it ought to be housed in an aviary. Enough space must be provided each day for sustained, active activity. In the past, in mountainous areas, thick skin and thick wool with an undercoat shielded gamprs from the intense sun and harsh frost. The gampr breed requires little maintenance. Wool repels moisture and does not gather dirt. The wool is cleaned with a moist towel if needed. basic coat maintenance during the period of seasonal shedding.

Fertility

An adult dog typically produces eight or ten puppies. First litters typically consist of 5 or 6 puppies, which is a smaller size.

Life expectancy

A dog’s lifespan is determined by its level of activity, the foods it consumes, and the owner’s level of responsibility, all of which are influenced by the unique traits of the breed. While 10 to 12 years is the average lifespan for an Armenian wolfhound, in practice, Gamprs frequently live 13 to 15 years, which is a long time for a large dog.

Use

One term for Gampr is "broad-profile" guard dog. In the past, Armenian wolfhounds were used to protect homes and herds. Such tasks are still performed by many members of the breed. The Armenian Gampr is a dog breed that has herding abilities as well. However, experts claim that not all members of the breed exhibit them to the same degree. Dogs that have undergone special breeding and are still employed with flocks are the exception.

Those who require a very strong dog tend to be drawn to the Armenian Gampr breed. Gampr owners must assume the role of "leader of the pack," upholding polite and somewhat "partnership" relationships with their canine companion.

Cost

A puppy from a Gampr can be purchased through an online advertisement. However, there is no assurance that a puppy offered for sale is purebred. Respecting the dog’s historical purpose, responsible Russian and Armenian breeders keep an eye on the breed’s conformity in terms of size, appearance, and temperament. Gamprs are bred in nature; their dogs "breathe clean air," drink from mountain rivers, etc., according to Armenian breeders. The pure essence of the breed can be preserved in such an environment.

Puppies of purebred Armenian Gampr can be found in several nurseries in Russia. Reliable and robust puppies are provided by pedigree nurseries, which also ensure lifetime support and offer consultations on dog maintenance, nutrition, and raising. The breeders freely disclose the price of the Armenian GAMPR, which largely relies on the worth and unique qualities of each puppy. Buyers in the 40–80 thousand ruble range should be their main focus.

Armenian gampr: photo

The appearance of the mythical Armenian wolfhound is symbolic of the qualities of a brave warrior, a trustworthy protector, and a loyal companion to mankind. The canine exudes strength and tranquility. Have a look at what a gampr looks like; notice how attentive and strong the dog appears.

The picture of the Armenian wolfhound against the mountainous backdrop captures the essence and character of the dog quite well. Armenian gamprs frequently select mountain tops for their imposing inspections of the land entrusted to their protection.

In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, a monument honoring the Armenian gampr has been built. It is already visible at the city’s entrance.

The Gampr, sometimes referred to as the Armenian Wolfhound, is a strong, old breed valued for its innate protective tendencies, loyalty, and strength. This dog, which has historically been used to guard cattle from wolves, is brave and independent yet incredibly loyal to its family. The Gampr can be a dependable companion and protector with the right training and care, but its independent spirit calls for an experienced owner. The Armenian Wolfhound is a devoted working dog that is best suited for homes where its innate skills can be put to good use.

History of the Armenian gampr breed

It is believed that the breed evolved naturally rather than being deliberately produced by breeders. The troubled Armenian land is where the gampr breed’s history started. This breed of dog has long existed in Armenia. Many historical artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations in the Armenian Highlands’ caves frequently feature images of Armenian wolfhounds. The first evidence of its ancient origins was discovered in burials dating back to the first millennium BC, during the Urartu kingdom. eh.) remnants of a dog similar to this one.

The Gampr’s ancestors were already indispensable human assistants a millennium ago. Dogs of various colors and breeds are the ancestors of the Armenian Gampr of today. Large, strong dogs were used for guarding, while lighter, faster dogs were used to herd cattle.

Armenian wolfhounds were always very expensive. It was a serious crime to kill a dog. And for several dozen sheep, you could purchase a trustworthy guard for the herd.

Armenian kings used the Gampr ancestors as scouts, sentries, and trackers in their military campaigns. Dogs serving in Tigran I’s military campaigns were even expected to wear armor, chain mail, leather shells, and collars adorned with large spikes.

The Armenian Shepherd Dog demonstrated its effectiveness in military operations not only against foot enemies but also against cavalry. Additionally, the Gampr’s barking called attention to the injured Armenian warrior when he fell from the horse, shielding the rider until he was removed from the battleground and taken to safety.

At first, Armenian wolfhounds were guard dogs both during daylight and at night, they were used to protect important territories. At all times, the Armenian gampr was widely used as a night guard. Animals had to save people from snowdrifts in the mountains.

All year long, dogs actively traveled with herd drivers. Gamprs were particularly useful for moving sheep flocks to new pastures and for grazing. Strong dogs prevented sheep from running away and ensured that they were moving in the right direction in addition to protecting them from wolves and other predators.

It must be acknowledged that the formidable guard guards employed harsh yet successful tactics in this endeavor. The dogs had to herd the sheep into a group before forcing them to move. The dog’s untamed past was exposed here. When a predator attacks a herd, they behave exactly like this: they circle, curl around, then make sudden movements that push the "victim" to run in the direction that the predator needs.

Armenian breeders made the decision to bring Armenian Gamprs to the attention of the world at the outset of the twenty-first century. To increase the number of individuals, a national canine union was formed by the union of four major Armenian breed clubs. Breeders point out that in order to improve Armenia’s standing as a state internationally, it is crucial to consent to acknowledge the national identity of the breed.

There are now two breeding specialties, and as a result, two breed variations:

• The Armenian Shepherd Dog helps to herd herds of cattle. The shepherd type is distinguished by significant endurance, slightly smaller size, in addition, its representatives also differ in temperament, they are not so calm and are quite impulsive.

• The Armenian Gampr guard dog is a less active and calm dog. Guard gamprs are taller at the withers, their body is close to square, and the guard qualities of the dog are at a high level. This type is considered less common and more expensive.

Breeds like the East European, Central Asian, and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs were developed in the Soviet Union using purebred Armenian Gampr guard dogs.

Armenian Gampr: breed description

Among the few dog breeds that have not experienced significant forced selection are Armenian Gamprs. The interactions between representatives of the breed and wolves served to accentuate the dog’s inherent "wild" nature, as well as its vitality and ability to defend.

The Gampr dog is easily recognized by its well-developed, robust, and athletic physique. Animals’ physical attributes enable them to carry out a variety of breed-specific tasks. Armenian wolfhounds’ almost entirely natural build is evident in every aspect of their body composition, including:

• the head is clearly outlined, large, developed;
• the skull is wide;
• the eyes are almond-shaped, slanted, small, deep-set;
• the color of the eyes is darker than the shade of the coat;
• even puppies have a characteristic serious and penetrating look;
• teeth are strong, white, developed, "scissor" bite;
• the level of the ears is located below the level of the eyes;
• strong bones, excellent muscles;
• elongated body due to the chest, developed front part;
• the abdomen is slightly tucked up;
• the back is muscular and straight;
• the loin is short;
• the tail is high, lowered when at rest, raised in the shape of a "sickle" or "ring" when excited, alert;
• the neck is muscular, strong, of medium length, with a moderate slope;
• the forehead is even, almost parallel to the bridge of the nose;
• straight limbs with pronounced knee joints;
• powerful paws of the correct shape with toes gathered in a "lump";
• balanced movements.

Gampras are not shepherd dog breeds; Armenian wolfhounds are more like molossers. We can discuss the relationship between Armenian wolfhounds and other breeds of Turkish and Caucasian dogs because of the close proximity of the habitats and phenotype.

The characteristics of the contemporary standards used to evaluate Gampr and Kangal are comparable. These breeds are members of the ancient guard dog family, whose ancestry dates back to the Mount Ararat region. These days, Gampr is referred to as the "pearl of Armenia," and the Turkish Kangal is a genuine national treasure of Turkey.

External differences between the Gampr and Alabai breeds are compared. Alabai is smaller than Gamprs. It’s thought that Alabai has a more subdued, even depressed temperament than the Armenian wolfhound.

A non-professional might confuse a Gampr puppy for a Central Asian Shepherd, a Caucasian Shepherd, or even some other breed’s representatives. Caucasian Shepherd and Gampr are most likely related.

Occasionally, a Caucasian Shepherd will give birth to a puppy with short hair that meets all the requirements for a Gampr. This suggests that Gampra and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are members of the same branch. Prior to the Gampr’s official recognition in 2011, the dogs were frequently referred to as "Caucasian Shepherd Dogs of the Armenian type." Experts believe that although the Gampr is smaller than the Caucasian Shepherd, it is stronger and more agile.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Armenia
Size	Large, strong build
Temperament	Loyal, protective, independent
Coat	Thick, weather-resistant
Training	Requires experienced handler
Life Expectancy	12-15 years
Purpose	Livestock guardian, watchdog

The Armenian Wolfhound, or Gampr, is a rare breed with a deep connection to the people and culture of Armenia. These dogs have been used for centuries to guard livestock and protect their families. They are renowned for their bravery, intelligence, and independence.

Different from other working breeds, Gamprs excel at independent decision-making due to their innate instincts. Although they are devoted and watchful, they also need room and consideration due to their independence.

The Armenian Gampr can be a wonderful friend for those looking for a loyal guardian. However, to bring out the best in this ancient breed, it’s crucial to comprehend their requirements for socialization, space, and training.

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