Gampra (Armenian wolfhound): a description of the breed, the nature and feedback of the breeders

Gampr is a national breed of Armenian dogs. The cynologists of the representatives of this breed are called as follows: the Armenian gampra, or the Armenian wolfhound (wolves generally call dogs of large size).

The Armenian Highland Dog

Gampr is a breed of dogs that are indigenous inhabitants of the Armenian highland. In ancient times they were domesticated by humans and used by them for various purposes.

In prehistoric times, these dogs met throughout the Armenian Highlands. This is evidenced by the images found on the rocks. At the same time, about 20% of the petroglyphs are presently present representatives of the modern breed of gampo (Armenian wolfhound). The rest depicts dogs of various types that do not exist today.

On the found petroglyphs you can consider hunting scenes. They consist of figures of hunters and dogs of various types. This indicates that in those days there was already dog hunting, in which not only the ancestors of this breed took part. Petroglyphs can also be found, the decoding of which means that the dogs of the Armenian Highlands were guarded from the attack of predators of flocks.

The historic day for the breed was on February 10, 2011. On this day she was recognized at the International level. Now the primordial dog of the Armenian highland is called just like a gampo - Armenian wolfhound.

General description of the breed

Quite often you can hear that the dogs of the breed are referred to as Caucasian shepherds of the Armenian type. In a sense, this name is correct, the breed is a kind of Caucasian shepherd. It is this name that is given to the indigenous representatives of the Armenian Highland when they are registered in the dog-breeders' clubs. But the origin of Armenian wolfhounds are typical Molossians (strong individuals of large size (up to 90 cm at the withers) have strong jaws and massive heads). This suggests that the relationship with the Caucasian sheepdog in the breed gamprus is insignificant.

In the 20 years of the last century in the USSR began to breed the breed of the Caucasian sheepdog. Both Armenian highland dogs and four-legged representatives of all regions of the Caucasus participated in the breeding. Today not every Armenian gampra participates in breeding, although the main breeding material consists of representatives of Armenian blood. The fact is that the indigenous inhabitants of the Armenian highland have their own specific phenotype. It can fall into the standards for the factory breeding of Caucasian sheep-dogs, or may not correspond to them.

Characteristics of the breed

For all time of its existence the breed of dogs Armenian gampra practically has not changed. She was not subjected to rigid selection in relation to her phenotype. The breed has some signs characteristic of wolves. They were inherited during breeding, as permanent breeding of individuals with wild wolves was conducted.

According to the dog breeders, the Armenian wolfhound has the following distinctive features:

• viability;
• Strong instinct of self-preservation ;
• independence;
• adequacy;
• Intelligent look, full of seriousness and power;
• Balanced mind;
• Friendliness to man.

All dog breeders, without exception, distinguish the following breed abilities:

• Independent decision-making;
• Implementation of reliable human protection;
• Rapid movement, which does not cause difficulties;
• Good tolerance and understanding of training;
• Quality protection of small and large livestock.

The Armenian wolfhound dog is used today for a variety of works. She can be a shepherd, a rescuer, a watchman. The breed has excellent mental and physical data. This makes it possible to classify it as one of the most dangerous dogs, when it comes to fighting. Representatives of this breed are the best wolfhounds in the world.

Appearance

The breed of dogs Armenian wolfhound has:

• Large head and trunk sizes;
• Strong jaws;
• Well developed musculature;
• Wide skeleton;
• Folded proportionally.

If we consider the appearance of these animals in more detail, then on the basis of the responses of dog breeders, the following description of the breed can be given.

The head of the animal is well depicted and highly developed. Cheeks do not fall out. The wide cranial part gradually passes from the forehead to the muzzle. The forehead of the dogs of the gampre breed is flat and broad, the cheeks are thick, the ears are slightly lower than the level of the eyes. The eyes of gampers are darker than wool. They are small, slightly slanting, planted deeply. Teeth are located close to each other. They are strong, white, well developed. Dental centers are located on the same line. The Armenian jumper has a powerful neck of medium length.

The dogs have a broad chest and an elongated body, in the formation of which the thorax takes part. In her area, the chest is slightly rounded. The continuation of the line of the breast is the stomach, which is slightly tightened. Above the line of muscular back is visible withers.

The tail of the animal is planted high. It is omitted when the gampra is in a calm state, and rises above the back, taking a sickle shape if the animal is in an irritated state.

Paws are strong, have soft pads. Pronounced heels. The fore and hind legs are straight, parallel to each other.

On the muzzle, forelimbs and ears there is a short coat. On the rest of the body it is double with an undercoat, which allows to protect the dog from unfavorable weather conditions.

Gampra is an Armenian wolfhound, which can be of any color.

Character

Because of the large size of the dog, many people are afraid of it. If you pay attention to the reviews of dog breeders, you can understand that not always the large size of the animal speaks of his anger and aggression.

Dog breeders are unanimous in that all gamples are intelligent, have a balanced character. These are brave animals that will always be devoted to their master. They easily become a friend of a person. But respect for gampra must be earned. If the animal has got to the person still a puppy, this does not mean that over time it will become attached to its owner. Since their birth, they require a good attitude to themselves. This animal must become a member of a family that will be constantly supported. Dog breeders are sure that with the gampos you need to communicate in a friendly way. Aggression and anger towards the animal is unacceptable. Otherwise, the response of an aggressive reaction from your pet can not be avoided. Only a friendly attitude towards the animal will help to achieve its disposition and respect.

By virtue of its keen mind, a gamper (Armenian wolfhound) can make its own decisions. Dog owners warn: not all the commands given by the owner, the animals will be unquestionably fulfilled. If the commands are concerned with proper training, in this case there will be no problems. If the pet understands that he needs to do something harmful and dangerous for a person, he will not obey.

Having earned the respect of a dog, all family members are under her care. She pays special attention to children. If new people appear in the owner's house, the gamper greets them with suspicion, although this does not show. It is enough for such people to start doing something bad, the animal immediately takes a defensive position. Few such people will not seem!

Content

Often one can find discontent on the part of dog breeders about the fact that the Armenian wolfhound lives in a city apartment. This, in their opinion, is a mockery of the animal. And they are right, because the breed is unfit for such content. And it's not a large animal. Gampra, whose photo already makes you fall in love with this breed, requires free movement. In the apartment it will not be organized. An ideal place for keeping can be the yard of a private house. Some prefer to build an aviary for their pet. And do not worry that the animal will feel uncomfortable on the street. Gumpri is able to tolerate not only the heat, but also the coldest weather. This is inherent in nature.

When constructing a box for an animal, dog breeders are advised to take note that it should be located in the shade and be comfortable. It must be kept clean at the place where the animal is kept. Under no circumstances and under no circumstances can the gimp be placed on a chain. If the necessary conditions for keeping a pet can not be organized, pay attention to another breed of dogs.

Care

Armenian wolfhound gamprus, the price for which varies between 50-60 thousand rubles (according to December 2014), requires mandatory daily care. Dog owners are asked to pay special attention to the wool coat of the animal, which must be carefully combed. For this, a special brush is purchased. If there is no possibility to engage in daily combing, then at least once in 2-3 days it will have to be done. During the moulting period, the animal should be given more attention.

Given the cleanliness of the breed, it is not necessary to bathe gumpers often. It is advisable to resort to water procedures only when there is no way to do without them. When bathing a dog, special means are used for this purpose. Dog owners recommend buying those that have the most mild effect on the coat and skin of the animal.

Woolen cover gimp can not be sheared. Otherwise, the condition of the animal's fur will be disturbed. Hygiene of the ears and mouth of the pet requires special attention. Claws need to be cut as they grow.

How to walk a dog?

The breed of dogs Armenian wolfhound is very strong, but its activity is moderate. It is not necessary to hope that only the right content is enough for it. In no case should these animals be restricted in movement and space. Support for the health and good physical shape of the dog is provided through prolonged walking and moderate exercise.

According to dog breeders, gimmers should be worn daily at least once. If this is not done, the physical and emotional health of the animal will suffer. Paddock should not be limited to jogging in the yard, which lasts only 10 minutes. The dog needs to be trained, including elements of physical activity. Duration of the walk should not be less than 30 minutes for walking on a leash. The same amount of time the dog will need to enjoy a free jog.

Diseases

The immunity of gampers has been hardened for centuries. In comparison with other breeds that were spoiled by unreasonable selection, the Armenian wolfhound remains a healthy animal capable of working physically. In this case the breed of dogs gamprus has a unique quality: if the animal has recovered from a certain type of cold, then its immune system ceases to perceive it.

Dog breeders warn that this breed may have problems with bones at a later age. To eliminate them, the means that treat arthritis are used.

Despite the fact that the Armenian wolfhounds are truly strong health, they should be regularly taken to the veterinarian. Do not forget that the animal's body needs vaccinations. At the first suspicion of deterioration of the pet's health, dog breeders are advised to apply to a veterinary clinic, rather than engage in self-medication.

Ration

Large, strong, powerful - this translates from the Armenian word "gamprus". The photo of these dogs really shows individuals of large size. But this does not mean that the animal eats too much. According to the reviews of dog breeders, having large sizes and spending a large amount of energy, the Armenian wolfhound may well be satisfied with a small amount of food. The comparison goes with the amount of food that a dog of similar size needs. At the same time, this does not mean that the animal needs to be fed at a minimum. The main thing is to properly make a pet's diet.

If the diet of a four-legged friend is made correctly, there will be no problems with the state of his health. The diet should be literate and harmonious. When there is no possibility to compose it on your own, consult a specialist.

Especially for the diet of gampra it is necessary to follow during its molting.

Breed preservation

The main attention of the Armenian cynologists is aimed at preserving the local aboriginal dog - the Armenian wolfhound. Every year a large number of decorative breeds of dogs are imported into the country. But these selection species are much inferior in many respects to representatives of the local breed. Therefore, every year the issue of preserving the indigenous people of the Armenian highland acquires great urgency.

Dog owners are unanimous in that the hampers have divided the character and destiny of the Armenian people. Representatives of the breed were taken from the territory of the country and used to bring out such dogs as the Caucasian and Central Asian sheepdog. This led to the fact that hampers became a rarity. In general, they can be found only in remote villages.