Mongolian Shepherd Dog-Banhar: description and character

Experts argue that the older the breed of dogs, the higher the intelligence level of its representatives. These animals are physically healthier than their counterparts, they adapt more quickly to living conditions.

If we proceed from this statement, we can not find a stronger, hardy and intelligent dog than the Mongolian shepherd. After all, the age of this unique breed is almost 14 thousand years old! Is it really? Let's get acquainted with these amazing animals.

From the history of the breed

The Mongolian banghar (the second name of the breed) is depicted on ancient gravestones, in religious painting. About these animals tell the old legends and songs-stories of the uligers. Since ancient times, the Mongolian shepherd was very beloved and protected in the country. Laws were forbidden to kill or beat a dog. Banhar responded to such care with boundless devotion to his master. Quite often after the departure of the latter or his death, the animal died of longing.

From the Mongolian traditions it follows that this aboriginal dog migrated from Tibet in ancient times. Once one of the pilgrims returned from the holy places with an unusual "four-eye" dog. She began to attribute an amazing ability to feel and see evil spirits. For this, they had a "second pair of eyes". According to legends, this happened even during sleep. Some Mongolian Shepherds may freeze with their eyes closed in a sedentary pose. The Mongols believe that at this moment the animals pray for the well-being of their masters. For this, the sheep-dogs received another name - a prayer dog (zuhugin nohoy). They are considered divine animals, who received a blessing from the god Dzhuu.

Scientists suggest that the descendants of Tibetan dogs spread throughout the world with Asian nomads - Scythians, Turks, Mongols, etc. In ancient times the dog was called "Bavgar", which means shaggy, bearish, shaggy. In modern language this name is not used. Today in Mongolia these animals are called "banhar", which translates as "plump cheeks" or "rich in down".

The ancient origin of these animals is confirmed by the presence of "glasses" on the eyes. There is a version that they were kind of "reflectors" of sunlight, which adversely affected the eyesight.

In addition, a skull of a dog was found in the city of Ust-Hayta, which, according to scientists, is over 8,000 years old. Experts believe that the skull belonged to the Mongolian Shepherd.

In Russia, this dog was spread on the territories bordering Mongolia (in Buryatia, Tuva, Gorny Altai) before the war. In 1937, the bankers served in the NKVD troops, participated in the Irkutsk exhibition and won the Gold and Silver medals.

Since 2000, the Genofond Kennel "Mongoldog" is engaged in the restoration and development of this breed. Previously, he was in Ulan-Ude, and in 2011 moved to St. Petersburg. Therefore, if you are interested in the Mongolian Shepherd, whose price is from 50 to 120 thousand rubles, get acquainted with the proposals of this kennel.

Overall Impression

Mongolian Shepherd Dog Banhar is a large medium-sized animal, and often above average height, with a strong constitution, which has a fairly strong backbone, with well-developed strong musculature. As a rule, the format is square. Males have minimal growth in the hall - 60 cm, females - 55 cm. Banhar is naturally endowed with powerful intelligence. Works great in a pack, absolutely unpretentious. These dogs easily tolerate a change in climatic conditions. The main qualities include strength, courage, justified maliciousness combined with an innate distrust of strangers.

Features of behavior

The Mongolian Shepherd, whose photo you can see in our article, is always very confident. The behavior is calm and cold-blooded. Very easy to train. Without a reason, they do not show aggression.

Head

Mongolian Shepherd Dog has a large, proportional to the body head. In the cranial part wide, with developed powerful cheekbones. The nape is smoothed. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is weakly expressed. It should be equal in length to the length of the skull. The lower part is wide and massive.

Ears are not wide, having a triangular shape, hanging, set low, covered with soft and short hair. The inside is covered with lighter and longer fur.

Eyes

The Mongolian banhar has one more distinctive feature. These are his amazing eyes. They are expressive, almond-shaped, usually of brown color, widely set. Pupils are very small, as the sight of these animals is equally adapted to both very close and very far distance. When the Mongolian shepherds look at the sun, their pupils turn into dots. In the dark, the eyes of these amazing dogs glow red. This color can be seen in the daytime - when the banhar threatens the enemy.

A feature of the color of this breed are "glasses" - rims of light yellow color around the eyes.

Wool

Banhar, whose photo can be seen in every dog guide, have a luxurious fur coat. The wool of these animals is shiny, velvety, smooth, with a so-called "luster shine". Its texture is something middle between fur fur seal and sable. The integumentary, or ostevoy, hair thin, but hard enough, straight and elastic.

A thick and dense undercoat forms downy hair. The neck and shoulders are covered with thick wool, which forms a kind of mane. On the hind legs are "trousers". On the rest of the body, the coat is approximately the same in length. In animals living in the South Bieber regions, the length of the coat is 5-7 cm, the hair of the northern regions is longer - 7-10 cm. Experts say that no one breed of dog has a wool cover with such texture.

The main feature of the Banhara wool is the absence of smell. This prevents the wolf from smelling the dog. But the most unique property of the breed is the absence of any kind of smell. Shepherd always smells like the place in which she is. This is a great disguise. Predators have no chance to notice the approach of this dog. They can smell it only at a very close distance. To human smell, its smell is not available.

Color

Considering photos of dogs, it is impossible not to pay attention to banhars. Three traditional colors of these dogs (deep black, black and tan and very rarely solid red) indicate the conservatism of this breed. Most dogs have light rims around the eyes.

Movement

Everyone who saw pictures of Mongolian shepherd dogs, certainly paid attention to the fact that, despite their size, in motion, the banhar is very graceful. These dogs are characterized by a low-trotting trot. When the animal gains speed, it goes into a free canter. The movements are very light and swift.

Character

As a rule, dog owners and dog specialists, when describing one or another breed of dog, are very verbose. Mongolian dogs banhar deserve to describe its character in a single word - iron. This is not an exaggeration. This kind of character was formed for millennia. I would like to add that this dog is extremely intelligent, faithful, very calm.

The Mongolian Shepherd treats all family members perfectly, as well as animals living with it under the same roof. She regards her four-footed "relatives" primarily as her "wards" who need her protection. To unfamiliar people, the banhar is relatively calm, but cautious. If your pet decides that a stranger is doing something wrong, then he will notify the roar if this is not enough, then the stranger will be attacked. In fairness, I must say that the dog does not resort to such radical measures often, as a rule, limiting itself to a warning. However, it is necessary to know that, if necessary, the Mongolian shepherd attacks instantly.

The owners of these huge dogs say that they are very affectionate animals. Undoubtedly, they will not constantly get up, but their love and devotion to the owner are expressed at every opportunity.

Banhar likes to play, not only with his brothers, but also with people. This feature is highly appreciated by children who can be with their pet all day long. The main thing is that the child should understand that this pet should not be offended either by word or deed. The dog will not tolerate this, because it is very proud and wayward.

This is an excellent pet for a large family, but you need to consider that it takes a lot of space. The dog is more suitable for a country house. She will not be comfortable in the apartment.

Organizing a "dwelling" for banhar in the yard, please note that this animal needs space. In addition, take care to create a roomy booth, which should be in the shade and not in the draft. Even if your pet lives in a large yard, he needs long daily walks at least once a day, lasting at least an hour, which should be filled with physical loads if possible - the dog must necessarily play, run, jump over the barrier, etc.

Education

The Mongolian Shepherd Dog is an independent dog, so if you want your pet to grow up normal, obedient and psychologically healthy, show perseverance and seek recognition as a leader, a leader of a pack that can not be disobeyed.

Food

Mongolian Shepherd is unpretentious in food. However, the owners should remember that balanced, proper nutrition is the key to growing a healthy dog. Therefore, it is necessary to compile an individual diet, taking into account age, weight, and physiological characteristics. Breeders and veterinarians will help you in this.