Armenian Gampr

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
fast facts

About Armenian Gampr

Height
23-26 inches
Height
23-26 inches
Weight
60-100 lb
Lifespan
14-15 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
active singles, active families, house with a yard
Temperament
aloof, intelligent, gentle, protective
Comparable Breeds
Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Kangal Dog
Armenian Gampr Basics


The Armenian Gampr is a big dog with a unique name – it is also unique in that it is a landrace breed. This breed was not subjected to selective breeding in the way that many dog breeds were – its genetic variation has been preserved and the breed has changed little over the course of its history. This genetic variation was spontaneously promoted by periodic mating with wolves indigenous to the breed’s region – this is where they get their independence and strong instincts for self-preservation.


The Armenian Gampr is a big dog with a unique name – it is also unique in that it is a landrace breed.


Origin

The Armenian Gampr is an ancient breed whose origins can be traced back at least 7,000 years, but as many as 15,000 years. This breed has been depicted in ancient petroglyphs in the Syuniq and Geghama Mountains of Armenia and its development over time until about 1,000 BC. This breed is closely related to other livestock guarding breeds like the Kangal, the Anatolian Shepherd, the Central Asian Shepherd, and the Caucasian Ovcharka. Unlike these breeds, however, the Armenian Gampr has not been standardized and it has even bred with local wolves.


Pedigree


The Armenian Gampr is an ancient breed that hasn’t been subjected to the same kind of selective breeding as many modern breeds. Its history also includes periodic mating with wolves indigenous to the Syuniq and Geghama Mountains of Armenia.


Food/Diet


As a large-breed dog, the Armenian Gampr should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large and giant breeds. The Gampr is also a working breed, but they do not tend to be overly active so a working breed formula may not be necessary.


The Armenian Gampr is a large breed and it has a somewhat aloof, independent nature.


Training


The Armenian Gampr is a large breed and it has a somewhat aloof, independent nature. As such, this breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners and a firm and consistent hand in leadership is required for training. These dogs will stop at nothing to protect their families and they can only truly be controlled to a point. Early socialization and training is required and the Gampr should always be treated with respect.


Weight


The Armenian Gampr is a large dog, standing 23 to 26 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 100 to 135 pounds at maturity. Males of the breed tend to be larger than females.


Temperament/Behavior

Though the Armenian Gampr is not a dog you would want to meet as an intruder, this breed is inherently gentle with children and forms close bonds with family. This is not the kind of dog that will enjoy playing games but the Gampr will stop at nothing to defend his family. These dogs will always remain fairly aloof around strangers and will be suspicious first, though some specimens of the breed only develop a high guard drive against four-legged predators. Due to its size and temperament, this breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.


Common Health Problems


As an ancient breed, the Armenian Gampr is not prone to many genetic health problems. Due to its size, however, this breed may develop musculoskeletal issues in its later years. To prevent these problems, make sure that your Armenian Gampr does not grow too quickly by feeding him a large-breed specific puppy food until he reaches about 80% of his maximum height then switch to a large-breed adult formula.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan for the Armenian Gampr is between 12 and 15 years.


Exercise Requirements


The Armenian Gampr is a working breed so it has excellent stamina, but these dogs do not tend to be overly energetic. Still, this dog requires a long daily walk and will also appreciate having some time outdoors in a fenced yard.


The Armenian Gampr is inherently gentle with children and forms close bonds with family.


AKC


The Armenian Gampr is not currently recognized by any major kennel club, including the AKC.


Coat


The Armenian Gampr has a thick double coat that is designed to protect it from the harsh Armenian winter. These dogs have a dense, downy undercoat with coarse guard hairs that are darker in color. This breed sheds moderately throughout the year but will shed heavily twice per year. All coat colors are acceptable for this breed except for blue, liver and merle.


Puppies


The average litter size for the Armenian Gampr breed is 6 to 8 puppies. Because these dogs grow to be so large, they frequently take as long as 3 years to reach their adult size. The Armenian Gampr may reach its adult height around 3 years but will continue to fill out for several more years. This breed has strong guarding instincts and it is more of an independent breed, so if you plan to keep one as a family pet you should start socialization and training as early as possible. This breed may never enjoy spending time with other dogs, but they don’t tend to be dog-aggressive.


Photo credit: Ninell Creative/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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