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Gamper, also known as the bear dog, the Armenian gamper, is not a room dog, but a large and severe animal. The height of an adult dog can be from 67 cm in males and from 63 cm in females, the weight of an adult can reach from 45 to 70 kg. A characteristic feature is a black mask on any color other than brown. Has a short coat, with double undercoat. Dogs of this breed live 13-15 years.
They are loyal, brave and become excellent companions of man. Such a dog is absolutely not suitable for a city apartment, since its main task is to be a guard.
Breed history
Armenian gampra is an indigenous breed. It differs from widely known and standardized, breeding breeds. Within this breed, individuals may differ from each other. Their evolution is more dependent on geographical and natural factors, rather than on human intervention.
Breeding breeds have a set of clearly defined appearance characteristics that dogs should have, while gampera breed standards indicate the general characteristics of the breed as a whole, rather than its appearance.
The ancestors of these dogs originate from the Armenian Highlands, where they were common since prehistoric times. Proof of this are the images on the rocks made by ancient people. They used gamper to hunt small and large prey. Similar cave paintings were discovered throughout Armenia and date back to 1-3 millennium BC. Gampras were first mentioned during the time of King Tigran II in the 1st century BC, where they took part in hostilities.
As a breed, the Armenian Wolfhound was recognized in 2011 by the Cynological Committee. In the same year, the status of the national breed of Armenia was obtained.
The purpose of the breed
From ancient times, gamper served man and guarded the house and cattle from wild animals and strangers. Also, these dogs helped to graze sheep and were lifeguards for shepherds who fell under snow blockages.
Over time, the breed lost its original purpose and was on the verge of extinction. But interested people did not allow this, because gamper is culturally significant for Armenia. Therefore, it is used as a shepherd and a guard now. It is also indispensable in search and rescue missions with avalanches and raids. But most importantly, gamper is a companion, friend and family member.
Breed character
Out of stressful situations, the Armenian wolfhound has an enviable calm, but always remains alert and attentive. These dogs very rarely bark and do not show causeless aggression. Get along well with children and other animals.
"Gamper", translated from Armenian, is strong, powerful, large, and this is fully consistent with the name. And he is unusually smart. However, they do not like to obey. The owner of the gampra should have a strong, strong-willed character, since the freedom-loving dog will strive to take the place of the main one.Armenian wolfhound is a noble calm dog with a stable psyche and friendly qualities.
How to choose a puppy
Getting a future guard, it is necessary to understand that puppies should not be shy or antisocial. It is necessary to pay attention to the behavior of the puppies and choose those kids who run up to you themselves, show interest and friendliness. The optimal age for picking up a puppy is 2-3 months. It must be remembered that they mature later than small dogs.
Care and maintenance
The key to a happy gampra life is to feel fit. This dog is a hard worker, he used to work a lot. The situation of a city apartment is clearly not suitable for him. A dog of this breed requires constant open space, freedom of movement. The aviary is well suited for him, but it must be borne in mind that for such a dog the minimum walking time is 2-3 hours a day, regardless of the weather. An adult dog's walk should consist of running and playing. However, it should be remembered that for puppies, the level of increase in physical activity should be gradual so as not to overload the joints.
Pets tolerate any temperature well. But you should provide a warm shelter for the winter and a source of cooling in the summer.
Combing gampra should not be more than once a week, and you need to bathe only if necessary. During the molting season, it is necessary to comb out the wool. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the ears and teeth and clean them if contaminated. Claws need to be cut only in case of abnormal or defective growth.
Possible health problems
Due to the fact that the breed has not undergone selective intervention, it does not suffer from genetic diseases. Gampers are very viable, resistant to viruses and colds due to their immunity. Problems that may appear in some individuals are problems of the musculoskeletal system. It is necessary to constantly monitor and monitor the loads of the growing individual, as fast mass gain greatly stresses the joints, which can lead to irreversible problems in the adult state.
Puppy and adult dog food
Nutrition gumpers must be organized taking into account the needs of the pet, its mass and the number of daily loads. The dog eats everything and it can not be called a glutton. Puppies should be fed 3 to 6 times depending on age. Adult dogs need two meals a day, equipped with all the vitamins and minerals. The choice of dry or natural nutrition is a personal matter for each owner. However, if you choose dry food - it must be a premium company plus nutritional supplements. If the choice is based on natural nutrition, then the diet should consist of lean meat, cereals, vegetables, and dairy products. If you are not sure that your pet receives a sufficient amount of trace elements and vitamins, then you need to resort to nutritional supplements.
A balanced diet for gampra is about a third of the meat or fish of the total diet. The meat is acceptable in raw form, but the fish must be boiled to avoid the appearance of parasites.
Training in brief
Due to the fact that gamper is a contact dog, it needs to be socialized from an early age. It is important for them to communicate with a person constantly, play and receive maximum attention. But do not forget that dogs are pack animals and, if you do not explain to the puppy that you are the owner of the house, he will declare himself a leader.
This breed is reluctant to be trained, but they do not need it. They are incredibly smart and themselves know which solution will be the most optimal in any situation. If you still decide to subject your pet to training, then be patient and act confidently. It is necessary to give the dog a clear motivation.And methods of coercion and violence should be immediately abandoned, they are unacceptable.
Pros and cons of the breed
Despite its massive and formidable appearance, the Armenian wolfhound is distinguished by a noble calm, kindness and balanced character. But the dog does not intend to perceive strangers as friends. If he feels threatened, then by all means he’s ready to defend himself from strangers. However, in vain these dogs will not bark. Some owners believe that their four-legged friends do not know how to cast a voice.
Since these dogs like to keep everything under constant control, the most comfortable place for them is a good observation platform, from where they can be observers of what is happening and begin to act if necessary. It is important to install an aviary with a good viewing angle and close the dog in it only in case of urgent need.
The insight and intelligence of the Armenian wolfhound allows him to be independent and make independent decisions. Due to the heightened sense of independence, such dogs are very difficult to train, and for inexperienced dog breeders this process is completely impossible. However, do not worry, the gampra themselves know how to act without training.
The advantages of a bear dog can be called:
- devotion;
- calm
- lack of unwarranted aggression;
- bravery;
- excellent skills as a guard and a shepherd;
- caution and attentiveness;
- mind, the tendency to make decisions independently.
By cons include: the presence of a wayward character, education requires a firm hand, can not stand "bend" under the person.
Gampra, having unpretentious eating habits, are resistant to many diseases, which greatly facilitates the life of the owner. Also, these dogs can rightfully be called centenarians. There were cases when dogs of this breed survived to 20 years. With proper feeding and care, the dog will live a long and happy life, remaining a true friend and guard until old age.
Price and where to buy
Armenian wolfhound or gamper - a dog is not very popular. Recently, however, more and more dog handlers have become interested in breeding this breed, so even in Russia you can find several nurseries where you can buy gampra. A puppy of this breed costs about 45 thousand rubles.
Video: Gamper dog breed
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