Armenian Gampr

The Armenian Gampr is classified as a large-breed dog; however, they are more than just large; they are gigantic! These gigantic dogs were bred thousands of years ago in the Armenian Highlands to guard livestock.

While Armenian Gamprs are gentle with both livestock and people, they are not very playful dogs and are more serious and aloof. In addition, they have other fantastic traits like intelligence, courage, and calm natures. However, they do not get along with other animals if they are not socialized from a young age.

These gigantic dogs have a relatively long lifespan for such a big breed because they don’t have many health issues.

Different Types of Armenian Gampr Mixes

The Armenian Gampr is the only one of its type, and because it’s such a rare breed, there are no known hybrids.

Three Pros and Cons of Owning an Armenian Gampr

The Armenian Gampr has many redeeming qualities; however, they also have a few offputting traits that dog lovers should know about before purchasing one.

Pros

• Excellent guard dog
• Independent
• Their calm nature is excellent for families with children

Cons

• Does not get along with other animals
• Armenian Gamprs are hard to train because of their independent and stubborn nature
• Not suited for apartment living

The Best Dog Food for an Armenian Gampr

Because of their massive size, Armenian Gamprs require high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large breeds, or better yet, giant breeds.

Armenian Gampr Size and Weight

Armenian Gampr males are slightly larger than females. They stand at 23 to 26 inches tall and can weigh between 100 to 135 pounds when fully grown!

Armenian Gampr Common Health Issues

The Armenian Gampr is a relatively healthy dog and not prone to many genetic health issues. However, because of their massive size, they may develop musculoskeletal problems later in their lives.

These problems are due to them growing too fast, putting pressure on their fragile bones before they are fully grown. So, as prevention, ensure your Armenian Gampr does not grow too fast by feeding them specifically formulated large-breed puppy food for about 18 months, or once they reach 80% of their maximum height. Next, switch to large-breed dog food.

But, if cared for properly, these gigantic dogs can live a healthy and long life, between 12 to 15 years, which is rare for a breed this size.

Armenian Gampr Temperament

The Armenian Gampr is a gentle giant with an excellent temperament for families with small children. However, they make great guard dogs and will defend its home and owners if necessary. Unfortunately, they are not very playful and prefer to laze around the house during their downtime.

In addition, they are aloof with strangers, and it may take them some time to get used to visitors. Finally, they have a high guard drive against predators, so they are the perfect dog for protecting livestock.

Because of their huge size and temperament, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

How to Take Care of an Armenian Gampr

Taking care of a breed this size might be daunting at first, but it’s not as complicated as you might think.

Grooming

Armenian Gamprs have a double-layered coat to protect them against freezing temperatures and predators. In addition, they have natural oils that aid in shedding dirt and debris and protecting the skin.

That’s why they shouldn’t be bathed too much; in fact, they only need to bathe a couple of times a year when absolutely necessary.

Old school owners brush their coats with a rake once or twice a week, preventing major matting. However, brushing with a heavy-duty brush every day will completely prevent mats from forming.

Because of the amount of fur they have, they are heavy shedders, and during the change of season, they lose even more hair, so be sure to brush them more frequently when this happens.

To avoid struggling with this giant breed, they should have a grooming routine from a young age, including nail clipping every few months and brushing their teeth weekly.

Training

The Armenian Gampr might be hard to train because of their independent and aloof nature, which is why they are not recommended for first-time down owners. Instead, they need a persistent and firm training routine overseen by a dominant trainer.

Even if they are trained well, their protective instincts will always kick in and can only be controlled to a certain point. Therefore, they need early socialization and training to try and curb these behaviors.

Exercise

While they are working dogs with incredible stamina, they are not overly energetic. One long walk a day should suffice, along with some outdoor fun in a fenced yard.

Puppies

Female Armenian Gamprs generally have litters of 6 to 8 pups. Unfortunately, these puppies are slow growers, and it can take them 3 years to fully mature. However, even after3 years, they still fill out for several more years.

While they are not dog aggressive, they don’t enjoy spending time with other dogs and prefer the company of humans.

Because the Armenian Gampr is so rare, they fetch a pretty penny. You could expect to pay between $1000 to $1500 in the USA, but it could be more depending on the breeder and what sex you are buying.

Armenian Gampr and Children

The Armenian Gampr has the perfect temperament for families with small children. They are calm, patient, and protective. In addition, they rarely bark or show aggression. However, their size might be a problem; they accidentally knock children over when running past.

Dogs similar to the Armenian Gampr

There are several breeds similar to the Armenian Gampr in size and behavior; they include:

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

These dogs are fast becoming the go-to breed used for protecting flocks of sheep from cheetahs and leopards in Southern Africa. Anatolian Shepherds are an ancient breed that hails from Turkey, but today they can be found all around the world.

Along with their big, bulky bodies, the Anatolians are very intelligent and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to thrive.

Training these dogs might be challenging because of their independent natures, and they will need plenty of positive reinforcement.

Kangal Shepherd Dog

Another giant breed originating from Thrukey is the Kangal Shepherd Dog. Also used to protect livestock, this breed makes fantastic guard dogs. However, they require early socialization and training if you want them to get along with other dogs.

But unlike many breeds that protect livestock, the Kangal Shepherd is more people-oriented and loves children. In addition, they are very intelligent and amazing escape artists, so having a secure backyard is essential. They can be dog aggressive and may even be aggressive towards strangers who enter your home.

Bucovina Shepherd

The Bucovina Shepherd is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. They originate from the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, but their impressive guardian skills have taken them all over the world.

They are fearless and powerful dogs; definitely not a breed you want to run into when doing something wrong! However, they make fantastic companions because of their surprisingly gentle nature.

While they might be loyal to their owners, the Bocvina Shepherd has a strong defensive instinct and will act aggressively when threatened.

In addition, they let out a deep and loud bark when they sense danger is near, which can be heard from long distances.

Popular Names for an Armenian Gampr

Naming this giant might be harder than you think, so for some inspiration, here are the top names for Armenian Gamprs:

• Yerevan
• Chalo
• Vanadzor
• Abovyan
• Kapan

Up Next

• Russian Bear Dog Guide
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1. Dog Breed Info, Available here: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a/armeniangampr.htm
2. Wag Walking, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/armenian-gampr
3. Pet Guide, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/armenian-gampr/