Armenian Gampr

99-130 lbs
23-24"
Armenian Highlands
Armenian Shepherd, Gampr

The Armenian Gampr is a large to giant-sized landrace breed that developed in the Armenian Highlands as a livestock guardian thousands of years ago. They are naturally protective and gentle with both livestock and family members of all ages but they can be more serious and aloof than most breeds and are not prone to play. While they are intelligent, courageous, and generally calm, they do not tend to get along well with other animals unless they receive a great deal of socialization. This breed is a particularly healthy breed with a slightly longer lifespan than most dogs of their size. 

purpose Purpose
Livestock Guardian
history Date of Origin
Ancient Times
ancestry Ancestry
Unknown

Armenian Gampr Health

Average Size
Male Armenian Gampr size stats
Height: 25-26 inches Weight: 110-135 lbs
Female Armenian Gampr size stats
Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 99-130 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually Very Healthy
Minor Concerns
  • Joint conditions
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • Complete Physical Examination
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Armenian Gampr Breed History

The Armenian Gampr is a large to giant-sized landrace breed that developed in the highlands that are the historical homeland of Armenia. This means that the development of the breed was more dependent on the isolated area that the dogs were located in than in the preferences of the human population, as breeding of the Gampr dogs was left unchecked. Landrace breeds are prone to higher variability in appearance and structure than standardized breeds, but in many cases are genetically healthier. Numerous carvings and engravings of dogs in the area help to trace the history of domesticated dogs in the area and by 1,000 BC a large portion of these petroglyphs appear to be Gampr dogs, indicating that the breed was not only well established by this time, but often preferred. They are sometimes even credited as being the inspiration for the Aralez, dog-like spirits who descend from on high to lick the wounds of dead heroes and resurrect them. The invasion of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century drastically reduced the population of these mighty canines, but also allowed them to spread as they were employed as foundation stock for a variety of Turkish breeds. When the Soviet Union took control soon after, they took many of the best Gampr dogs and combined them with other dog breeds, resulting in the Caucasian Ovcharka. Recent downturns in the Armenian economy have caused not only a reduction in the population of Gamprs, but those Gamprs that remained were often undernourished and many were underdeveloped. Fortunately, when the economy rebounded, the robust health of the next generation of dogs also rebounded. Although the population of Armenian Gamprs in Armenia has not fully recovered, efforts to preserve the breed in the United States have been showing promise. 

Armenian Gampr Breed Appearance

Armenian Gampr dogs developed as livestock guardians, protecting livestock from large predators such as wolves, leopards, and even the occasional Caucasian bear. It takes a large, powerful dog to deal with threats such as these; the Armenian Gampr, who typically stands around two feet tall and weighs between 90 and 135 pounds, has been doing so for thousands of years. They are well-muscled with a long, straight back and pronounced shoulder blades. These canines sport large, heavy heads with muzzles that are slightly shorter than the length of the skull, but strong and straight. The Armenian Gampr can come in almost any color and may have variable features. They do tend to have almond-shaped brown eyes in varying shades and their medium length triangular ears hang down from the sides of their head. Dogs that are still employed as livestock guardians will often have their ears cropped as this prevents the large predators that they still defend against to gain an advantage by biting and holding their ear. Males are typically larger with thicker bodies and heads than their female counterparts.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Armenian Gampr eyes
Brown
amber Armenian Gampr eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Armenian Gampr nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Armenian Gampr coat
Black
gray Armenian Gampr coat
Gray
brown Armenian Gampr coat
Brown
red Armenian Gampr coat
Red
cream Armenian Gampr coat
Cream
isabella Armenian Gampr coat
Isabella
fawn Armenian Gampr coat
Fawn
blue Armenian Gampr coat
Blue
silver Armenian Gampr coat
Silver
white Armenian Gampr coat
White
pied Armenian Gampr coat
Pied
sable Armenian Gampr coat
Sable
brindle Armenian Gampr coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Armenian Gampr straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Armenian Gampr Breed Maintenance

This dog has a double layer coat consisting of a thick, well-developed undercoat with a rough outer coat that is protective against both weather and predators. Their coats have protective oils that help to shed dirt and debris as well as protect the skin, so bathing should only occur a few times a year, as needed, and weekly brushing with a rake will typically prevent any major matting from developing. The Armenian Gampr is known to shed more heavily at the change of seasons and may require more frequent brushing at those times. These dogs are known to grow more slowly than average and may benefit from a diet designed for large breed puppies until their growth has slowed. Begin a grooming routine when your pup is young; this will allow for the clipping of nails, brushing of teeth each week, and maintaining of the coat to go smoothly.

Brushes for Armenian Gampr
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Armenian Gampr requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Armenian Gampr Temperament

Like most livestock guardian breeds, the Armenian Gampr is an independent and dependable animal who can generally be counted on to be both courageous and cautious. They tend to be more reserved than most breeds, even with their family, although they remain fiercely loyal and are naturally protective. Although they are known to be particularly gentle with children, they are still powerful animals and all interactions between canines and young children should be closely supervised. While Gamprs desire a place within the family, they are less likely to be concerned with pleasing their owner than other breeds and can be fairly challenging to train. These dogs are not naturally social with other dogs and can be extremely territorial and socialization should take place frequently and early. Due to their territorial nature, socialization is often more effective in neutral territory. Even when socialized, this breed tends to remain somewhat aloof and are not particularly playful by nature. 

Armenian Gampr Activity Requirements

While the Armenian Gampr is not an overly energetic animal, it is a working breed and does require a moderately high level of exercise to maintain its physique. This is a very large breed dog and exercises and activities that stress the joints, such as jumping, extended running sessions, and even climbing stairs should be minimized, particularly while the animal is still growing. This can help avoid bone and joint problems as the canine matures. A long daily walk is an excellent form of exercise for these dogs, and since working Gamprs tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, this may be the best time to walk this particular breed. The Armenian Gampr is not well suited to small or confined living space and will do best either in a working environment or in a home with a very securely fenced yard.  

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Armenian Gampr Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Armenian Gampr Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Armenian Gampr size stats at six months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 73.5 lbs
Female Armenian Gampr size stats at six months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 68.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Armenian Gampr size stats at 12 months
Height: 22.5 inches Weight: 104.5 lbs
Female Armenian Gampr size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 97.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Armenian Gampr size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.5 inches Weight: 110.0 lbs
Female Armenian Gampr size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.5 inches Weight: 103.5 lbs

Armenian Gampr Owner Experiences

Evolet
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
a great breed but doesn't fit to well with other dogs or people that much
2 years, 12 months ago
Masha
9 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Amazing breed. They do not do well with other dogs and not recommended for neighborhoods. Fluffiest thing ever but year round shedding.
5 years, 6 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Is Armenian Gampr Safe with children?

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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