The Armenian Gampr is a landrace livestock & family guardian dog that has protected it’s farms, fields and hills for centuries. Gamprs have been, and still are, a huge important part of Armenian life, keeping their flocks safe from the wild wolves that crawl about the mountains throughout their homelands. Now, in modern times, the Gampr keeps not only Armenian homesteads safe, but also many farms scattered across the US and Canada. Even so far from home the Gampr leaves a lasting mark that will keep it unforgettable in any house or heart.

Gamprs form profound bonds with their families and with the animals under their protection. A bond that even strangers can sense and be in awe of. While they are fearless defenders when necessary, Gamprs do not act impulsively. Instead, they carefully evaluate situations before responding with a measured and appropriate level of force. Athletic, powerful, and graceful, they will lay down their lives for their family and those they have taken upon themselves to protect. Their loyalty is felt the moment you look into their deep, understanding eyes.

Renowned for their unique balance of calm intelligence, discernment, strength, and bravery, Gamprs are highly independent thinkers with a steady, composed nature. They have traditionally served as livestock guardians, relying on deeply ingrained instincts shaped by centuries of natural development. This breed has been molded by natural selection into one of the most resilient, and sound working dogs in the world. It is from the Gampr many of our modern LGD’s have been brought into existance.

As a true landrace, the Gampr does not conform to a single physical appearance, but they all share the same functional purpose and working ability. Historically, these dogs were often described by their roles, including hovvashoon (shepherd’s livestock guardian), gelkheght (wolf choker), archashoon (bear hunter), potorkashoon (avalanche search and rescue dog), as well as palace and estate guardians. This diversity had a lot to do with the broad territory Armenia once held. Sadly, over time, population and land losses led to a steep decline in Gampr numbers. With this faded some of the very unique builds that once were common, and some may be truly lost forever.

As stated above, the Gampr has been a genetic donor for many breeds of livestock guardian. These breeds have developed through many wars and regional disputes that led to the shrinking of the country of Armenia. Today, Armenia is a fraction of it’s original size, and yet it left a lasting mark on all the dogs in the surrounding areas. Dogs such as the Kangal, the Anatolian, and the Caucasion. These dogs are what was left of some of the “types” of Gampr found in that region, and then blended and bred to have a very specific look, purpose, and demeanor. This is the difference between a Landrace breed, and a developed breed.

With all it’s rich history, the Gampr has stood the test of time. It’s up to us to decide if it will continue strong, or fade into the mists of memory as so many other animals have.

Breed Description

The Gampr is a landrace breed, which means there isn’t the same standardized description for the Gampr that you would find in more modern developed breeds.

The male and females are similar, yet not the same. Males are generally taller, and more muscular, with larger heads. Their heads being certainly larger than your average family dog’s head. Their thick muscular bodies are surprisingly athletic, creating an amazing protector against many different kinds of predators. Many of the Gamprs also have HUGE feet.

Gamprs weigh between 100-150lbs on average. Some however, can be on the edges of these ranges.

The ears on a Gampr are traditionally cropped short to protect them from predators getting ahold and tearing them. It is easy for a predator to get the upper hand this way. Though not technically a breed requirement, it is a common practice. They also have a small population that has naturally docked tails. It can range from a short bob to more of a mid-length tail.

The coat on the Gampr is thick, with most having long coats. The short coat variety still has no issues handling cold winter days, as the dual coat holds in heat and sheds rain and snow with ease. This coat sheds heavily come sprint in patches, more like coats on wild canine species.

The physical “types” can be different in various Gamprs, some being smaller framed, while some are just massive; But their important core stays the same. They all have a role to fill, and they all want to protect the family they love. This is the beauty of the landrace breed the Armenian Gampr!

Personality

The personality is different than most dog owners are used to. When they handle an LGD they often call them stubborn and difficult. The truth is, they just don’t understand them, and they are used to dog’s that simply blindly follow orders without any thought put into it. This is not how LGD’s operate, especially the Gampr, that has been raised for century’s to think for itself if the need arises.

In Armenia, these dogs may be required to be capable of watching over and caring for their flock, even if the shepherd isn’t able to do it with them. These dogs have been bred to problem solve, to think how best to survive, and to keep their charges safe at all costs. They aren’t stubborn, they are calculated. It’s not that they won’t obey out of simple love, it just means sometimes they are going to stop and try to figure out why you’re asking them to do something, and if it’s wise to do so.

(And yes, during a naughty teenage phase they might do it just to see if they can get away with something. This is why young obedience training is still so important!)

To a Gampr, you aren’t master, you are family. In their minds, they are a part of your pack, and you are Alpha. A Gampr does not serve because he is told to, it’s because he loves you and wants to please you. He will protect you with his life without a moments hesitation, but he requires a level of trust and respect in return. The Gampr is not just a work dog, he is a partner. They want to work with you as comrades protecting the place they call home.

This is not stubbornness, this is love mixed with strength and intelligence. They want to keep you, their family, their livestock and their homes safe above all else. This drives them. So love your Gampr, be it’s family, give your partner the attention he or she deserves.

Another misconception is that you can’t use these guys as companion animals. That is completely untrue. In Armenia, there are plenty who are companions that stay in the villages and don’t go to the mountains with the shepherds and flocks. These are family dogs. But make no mistake, these dogs are also family GUARD dogs. Yes, they are your companion as you would expect, but they will also forever be on the watch to protect you. This protective nature flows through their very veins. It doesn’t mean they are vicious, but it does mean if they don’t like someone on your walk, I’d pay attention.

The Gampr is one of the best all around farm dogs. They protect their homes, play with their families, lead their flocks, and give you undying loyalty to the death.