The Egyptian Shepherd (Armant, Ermenti, Egyptian, Hawara Dog) is a rather rare breed, little known outside the distribution area. It is mainly used as a shepherd. The history of the Egyptian shepherd - armant, the features of the exterior, character and behavior will be described in the article.
Breed history
Armants have their history since the beginning of the 19th century, when Napoleon invaded Egypt, the French shepherd dogs, Briards, were introduced into the country, which then began to actively interbreed with local shepherd breeds. As a result of this process, as well as unauthorized breeding, which was carried out by local residents, the Egyptian shepherd was bred. The breed got its second name - Armant - in honor of the modern name of the ancient Egyptian city, formerly called Germontis.
In addition to Egypt, the breeding of Egyptian shepherds is also engaged in the Netherlands and France. Armants as a separate breed are not recognized by leading cynological organizations, including the English and American Kennel clubs, - only some less significant ones, such as, for example, the Continental Cynological Club of the USA. But this does not stop them from bringing great benefits, as well as showing loyalty to the owner and other positive qualities that this breed is famous for. They will be described below.
Appearance Features
The Egyptian Shepherd, a photo of which can be seen in the article, refers to medium-sized breeds. Its representatives usually weigh from 23 to 29 kilograms and have a height at the withers of 53-58 centimeters. The body, as in working breeds, is strong, muscular. Armant's paws are strong and strong. The fingers are arched, and the pads are rough and massive, which facilitates movement over rough terrain. Medium sized head; eyes set close, small, dark. Ears can have both a standing and a hanging look, this is not fixed in the breed standards. Tail - long (can reach 50 centimeters), straight or curled, with thick hair. Some owners of Egyptian shepherds prefer to stop their tails.
In the color of the breed, several options are also acceptable: gray, black, gray with red or white, black with brown. Armant wool is designed to protect them from difficult weather conditions. It is shaggy, very dense and rough to the touch, due to the origin of this breed. Regular grooming is required: it must be combed thoroughly.
Behavior features
This breed was bred primarily as a shepherd and guard. Therefore, it has a number of features that make it easier for people living in rural areas and engaged in cattle breeding. The Egyptian Shepherd is a breed exclusively devoted to the owner. Moreover, he must have a strong character in order to unconditionally subjugate the animal to himself. This dog is fearless, and, despite its relatively small size, will fight the enemy and defend the herd to the last.
Armantes are well trained. They are smart and insightful, have a good reaction. The Egyptian shepherd dogs are mobile, energetic, but it must be borne in mind that in the absence of proper training they can subsequently cause many problems to the owners. At the same time, the armants well perceive other animals and are quite accurately related to children who are never attacked. Young dogs are pretty playful and can be good companions in children's games.
It is necessary to start training armants at the age of no later than 5-7 months, after which it will be much more difficult. These dogs live about 13 years.
Finally
The Egyptian Shepherd is a breed that needs constant movement, so it is not suitable for keeping in an apartment. She definitely needs at least a spacious yard. This feature, together with the lack of official recognition on the part of most canine organizations, is the main reason that the breed still has not gained wide popularity, despite more than two hundred years of history.
These dogs are cute and friendly, but not everyone will have the opportunity to provide them with suitable conditions, given the origin and purpose of the breed. Therefore, it is better to keep the armant in the usual conditions for them and use it for its intended purpose - as shepherds and watchmen. It must be borne in mind, however, that chain content does not suit them.