Armant (dog)

Armant

Tricolor Armant
Other names Egyptian Sheepdog
Ermenti
Hawara Dog
Origin  Egypt
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Armant (also known as Egyptian Sheepdog) is a medium-sized breed of herding dog.

History

Armants originate from Egypt and were originally used as guard dogs.[1] It is believed to be a descendant of European dogs, that were introduced by Napoleon's troops, crossed with Briards. They are named after the town of Armant in Egypt. The breed's fearlessness when confronted by predators as well as its loyalty see them put to use in Egypt as guard dogs.[2][3]

Description

A typical dog is 21 and 23 inches (53 and 58 cm) at the withers and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds (23 and 29 kg). It has a large head, small eyes and a deep, broad chest. The ears differ in each one and there is no standard concerning the ears (they may be erect or drooped). Armants can be of multiple colours, the most common of which are the black, black and tan, gray and gray-yellow variations.[2] Armants are a very agile breed. The breed is very obedient and quite protective of its territory, which it will fearlessly defend.[1]

Temperament

Armants are good working dogs with a fearless and loyal temperament. They generally respond well to training but require a firm owner to accomplish this. They bond well with other animals and are very good with children.

Health

The average lifespan of an Armant is 13 years, which is typical for a medium-sized breed.[4] The breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans.

Influence

It is theorised that due to the similarities between the breeds, the Armant played a part in the breeding of the Bearded Collie.[5] The breed has remained in use in Egypt and the dogs are still used as guard dogs and for herding.

Present day

The present-day Armant primarily originates from France and Holland. The breed is unrecognised by the major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club and The Kennel Club, however it is recognised by some smaller associations, such the Continental Kennel Club.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Armant". Central Pets. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  2. 1 2 3 "Armant". Continental Kennel Club. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  3. ↑ "Egyptian Sheepdog - Armant". Hunde Guiden. Archived from the original on 26 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  4. ↑ Dr. Kelly M. Cassidy. "Weight and Lifespan". Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  5. ↑ Short, Glenn D. (1996). "Early History of the Bearded Collie". Beardie.net. Archived from the original on 23 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
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