Mongolian Shepherd Banhar (Mongolian Shepherd Dog)

Maintenance and care

Khotosho tolerates frost, precipitation and summer heat well. Naturally, when living on the street, it is necessary to build an enclosure with a wooden booth inside and a canopy. Such dogs rarely go indoors unless they are trained to do so. Even in snow storms they prefer to sleep outdoors. Their thick undercoat helps maintain optimal body temperature and prevents moisture from reaching the skin.

The BMW diet consists of foods that are common for dogs:

Beef or chicken meat and offal (most of the serving),
Cereals (buckwheat, rice),
Vegetables in small quantities (exclude tomatoes),
Cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk, whey,
Sea fish (rare),
Chicken and quail eggs.

BMWs have not been observed in mass manifestations of food allergies. You can give treats in the form of large bones with cartilage, frozen tripe, dried liver, pieces of lung, chicken heart.

Large dogs need mineral supplements, which do not exclude vitamins. Natural products that help maintain healthy joints and ligaments include gelatin and cartilage.

The dog is fed either after a walk or active games, or 1.5-2 hours before going out. Otherwise, there may be intestinal volvulus. Feeding puppies depends on age. So, until 4-5 months, the baby is served food several times a day, at least 4 times. By 9 months, 1-2 daily servings are left.

Pedigree wool of various lengths is rough to the touch and should not resemble cotton wool. This type of cover does not require special care. You can wash it with dog cosmetics if necessary, but BMW's coat is self-cleaning. During the molting period, they actively shed old fur, which indicates the need for frequent combing with a comb and slicker. BMW haircut is not advisable.

At BMW, conscientious breeders remove dewclaws without fail. The procedure for their removal is carried out in the first days of the puppy’s life, when the dewclaws are supported by cartilage and there are no large vessels in them. The wounds are treated with brilliant green or other disinfectant.

If an adult dog has dewclaws, surgery takes place under general anesthesia. If you decide to leave the fingers, then you need to carefully monitor the claws on them and promptly shorten them with a special nail clipper for dogs.

Training and education

Bankhar needs good upbringing. He can and should be trained, but only through play methods. Neither the standard OKD scheme, according to which the owner works out conditioned reflexes, nor the American IPO 1-2-3 is suitable for MO. Bankhar thinks and understands, makes decisions in difficult situations, he lives by taking care of his flock.

It is desirable that the bankhar participate in all aspects of family life, go to the store, go on vacation, go hiking, he needs to be given the opportunity to communicate with other people and animals, in a word, to live in a close society. If you don't socialize your dog, it will intimidate and bully everyone around you.

The digestion of Mongolian Shepherds is more adapted to digesting natural food, but it is acceptable to feed the dog with high-quality ready-made dry food. The menu is selected depending on the age, size of the animal, and its physiological condition. The main diet for puppies up to 4 months of age consists of fermented milk, cereal porridge, meat products, vegetables and vegetable oils.

During the active growth phase, dogs definitely need a vitamin and mineral complex, individually selected by a veterinarian. 11-15 month old banhars are fed twice a day. Meat is given in the amount of 500 g at night, and 200 g of cottage cheese is given twice a week. After a year, there is only one feeding left - in the evening.

A freedom-loving, proud bankhar needs to be raised from the first days of being in the house. It is very important that from the very beginning the dog understands who is the boss in the house and grows obedient to him.

In principle, owners can start training later, when the puppy grows up and gets used to it a little. It is possible and even recommended to train banhars using play methods. For this breed, it will not be possible to use the standard OKD scheme for training conditioned reflexes or the 1-2-3 IPO of the American standard. This is because wolfhounds think well and are naturally smart; they are able to make a decision and take the right position in a difficult situation.

Four-legged “Mongolians” are characterized by special behavior that owners must be able to understand and accept. Understanding breeders do not give Banhars into the hands of those people who previously kept Caucasians, fearing training and psychological pressure on an independent dog. The dog will benefit from participation in different areas of the owners’ lives. These include trips to the sea, shopping trips, and daily jogging. He needs constant communication with people and other living creatures.

Banhar is a dog for experienced breeders. A beginner can't handle it. This is a serious breed that requires certain knowledge when training. Classes should be carried out as soon as the dog appears in the house. It is important that the parenting process is based on firmness and consistency. You can't change your mind. If something was once prohibited, then it should remain unchanged.

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Banhar is a breed of dog that does not cause any inconvenience to its owner. They will not just bark if there is no danger nearby.

Care

Wolfhounds are a completely unsuitable breed for living in an apartment. Dogs are able to adapt to living within a private house with its own yard. The best option for this breed is to live on a farm. The dogs spend most of the day moving around the area. In Mongolia, it is not customary to place shepherd dogs in isolated enclosures.

The bankhar booth should be located at a height of about 25 cm from the ground. The optimal dimensions of a dog’s housing are 100x100x100 cm. The roof should be made flat with a slight slope, for the dog’s convenience to observe the environment from his home. The booth has an entrance to the south, the rear part to the north, where an additional thickening of fiberboard is created.

It is not customary to lay any rags inside the booth, such as old wool coats or sheepskin coats. There is no need for them as heating; rather, they will contribute to the accumulation of dirt and fur, and therefore parasites. Bankhar needs to be given very good physical exercise

It is important for them not only to work, but also to regularly go for walks, having the opportunity to frolic with their fellow tribesmen, swim and hunt

In many photographs, bankhars are densely covered with multiple tangles: on the ears, in the neck and on the tail. This suggests that owners are too lazy to brush their pets. But here it’s not at all a matter of laziness of the owners, it’s just that these same tangles serve the dogs as protection from predator bites, a kind of dense woolen shield. Mongolians never wash their shepherd dogs with special shampoos; it is not customary to groom dogs.

Life expectancy and health

The average life expectancy of Buryat wolfhounds is 23 years. Khotosho are distinguished by good health. They are immune to dysplasia, cataracts, obesity, problems with the cardiovascular system and other diseases that progress in dogs in the world.

If it is necessary to limit their movement, the bankhars are placed on a chain at a distance sufficient to prevent them from reaching each other.

The dog house is not insulated to avoid creating a greenhouse inside, which is harmful and even detrimental to health.

It is important for them not only to work, but also to regularly go for walks, having the opportunity to frolic with their fellow tribesmen, swim and hunt

They themselves swim in ponds in warm weather.

Character of Banhars

By nature, bankharas are phlegmatic. They always behave confidently, coolly and calmly. They are easy to manage and fairly easy to train. Differentially react to stimuli. Non-conflict, non-dominant. A highly developed sense of collectivism, a sense of family based on pack intelligence.

Sometimes you look at a Mongolian Shepherd and think: this is a dog that didn’t want to be a dog, or maybe it’s not really a dog anymore, but something more. It is not for nothing that the Mongols consider their dogs to be the last step in the chain of rebirths before human incarnation. Mongolian Shepherds are too wise. They understand human speech not as individual words, but as whole phrases, with an adequate reaction to them.

And in terms of tenderness and expressions of love for my family, I have never seen this in dogs (and I had a pit bull - the most beautiful, smartest dog). Idten knows how to hug somehow like a human being: he will come up, hug you and definitely kiss you on the cheek - and everything is so sincere and reverent that you are amazed - and immediately after that he leaves to go about his business. And this is a dog that does not allow strangers, even familiar people, to pet it. Doesn't allow you to get closer than a few meters to your own people. Just an innate bodyguard instinct.

The Mongols have the concept of “nokhor” (derived from the word “nokhoy”, i.e. dog) - it means friend.

The Mongolian Shepherd is a breed that can be difficult at times, but it is absolutely a dog that not only gives a lot, but also demands a lot from a person in return (in human terms).

We are people with a European mindset, and banhar often makes us puzzle over things that are probably logical for the Mongolian mentality, but in any case, it’s interesting with this dog - every day, every hour. Bankhar makes a person better, makes him change something in his character imperceptibly.

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Character and behavior

By temperament, the Banhar is a rather phlegmatic and balanced dog. The Shepherd is vigilant and not lacking in intelligence. She is friendly towards loved ones and expresses suspicion and aggression towards people who are unfriendly.

Bankhar always behaves confidently. Representatives of the breed are self-sufficient, but do not dominate. They have strong communication skills. These pack dogs perfectly obey the hierarchy and feel comfortable among their fellow tribesmen.

Bankhar is always very patient and careful with kids. Calmly accepts livestock and domestic animals, protects them, like the rest of the owner’s family. Problems in mutual understanding arise only when other same-sex dogs live nearby.

The Mongolian large shepherd dog has many roles: shepherd-protector of the herd, guard of home and property, tracker and hunter of prey of various sizes, bodyguard. It is also a sled dog, endowed with intelligence. She does not need human help and support to establish order in the flock.

Banhars accompany herd domestic animals for grazing and watering, preventing mixing with other herds. They can independently determine the protection territory and the livestock observation point. While working, dogs are confident and calm; they rarely hold “negotiations” with colleagues.

At night, the “Mongols” are mostly awake, and during the day they doze at their post, but sensitively, vigilantly guarding their penates. Even inexperienced young animals demonstrate this behavior. Having noticed a stranger, young dogs immediately rush to meet him, and the mission of more experienced dogs is to stay close to the object of protection. Only when necessary do they connect to the attackers. Bankhars are characterized by the following combat technique: capturing the enemy’s muzzle in the mouth for strangulation.

The Mongolian Shepherd has a rather phlegmatic, balanced temperament. These are intelligent and vigilant dogs, friendly to their own and fierce with their enemies. They always behave very confidently. Suspicious of strangers, self-sufficient, but not dominant. Bankhar has highly developed communication abilities.

This is a pack dog that obeys hierarchs and feels better among its fellow tribesmen. Banhar is always very patient with children and protects them in every possible way. He treats other domestic animals, including farm animals, calmly and protects them as family members. Problems can arise when living together with other dogs, especially of the same sex.

The main purpose of the Mongolian Shepherd is herding and guarding the herd. It is interesting that over the centuries the bankhars have developed their own style of work. Several dogs form a ring around the animals, leaving no chance for enemies to penetrate the protected object. It is MO that can most often be found near Mongolian temples.

The Mongolian shepherd dog Banhar has many talents, she is a born herder-gurtogon, a guard of property and territory, a hunter of animals of any size, a tracker, a sled and horse-drawn dog, a bodyguard for all family members. MO-Bankhars are very independent and intelligent, they do not need help or advice from a person, they can independently drive livestock and keep order, accompany the flock to grazing and watering, where they do not allow two herds to mix.

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They independently determine the security perimeter and the place for observation, behave calmly and confidently while working, only occasionally “talking” with colleagues. At night, the Mongols practically do not sleep, and during the day they doze lightly without leaving their post. Moreover, this behavior is typical even for young animals. Having discovered a stranger, within a second the young dogs set off to meet him, the more experienced ones remain to protect the home and family and only join the attack if necessary.

Description of the breed

The animal is quite rarely of medium height; most often it is a large, impressive-looking dog. They have massive bones and excellent muscles. The shape of the dog is more square than rectangular. The head is sick, but proportional to the body. The jaws are well developed. The ears are set low and drooping.

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The eyes are a little narrow, expressive with a clear, confident look, most often brown. Their peculiarity is that in the dark their eyes glow red. There are light yellow fur rims around the eyes. This is a kind of protection from the blinding sun and the reflection of snow, so that the handsome man’s vision does not deteriorate. The tail is of medium length, often curled into a half ring.

The dog's body is covered with soft, velvety and shiny fur. The guard hair is straight, thin, but slightly harsh. And the undercoat is thick and especially soft. The length of the coat is uneven. The neck and shoulders, for example, are covered with rather long fur that looks like a mane. The hind legs also have long hair, which is also called “pants”. On the rest of the body, the fur is approximately the same - medium length, with the exception of the ears, front paws and muzzle, which are covered with short fur.

There are only three types of color - black, black and tan or red. The latter is extremely rare.

Wool

Banhar, whose photo can be seen in every canine reference book, has a luxurious fur coat. The fur of these animals is shiny, velvety, smooth, with a so-called “luster shine”. Its texture is something between fur seal and sable fur. The integumentary, or guard, hair is thin, but quite hard, straight and elastic.

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The thick and dense undercoat is formed by downy hairs. The neck and shoulders are covered with thick fur, which forms a kind of mane. There are “pants” on the hind legs. On the rest of the body the fur is approximately the same length. Animals living in the southern Gobi regions have a coat length of 5-7 cm, while those living in the northern regions have a longer coat - 7-10 cm. Experts say that no breed of dog has a coat with this texture.

The main feature of bankhar wool is the absence of odor. This prevents the wolf from scenting the dog. But the most unique property of the breed is the absence of any smell at all. The shepherd always smells of the place in which it is located. This is an excellent disguise. Predators have no chance of noticing this dog's approach. They will only be able to smell it at a very close distance. Its smell is not accessible to the human sense of smell.

Health and breed diseases of the Mongolian Wolfhound

Buryat wolfhounds have a strong immune system and good health. Most pathologies are associated with problems with the musculoskeletal system. If fed improperly, animals suffer from eating disorders, just like many other dog breeds. The most common pathologies for this breed include:

hip dysplasia;
cataract;
intestinal volvulus.

To prevent the development of joint pathologies, dogs need to be walked regularly and also taught to swim in ponds. To develop the muscular system, it is recommended to walk with dogs on snow (preferably loose). Puppies that have been injured must be protected from jumping over obstacles or walking on bumpy surfaces.

The animals are large in size and owners will need to monitor their weight. If you overfeed a wolfhound, there is a risk of developing dysplasia. This pathology is rarely cured with medication. Medicines alleviate the dog’s condition and relieve negative symptoms, but do not completely block the disease. In advanced cases, Buryat wolfhounds require surgical intervention.

Dogs of this breed are also prone to infection with plague, adenomyosis, and leptospirosis. To prevent the progression of these pathologies, owners need to vaccinate their pets in a timely manner. In this case, 14 days before the procedure, the pet is given an anthelmintic drug.

Lifespan

Mongol-Buryat wolfhounds are considered long-lived. Their life expectancy is equal to 12–14 years, if the owners monitor the diet and lifestyle of their pets, and also regularly show them to veterinarians. Dogs have good immunity and health, resistance to various infections.

Bankhar health and susceptibility to disease

Mongolia is the birthplace of the Bankhar breed.
This is where Mongolian Shepherds first appeared, and dog breeders began breeding them. In ancient times, they guarded sheep and were reliable friends to man. The dogs helped to hunt for prey and provided great assistance to the household. Drawings of animals similar to the Banhar breed were found on the rocks. This speaks of their historical and centuries-old origin. If you believe the legend, Mongolian shepherd dogs took part in military campaigns and battles. A strong body and strong character made them more resilient, which allowed them to quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The origin of the Bankhar breed directly affects its health. By nature, Mongolian Shepherds are endowed with strong immunity and endurance, so they are not susceptible to various diseases. Life expectancy can be 25 years. This is significantly higher than other common dog breeds.

The most important thing is to vaccinate every year. Puppies receive their first vaccination at two months, then repeat the procedure at three months. The veterinarian administers the rabies vaccine to the dog only when all of its milk teeth have completely fallen out and new molars have grown in.

The Mongolian Shepherd Dog Banhar is considered the oldest breed, which was depicted in rock paintings and paintings by Mongolian artists. The dog was used to hunt wolves, bears, marmots, and as a guard for people and buildings. Great figures of Asia resorted to the help of bankhar during hostilities. At the moment, the breed is not recognized by international organizations, but is popular in Asian countries.

Pros and cons of the breed

Before buying a puppy of this breed, you need to learn about its advantages and disadvantages. You can familiarize yourself with the features of the Mongolian bankhar in the table below.

pros	Minuses
Beautiful dog	The view is frightening, you must wear a leash and muzzle in crowded places
Excellent guard qualities, but not an aggressive dog	Requires long walks and heavy loads
Not prone to genetic, colds and other diseases
It does not require special care
Good with children and other pets
Perfectly trainable
Longevity

Having met a bankhar on his way, the blood in his veins begins to freeze from his menacing appearance. But once you get to know the dog well, it will become clear that there is nothing sweeter in the world than this gigantic good-natured dog.

He will be not just a guard and protector, but also a best friend, companion, joy, part of the family.

If you love big dogs and have the opportunity to keep one, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase such a miracle.

Description of the Mongolian Shepherd breed

The homeland of the Mongolian Shepherd dog breed (another name is Banhar) is Mongolia. In ancient times (more than 15 thousand years ago), these animals were used both to guard livestock and houses, and as a shepherd.

In the homeland of Mongolian shepherd dogs, there is a legend that the bankhar descended from the Tibetan mountains along with the wandering pilgrim Ekhe Juu.

The appearance of the animal is as follows:

Height. For females, the minimum allowable height is from 55 cm, for males - from 60 cm. There is no upper limit. Males are noticeably larger and more massive.
Head and teeth. Massive, wide skull, medium-length muzzle, wedge-shaped. The peculiarity of the Banhars is a wide and deep furrow on the forehead. The muzzle appears slightly swollen due to the layer of fat that covers the sinuses. The lips are pressed tightly to the gums, completely covering the entire lower jaw. Bite – scissors, full set (42 pieces), teeth are strong and large. Bankhars are able to open their mouths almost 180 degrees - this is a breed characteristic.
Ears. Triangular, hanging, small in size, base on the eye line.
Eyes. They are spaced wide apart and have an oval shape. The color of the iris is dark, rusty brown. A special feature of the Mongolian Shepherd is its very small pupils, thanks to which the dog can see even objects that are located very far away.
Torso. The bankhar's body is powerful, muscular, but not loose. The chest is very deep. The forebreast is well developed, making the front part of the body appear more massive. The back and lower back are wide, strong and level, the croup is slightly sloping. The entire body has a square format.
Tail. Thick, medium length, straight, but can be thrown over the back in a ring. When at rest it hangs down.
Limbs. Sufficiently long, straight, strong and strong. Placed parallel to each other. The rear corners are slightly straightened. The paws are neat, small, well assembled.

The Mongolian Shepherd's coat is long and thick, with a bright natural shine. The guard hair is elastic, hard, straight. Underneath it is a thick undercoat, consisting of 75% warm fluff. On the neck and shoulders the hair is longer and forms a “mane”. The back of the legs and tail are well furred.

Mongolian Shepherds can have three colors: black with rich reddish-brown tan (the most common), black and red (the rarest). Regardless of coat color, there is a small white spot on the chest. There is a light rim around the eyes.

Features of behavior

The Mongolian Shepherd, a photo of which you can see in our article, always behaves very confidently. The behavior is calm and cool. Very easy to train. They do not show aggression without reason.

The size of the bankhar is quite large - the height is average or above average, the dog's build is very dense and strong, with a well-developed muscular system. The animal reaches a weight of 30 kg or more. The minimum height parameter for males according to the standard is 60 cm, for females it is 5 cm lower.

In this breed, males are larger and more massive than females. The head of shepherd dogs is oblong, proportional, and wide in the cranial area. The cheekbones are well developed, and the bump on the back of the head is smoothly smoothed.

There is a wide, deep groove on the forehead. The muzzle is actually blunt at the end, symmetrically wide towards the base. From above, its shape resembles a trapezoidal wedge.

The peculiarity of the muzzle is its swelling. The bankhar's nose is neat, small and triangular. The lower jaw of the banhar is massive and wide. Hidden behind thick, dry lips, it has a fold in the corner.

The standard assumes the presence of hanging triangular ears, set on the line of the eyes or slightly below their level. Oval eyes are set obliquely and widely. They are expressive, dark, located under dry eyelids. The pupils are so small that in the light they shrink to the size of a dot.

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Bankhars have white, large teeth. The jaw has a straight and very tight bite. The neck is set low, powerful, strong. The chest is developed and wide. It is finally formed by the age of three years.

The bankhar's belly is tucked, the back is flat and straight, the lower back is slightly convex. The croup is slightly sloping. The front legs are set wide apart, their height occupies 60% of the dog’s total height.

The hind legs of the Banhar are straight and set slightly wider than the front ones. The thick tail has a high waist. An excited dog throws it on his back, curling it in a ring, and in a state of calm, the tail is freely lowered.

Standard color descriptions: black and tan, red and pure black. With any color variant, the bankhar necessarily has a clearly defined white spot on its chest. The coat of black dogs is characterized by a red-brown tint.

Pure black

Ginger

How to choose the right puppy

Mongolian Shepherd Puppies
Pedigree puppies in Russia are highly valued - from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. It is not wise to buy from random people - you can pay a lot of money for a crossbred dog or a completely mongrel dog.

It is safer to contact a nursery or a reputable breeder. First, the sex of the animal is determined and for what purpose it is taken. If you are a “companion”, then you should not choose such a giant.

When looking after a pet, they pay attention to its fur (thick and shiny), eyes (without souring or films), and character (cheerful, cheerful). The puppy should be well-fed, but not fat, and have a full row of baby teeth in its mouth.

For your information! By the time a puppy is taken home, he undergoes an initial course of socialization and training in the nursery.

The Mongolian Shepherd is a beautiful, powerful purebred animal. This is a large individual not for apartment living. The purpose of the breed is to protect the herds and property of the owner. The dogs are calm, calm, with well-developed intelligence. Loyal and faithful, smart and responsive, they do not show anger and aggression for no apparent reason. Health is excellent - breeders take dogs to the veterinarian only for routine vaccinations.

Training

The smartest dog can be trained well, but the load must be even. You can start training at an earlier age so that your pet has time to get used to it. Description Banhar cannot be confused with another breed, since only he has such huge sizes. At the withers the size reaches a meter or more. Weight varies widely, so it is difficult to say exactly. But there are dogs that weigh one hundred kilograms.

Their fur is rich - very thick and shiny, their ears droop, their structure is strong, their tail is fluffy and long. The coat color is predominantly black. However, it happens that there are brown spots in it (on the paws and around the eyes). This is what Banhar looks like. Another distinctive feature of the Mongolian Shepherd is its slightly hoarse, bass voice.

Character

By character type, wolfhounds are truly sanguine. Many reviews from breeders say that dogs are not characterized by constant mood swings and aggressive behavior. The character of dogs has positive and negative sides. Benefits include:

devotion;
restraint in behavior;
lack of aggression;
strong-willed character;
goodwill.

Negative aspects include excessive independence and willfulness. Dogs are very attached to their home, so any move is stressful for them. Dogs of this breed are quite vigilant, they are wary of suspicious individuals, and stubbornly protect their owners.

Hotosho is not characterized by aggression and quarrels with other pets. They almost never attack first. However, if the dog feels that the owner is in danger, then any methods of protection are suitable. Most often, she grabs the offender with her teeth and waits to hand him over to the victim.

Breed description, standards and appearance

The Mongolian Banhar is a strong, large, ideally built dog, larger than average in size. The height at the withers of an adult bankhar reaches:

– boy – 74 cm,

– girls – 66 cm.

The average weight of a Mongolian Shepherd varies between 60–70 kg, but there are giant individuals reaching 100 kg.

Standard

The Standard describes the Bankhar Mongolian Shepherd as follows:

The head is large, proportional to the body. The transition from forehead to muzzle is smooth but clearly defined. The muzzle is wide and large, looks swollen due to a thick fat layer. This is where the name of the breed came from – “Bankhar”, which translated from Mongolian means “plump”, stuffed with wool.
The dog's eyes are medium-sized, oval, obliquely set. A distinctive feature of the breed is its bright yellow “glasses.” And in the dark, the bankhar’s eyes glow with red lights, which allowed the Mongols to distinguish it from a wolf at night.
The ears are small, triangular, set low, hanging. They fit tightly to the head and are thick. In ancient times, the Mongols even specially smeared their ears with hotosho fat so that they could withstand heat and frost.
The neck is of medium length, wide, no dewlap. The shape is slightly curved, there is a pronounced scruff. The neck is lined with rich fur, which makes the bankhara look a bit like a lion. This cover protects against sharp wolf teeth.
The body is powerful, square in shape, which is a sign of the aboriginal breed. The chest is wide, the back is slightly elongated and straight. The croup is wide, moderately sloping. The muscles are well developed, the physique is proportional.
The paws are straight, set wide, parallel to each other. Strong and powerful, with short fingers.
The tail is large, framed with rich hair. It twists into a ring and falls onto its back.
The fur resembles that of a bear, up to 15 cm long, velvety to the touch and smooth. The guard hairs are coarse and not adherent. The undercoat is thick; during shedding, up to 2 kg of fluff can be collected from one dog. There is no dog smell.

This breed standard is accepted in the RKF and in Mongolia. As mentioned earlier, the FCI today has not recognized the Mongolian Shepherd Bankhar breed as an independent breed.

Color

The color palette of the Mongolian Banhar is varied:

black and tan and solid black are the most common, tan comes in brown, copper, yellow, red and gold;
“Zurkh Tsaagan”, or “white hearts”, is also quite common, a black dog with a white chest and white “slippers”;
red (all shades, from golden to dark copper) - a rarer species;
the rarest ones are white and red; since ancient times, such bankhars have been considered a symbol of success and wealth.

Care

Bankhar needs to be given very good physical exercise. It is important for them not only to work, but also to regularly go for walks, having the opportunity to frolic with their fellow tribesmen, swim and hunt

History of the origin of the Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound breed

The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound is an aboriginal breed that has been formed over centuries in natural conditions, acquiring certain skills and traits. People selected dogs for working qualities and behavior, which also influenced the development of the breed. The ancient origin of the BMW is confirmed by the fact that during excavations of the Hun settlement on the outskirts of Ulan-Ude, the remains of dogs more than 3,000 years old were discovered, which, according to DNA analysis, were the ancestors of modern Khotoshi. Interestingly, they are much older than the remains that belonged to the ancestors of Tibetan mastiffs.

Until the 80-xx 20th century, factory breeding of Buryat-Mongolian wolfhounds was not carried out. The initiators of the revival of the breed were Nikolay Batov and Marika Trigulova. They organized several expeditions to Buryatia and Mongolia to collect information about the Khotosho and the wolfhounds themselves, which became the tribal core. They also developed the standard. Buryat shepherd dogs were taken as the initial type, which were used to protect the flock from predators.

In Buryatia, these dogs are called “hotosho”, which literally translates as “yard wolf”.

The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound was included in the Stud Book of Russia in 2000. Since then, purebred dogs have been distinguished by brands and pedigree documents issued by the RKF. The breed standard was registered in 2006. Khotosho is not yet recognized as a nohoy by international associations.

Video about the dog breed Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound (Khotosho Nokhoi):

Purpose

The main use of the Mongolian wolfhound by the Buryats is guarding the farmstead, home and livestock, but not grazing. It can be used as a guard dog, companion, bodyguard, as well as in rescue and search operations. Once upon a time, people used to go hunting with dogs like these.

The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound occupies a special place in Buddhism, which is practiced in Buryatia and Mongolia. This is the only Eastern religion in which the dog is considered a sacred animal. Dogs lived at Buddhist monasteries and side by side with ordinary people, guarded property, looked after children's cradles and made sure that older babies did not run out of sight.

Origin story

The history of the origin of the Bankhar breed goes back more than 15,000 years.
Researchers say that this is the oldest breed. The image of the Mongolian Shepherd can be seen in cave paintings and paintings by ancient Chinese artists. Historical facts indicate that these shepherd dogs participated in the wars of Genghis Khan. But their main advantage lies in their guardian instinct. Bankhars have always protected herds of animals.

The best guards since Genghis Khan

It is believed that the older the dog breed, the healthier its physiology, higher intelligence, better adaptability and range of working qualities. What then can we say about the Mongolian Shepherd Dune Dog, which is recognized as one of the most ancient breeds. It is she who is considered the ancestor of the Caucasian and Central Asian shepherd dogs.

Mongolian Shepherds are very different from the Buryat-Mongolian Khotoshi wolfhounds, with which they are often confused, and even more so from the Tibetan mastiffs

Mongolian dogs have been used for centuries in all walks of life and were not left to their own devices. They were selected, raised, trained. Four-legged helpers were greatly valued and revered, and with the advent of Buddhism in Mongolia, they even became a sacred animal. Specialist dog handlers, who were called “kayuchi” in Mongolia, had high training skills and could simultaneously control hundreds of dogs during round-up hunts. In the 30s and 40s, Mongolian Shepherds served in the Siberian NKVD troops and performed admirably in guard and tracking service.

There are five national breeds in the monopoly: bankhar, uzemchi, teiga-nokhoi, greyhound-nokhoi, sharayd. They can all herd cattle, but the bankhar is superior to the others in terms of independence and reliability. In Mongolia, pastoralism is still an important type of agriculture, which has made it possible to preserve the original species of dogs.

Description of the Turkish Kangal breed

According to the ICF classification, the Kangal belongs to group 2 (“Pinchers and Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs”), section 2.2 (“Mountain Dogs”). The breed standard is recorded at number 331.

Table: standard appearance of the Anatolian Shepherd

Criterion	Description
General form	The dog is of molossoid type, strong build. Large, moderately high-legged, strongly built. The body has the shape of a rectangle.
Head	The skull is wide, slightly tapering towards the stop. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is weakly expressed. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, blunt, slightly tapering towards the end. The nose is black.
Teeth	A scissor bite is preferred. Straight or reverse scissors are acceptable.
Eyes	Almond-shaped, medium or large. Color ranges from dark brown to light brown, but darker shades are preferred.
Ears	Medium size, triangular in shape, rounded at the ends, hanging, the leading edge lies close to the cheekbone. When excited, they rise slightly.
Frame	Powerful, muscular. The croup is slightly higher than the withers. The stomach is tucked.
Tail	Long, descending just below the hocks, with a dense curl at the tip. While moving, the ring is thrown onto the back.
Limbs	Long, widely set, straight, strong. Paws with thick pads, black claws.
Wool	Length from 3 to 7 cm, thick and hard, with dense undercoat. On the neck, shoulders, and hips the hair is longer and coarser.
Color	It should be the same color throughout the body: from fawn to wolf. A white spot is allowed on the chest, as well as on the paws and legs, and on the tip of the tail, but the less of this color, the better. A black face mask is required. The ears are dark.
Height	Deviations of ±2 cm are allowed: males - 72–78 cm; females - 65–73 cm.
Weight	males - 48–60 kg; females - 40–50 kg.

Disadvantages (vices)

Any deviation from the standard is considered a deficiency. Serious defects include:

the height of the croup is lower than the height of the withers;
too light or heavy physique;
atypical tail shape;
a white spot on the chest with a diameter of more than 10 cm;
white line on the muzzle, mask, white spot on the neck.

Grounds for disqualifying a dog

The reasons for disqualification of an individual may be:

aggression or cowardice;
undershot;
undershot exceeding reverse scissors (with waste);
muzzle too short (one third of the length of the skull);
the coat is very short and smooth, devoid of undercoat;
lack of a mask on the face;
brown nose and pigmentation;
eyes of different colors.

Kangal character

The Anatolian Shepherd is a balanced, proud, independent and self-confident dog. This is a very smart and obedient pet, a brave watchman, but without aggression. He is wary of strangers only when he is on guard duty. Very gentle with owners.

The Kangal is a working dog, a real human assistant, capable of working in difficult conditions, even if you have to do without food and water. This requires the dog to be independent, think and make decisions. Therefore, the Turkish Karabash is very proud and independent, he knows the value of his abilities. And the owner is required to match - strong and strong-willed.

Anatolian Shepherds know their territory very well and will guard it very vigilantly. If necessary, the dog can bark loudly, but will never do it in vain.

Kangal is a very vigilant watchman

Dogs of this breed have a stable psyche and are friendly towards all family members. Kangal looks serious, and his size is large. However, the dog can be left alone with children, he will not harm them, and will treat and protect them with care. But the child should be explained the rules of behavior with a dog so that the pet is not offended by rudeness.

But you shouldn’t expect any special feelings from this dog towards domestic animals. The maximum that can be achieved by education is not to offend cats and not to pay attention to other little things (hamsters, birds). The Kangal will be able to get along with other large dogs if it does the same job with them, and will treat small breeds leniently.

You cannot use cruel methods in raising a dog, otherwise it will become uncontrollable. If you provide your pet with work or adequate physical activity, then he will not do any mischief - he simply will have no time and no need to

But without a sense of his own need and importance, this dog will simply wither away. He will not show the best sides of his character - willfulness and stubbornness

How to choose a wolfhound puppy

If you want to get a Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound, contact trusted breeders or a kennel that breeds this breed of dog. Contacting reliable specialists will help you avoid cases of forgery of animal documents and ensure the authenticity of the breed. Small puppies most often have measurements. She confirms their origin. As well as a veterinary document indicating vaccinations performed.

You can tell that a puppy is healthy by its beautiful fur, clean eyes and ears, and soft belly. Buyers should ensure that dogs do not show signs of rickets or joint pathologies. If your puppy has an eating disorder, he will have a hard and swollen belly. This symptom indicates a helminthic infestation or a malfunction of the stomach.

When examining pets, pay attention to their character and habits.

It is not recommended to purchase wolfhounds secondhand through advertisements. This idea will turn into a real danger for buyers. Always contact professional nurseries, which are located in Moscow, Ulan-Ude and many other large Russian cities.

Conclusion

The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound is a rare breed of dog, considered one of the most ancient. Khotosho are distinguished by their reserved character, developed intelligence, ability to train, and friendliness. Dogs get along well with children and reliably protect their owner’s home from ill-wishers. Dogs are not considered high maintenance dogs. However, owners should take care of the cleanliness of their place of residence, a balanced diet, regular walks and training, which will help make wolfhounds strong, fit and healthy.

From the history of the breed

The exact origin of Mongolian Shepherds is unknown. But researchers suggest that the history of this breed goes back almost 15 thousand years. According to legend, in ancient times a mighty hunter came down from the mountains. He was accompanied by a huge dog, matching his owner, fierce and unsociable. She became the progenitor of modern bankhars. Dog handlers believe that the blood of Tibetan mastiffs and Great Danes flows in the veins of the modern Mongolian Shepherd Dog.

The breed developed naturally; selection did not affect it. In their homeland, dogs were used as guard and herding dogs. They can work at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 40 degrees, without fear of dust storms or snow whirlwinds. Banhar is a wolfhound, because domestic animals first of all had to be protected from predators.

It is known that since the 30s of the 20th century, bankhars began to be involved in security and investigative service in the NKVD. During World War II, the number of shepherd dogs declined sharply (as in many other breeds), they were on the verge of extinction. But since the 90s of the last century, enthusiasts have taken up their restoration. Now Banhars are bred in nurseries, and the situation in the breed looks much better, but they are still far from world fame and recognition.

The breed is not recognized by cynological organizations largely due to its small numbers. But in Mongolia, exhibitions are held where the exterior and performance qualities of bankhars are assessed.

Bankhars are starting to gain popularity outside of Mongolia

The winning shepherd dogs are awarded a handmade cup and medals in the form of the seal of Genghis Khan, which once again emphasizes the reverent attitude of the people towards these dogs.

Origin

Legends are made about him. The first says that many thousands of years ago a hunter came down from the mountains. He was huge, powerful and accurate. And the Mongolian Gulliver was accompanied by a dog. Large, to match the owner, very fierce and unsociable. Modern Mongolian Shepherds are descendants of that dog.

The second opus tells that the ancestors of the current Nokhoi (literally from Mongolian - dog) took an active part in the raids of Genghis Khan.

According to the third option, Banhars are the oldest dogs in the world. They are over 15 thousand years old. The blood of Tibetan mastiffs and Great Danes flows in these khotosh (khotosho is a house guard).

The fourth version is the most plausible. Mongolian wolfhounds originate from dogs that once accompanied shepherds. Selection did not affect the breed; it reached the modern world in its original form. During the Second World War, the animals were almost completely destroyed. It was only at the end of the 20th century that the breed was restored in Mongolia.

Suitable nicknames

Having become familiar with the basics of education and the details of caring for a Mongolian Shepherd, all that remains is to purchase a puppy and name it. If you bought a girl, you can choose one of the following popular options: Alana, Shoola, Erteki, Salashi, Zhandi, Oila, Pata, Fatiha, Khoin, Zhaldyz, Mapa, Geza, or come up with a name yourself. In any case, only the owners decide.

The little dog will one day become a big, strong, beautiful and proud bankhar. Therefore, even if you really want to, you shouldn’t give him cute and funny nicknames. He must respond to some special name. For example, the dog can be called Davlat, Ilkhan, Khal, Ulug, Chikish, El, Shamol, Tez, Yakyn, Talap, Sevmok, Batyr, Adil, Nuker, Adzharkh. Or invent something similar, but certainly sonorous and majestic.

You can learn more about Mongolian Shepherds from the following video.

Features of caring for the Anatolian Shepherd

Kangals are unpretentious dogs. They do not require any special conditions of detention. But still, the performance and health of the pet depends on the care of the owner, so it is necessary to devote time to it.

Your pet definitely needs a place to rest. It should be placed on the flooring so that it is always dry, and the bed should also be protected from wind and rain. The place is arranged so that the dog can see the yard and monitor what is happening.

Hygiene procedures

Karabash sheds very profusely, so during such periods you should comb your pet as often as possible. You can use a furminator, which will better remove dead hairs. At other times, it is enough to brush the dog once a week.

Kangals are bathed extremely rarely. In the summer, it is enough to give your pet the opportunity to swim in the pond to his heart’s content. In winter, you can rub the fur with snow, and then let the dog dry in a warm room.

The corners of the eyes are cleaned of dried crusts daily using a cotton pad and boiled water. The ears are inspected once a week and cleaned of dirt without penetrating too deeply.

These dogs' nails usually wear down on their own, but they should be checked weekly for cracks and chips, as is the paw pads.

Walk

It is necessary to walk your Anatolian Shepherd, even if it moves freely around the yard. This should be done at least twice a day for an hour. Ideally, the Kangal should be on the move all day with short breaks.

Kangal needs long, active walks

Walks should be very active: running, overcoming obstacles. Without enough activity, a dog's muscles quickly weaken.

Feeding

You can feed the kangal with natural food or finished products. In the first case, the basis of the menu should be lean meat (beef, turkey, rabbit). It can be given raw (previously scalded with boiling water or frozen) or cooked. The meat is supplemented with boiled offal and sea fish (given no more than twice a week). Cereals, vegetables, and herbs are also included in the diet.

Dry food is chosen taking into account the needs of a large dog that is constantly on the move.

But here it is important not to make the mistake of overfeeding your pet. Kangal requires less food than its counterparts of the same size, so it is better not to exceed the dosage indicated on the food packaging

This breed is suitable for super premium or holistic food, which will provide the animal with everything necessary for health:

Pro Plan Adult Large Athletic;
Royal Canin HE Club;
Kennels` Favorite High Power.

An adult kangal is fed twice a day. Dogs of this breed drink a lot, so they need to put a deep bowl and change the water in it daily.

Upbringing

A freedom-loving, proud bankhar needs to be raised from the first days of being in the house. It is very important that from the very beginning the dog understands who is the boss in the house and grows obedient to him.

Four-legged “Mongolians” are characterized by special behavior that owners must be able to understand and accept. Understanding breeders do not give Banhars into the hands of those people who previously kept Caucasians, fearing training and psychological pressure on an independent dog. The dog will benefit from participation in different areas of the owners’ lives. These include trips to the sea, shopping trips, and daily jogging. He needs constant communication with people and other living creatures.

The Mongolian Shepherd is an independent dog, so if you want your pet to grow up normal, obedient and psychologically healthy, be persistent and seek recognition of yourself as a leader, the leader of the pack, who cannot be disobeyed.

The Mongolian Shepherd is unpretentious in food. However, owners should remember that a balanced, proper diet is the key to raising a healthy dog. Therefore, it is necessary to create an individual diet for her, taking into account her age, weight, and physiological characteristics. Breeders and veterinarians will help you with this.

Brief history of origin

Mentions of Banhar go back far: 15,000 years ago. Images of a stately dog decorate the walls of caves; it was depicted by ancient artists of Mongolia and China.

The exact origin story remains a mystery, but DNA analysis has shown that the blood of Mongolian Shepherd Dogs contains the blood of Great Danes and Tibetan Mastiffs.

There are many legends about bankhar. One of them says that the breed appeared thanks to one huge ferocious dog that accompanied a giant who came down from the mountains. And modern bankhars are the descendants of that dog.

According to another version, more plausible, the Mongolian bankhars descended from several breeds that accompanied shepherds in ancient times.

Breeders did not work on breeding the bankhar; the shepherd dog has exactly the same appearance as it did many thousands of years ago.

The Mongolian Shepherd breed is not recognized by the International Canine Society (ICF), but this does not stop people from loving and admiring the Bankhar. The demand for Mongolian Shepherd puppies is high. The breed is distinguished by its good health, endurance, large size, sharp mind, and there are no defective puppies in the litters.

History of the breed

The Mongolian bankhar (the second name of the breed) is the oldest animal. Myths and romantic legends are formed around its origin. One of them talks about a warrior-hero who somehow descended from the Tibetan mountains. The Mongolian Hercules of incredible strength was accompanied by a dog to match - ferocious and unsociable. She is considered the ancestor of modern Mongolian Shepherds.

They say that the Bankhars took part in the glorious campaigns of Genghis Khan. It is difficult to refute this, as well as the fact that the blood of Tibetan mastiffs flows in the veins of shepherd dogs - characteristic common features can be traced in both breeds.

Scientists have their own opinions. According to their conclusions, the Mongolian wolfhound Banhar descended from shepherd dogs that accompanied numerous flocks in the endless steppes of Mongolia. Cynologists do not doubt the purebredness of the breed - the dog has survived to this day, unaffected by selection.

For reference! During World War II, the population of the Barchan dog breed was greatly reduced. Only towards the end of the 20th century was the population restored.