Armant

Armant is a town in Egypt and a dog that was bred for the purpose of herding from this town is known by many names -Ermenti, Egyptian Sheepdog and Chien de Berger Egyptian. The origin of this dog is somewhat ambiguous since the breed has been known for centuries. Outside Egypt, the breed is rare and is considered an exotic breed. It is a great choice for owners and breeders alike if a rare breed is required.

The Armant is a very active dog which does not require much rest. It also has other qualities that a herding dog needs to have- fearlessness. These dogs have an inborn instinct to even fight wild animals and go any extent when it comes to protecting the herd. They are hardwired to do what they do and do not require the supervision of a human. They treat the flock as their own, provided they are imparted a little bit of training.

The Armant is an excellent herding dog on the farm but it also is a friendly, loving dog which makes a great pet. It is intelligent and is a quick learner. It also makes a good guard dog. It is highly territorial and does not accept any stranger on the property. Introductions to all newcomers must be made by the owner. The dog is not recommended for first time owners or passive owners since training requires a hands-on approach. Appearance

The dog is medium sized. Average size is 21 to 23 inches at the withers. A full grown dog can weigh between 50 to 65 pounds. It has small dark colored eyes that are covered beneath fur. The nose is generally black colored, except in some cases when the color of the coat is found on the nose too. An immediately noticeable feature of the Armant is its coat- it is thick and feels rough. The coat may be of a single color or multicolored. It may be black, a combination of tan and black, or shades of grayish yellow. The average longevity is around 13 years.

This breed has a shaggy long coat that is rough to the touch. An Armant's coat can be of multiple colors. Acceptable colors are black, black and tan, gray and shade variations of gray and yellow. The dog has a long tail which is carried in a curve. Some dogs may be docked.

Despite being a serious working dog, the Armant has a playful disposition towards members of its owner’s family. The great deal of energy this dog possesses makes it an ideal companion for kids to play. It is not suited for city life but instead does well on open farms. If it is intended for use in a city, it requires to be given its regular quota of exercise. Long walks alone will not do; it makes ideal company during jogging/hiking and this is the kind of exercise it needs. If these needs are not met, the dog can get destructive and aggressive. Thus, care needs to be taken in this regard.