For millennia Armenian people were breeding Armenian Gampr dogs, which are native to the Armenian Highland. These dogs were bred to protect the livestock from predators and enemies.
Armenian people used to breed wolves with dogs to produce Gampr dogs. These dogs are also called an Armenian Wolfhound. They tend to have a big head, short nose, wide and prominent chest, and tall, muscular legs. They are trustworthy and powerful. The Armenian Gampr is very loyal to its owner and would protect him with his life.
When the Gampr notices something or someone suspicious he immediately warns the other dogs and together they encircle the flock and attack the intruder. The first thing that you should do when approaching these dogs, is to greet their owner and chat with them, so the dogs will understand that you are not an enemy.
Legend about Aralezes
In ancient Armenian mythology there are creatures called Aralezes. These are dog-like creatures who live in the sky or on Mount Ararat. It was believed that Aralezes descended from the sky to lick the wounds of those who were killed or wounded in the battle, thus healing or even resurrecting them. This legend demonstrates the worship of dogs in pre-Christian Armenia.
In his book “History of Armenia” Movses Khorenatsi referred to Aralezes. When the Armenian king Ara the Beautiful was killed in a battlefield an Assirian queen Semiramis could not accept that and ordered to take the body of the king to her Aralezes, where they licked his wounds and brought him back to life.
Dog worship in Armenia
Another proof of dog worship in pre-Christian Armenia are the old tombs, where dogs were buried with their masters. The body of the dead was in the center and the dogs were placed on either side of their master, facing him.
In ancient times there was a belief that dogs accompanied the deceased to the other side. And due to the dogs’ attitude towards the deceased, his place at the other side had been decided. To seek the dog’s approval people used to put a cоin in the dead person’s mouth, so later he can give it to the dog and win his favor.
This is further proof that dogs played a significant role in the lives of our ancestors.
Article by Hrachuhi Ayvazyan
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