Overview
The Armant, also called the Egyptian Sheepdog, is a medium-sized shaggy herding dog from Upper Egypt, thought to descend from European herding dogs that arrived with Napoleon's army crossed with local dogs. It worked sheep and guarded farmsteads, and a Briard-like look is not unusual.
The breed is unrecognised by the major kennel clubs and extremely rare abroad. What you can expect from the type is a loyal, watchful farm dog: attached to its family, cautious with strangers, capable of long days and inclined to take responsibility for whatever it considers its own.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a quarter a day in two walks is a sensible target. Herding dogs appreciate purpose, so a few retrieves, a bit of training or a varied route beats a repeated circuit.
The coat is thick and the dog comes from a hot country, so it copes with heat better than many shaggy breeds but still needs water and shade.
On the walk
- Guarding: The dog may be protective of you and suspicious of people approaching. Give walkers and cyclists room and keep your voice relaxed.
- Herding: Moving things get chased and gathered. Watch around joggers, children and other dogs running in a group.
- Recall: Herding breeds tend to work with people and recall can be good, but prove it with a long line first.
- Coat: Shaggy fur traps mud, seeds and burrs. Pick drier routes and check the legs and belly afterwards.
Tips for professional walkers
- Meet the dog with the owner present before the first walk so it sees you being accepted.
- Keep the route and the timing consistent for the first few weeks.
- Use games that involve working with you, such as find-it or a retrieve, to build a bond.
- Comb out burrs at the end of a walk rather than leaving them to mat.
What to ask the owner
- What is the dog's background, and how does it react to new people and other dogs?
- Does it show herding or guarding behaviour on walks, and what do you do about it?
- What is its recall like, and is it trusted off the lead anywhere?