Overview
Bankhar dogs have guarded the flocks and gers of Mongolian herders for centuries, working alone through brutal winters to keep wolves and snow leopards off the livestock. They are massive, long-coated dogs, usually black with tan markings and the characteristic pale spots above the eyes. Very few have left the country.
Expect a dog that is slow to trust, bonded to its own household and unbothered by what you want it to do.
Exercise and walking needs
Guardian breeds have low exercise needs for their size. An hour of calm walking a day in two parts is plenty for an adult, and the dog will often prefer to stand and survey rather than keep moving.
Heat tolerance is poor. The coat is designed for minus forty, so in a British summer walk at dawn or dusk and keep it short.
Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeNot advisable
On the walk
- Recall: Non-existent in the ordinary sense. These dogs make their own decisions. Plan every walk as a lead walk.
- Strangers: Watchful and often suspicious. Keep well clear of groups, children running up and anyone who wants to pat a big fluffy dog.
- Other dogs: Strongly territorial, particularly with dogs of the same sex. Give unfamiliar dogs a very wide berth.
- Strength: A dog of this weight can pull a handler over without effort. Use a harness and lead you trust and never wrap the lead round your hand.
- Weather: Cold, snow and wind are home conditions. Warm sun is the threat, and the dog will not slow itself down.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk the dog alone and choose routes where you can see other dogs well ahead.
- Keep a bowl and plenty of water in the van from spring onwards.
- Do the first few walks with the owner alongside until the dog accepts you as part of its circle.
- Check the coat for burrs and matting after walks through undergrowth; the owner will thank you.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog react to strangers and other dogs, and has it ever shown aggression on a walk?
- Does it have any experience of livestock in the UK, and how should you handle footpaths through fields?
- What equipment does the owner use, and are there any cues the dog reliably responds to?