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The Land of Dogs
Many travelers who visited Mongolia in different periods were impressed with the number of cattle and dogs. Mongolian nomadic families usually migrate with their cattle, frequently changing pastures. With such lifestyle the service of dogs is essential for alerting about arrival of strangers, guarding and herding sheep flocks. Each nomadic family usually has 2-3 dogs to look after livestock, guard the house and help in hunting. 1990 study by A. Osor, director of the dog training school, gives examples of how dogs serve nomadic herders.
Dog was always a loyal friend and companion to nomadic herders. Many ancient rock paintings show that Central Asian nomads used dogs for guarding their flocks and hunting. Graveyards of Hunnu people often contain metal embroidery and pottery with pictures of hunters with dogs or dogs buried along with their masters. Ancient Chinese historical records describe Hunuu dogs as "very ferocious and big dogs with strong legs and wide chest."
Dogs are mentioned very often in famous historical documents and literary epics as "Dogs are the most loyal friends. They will never change poor master for a rich herder, grown by poor nomad it will never follow even a khaan." There was even a poem composed by Sandag, a famous poet of 19th century "Praise to Dog" Ch. Jugder, well known expert on Medieval Mongolian philosophy, notes that "Mongols deeply respected and revered their dogs and the dogs never betrayed their masters." Such respect for dogs even found reflection in the legislation. The Codes of Law from 1640 and 1709 (enforced and observed until 1921) both contain provisions prohibiting to kills or beat dogs. Dogs, similar to horses, were buried on the hills so that people do not walk on their remains. Dog's tail was cut off and placed under the head. A piece of fat was put into their mouth and words of wishes to be born as a human being in the next life were said before burial. Before the revolution of 1921 the number of fogs in the country was astonishing. According to veterinarian D. Tseveenjav, some 200-300,000 dogs lived in the country in 20s. Since the total population of that time counted approximately half a million, Mongolia was truly the land of dogs then. As the population gets more and more settled and repeated campaign to destroy stray dogs, the number of dogs is diminished. According to A. Osor study, in 1985 there were 18,840 dogs registered in the country.
Mongolian Dog Types Traditionally four types of native dogs were maintained in Mongolia.
2. Taiga (n) - Siberian Laika dogs from Siberian taiga forest. They came to Mongolia through Northern Mongols- the Buryats. Taiga (n) dog is almost as large sized as Mongolian one but is lighter in shape with longer legs and thinner body. Maintained mostly in moutainous northern regions, it is primarily used for hunting. 3. Borz- Central Asian hounddog type. Often called Fast Brown, they can be found in north-east parts of the country. 4. Mongolian dog. Resembles strongly that of Tibetan Mastiff. As a breed it is not registered though D Tsevenjav, a veterinarian who studied the breed during 70-80s notes that it has distinct morphological and physical specifics. According to A. Osor studies Mongolian dog breed has the following parameters:
Appearance Mostly black colored. Sometimes have white
or yellowish spots on chest, face, legs, tail end. The special
sign of a true Mongolian dog are a pair of yellow or brown spots
above eyes. Mongolian dog barking is low and deep. They have excellent listening and can hear master's soft call from as far as 250- 300 meters. Sniffing is not that good as German shepherd but Mongolian
dogs can find out meat from as far as 350 meters. They can follow
tracks for 20-30 kilometers. Mongolian dogs live up to 15-16 years. Character Mongolian dogs are quiet animals, walk slowly observing surroundings with intent and long glaze. They have stamina and brave. They watch intently and long. When confronted by man they usually turn head away or retreat but can attack suddenly from behind if there is a chance. Especially dangerous are those dogs that appear without any sound and attack in silence, without giving any warning. It is very rare to see dogs fighting among themselves but the entire pack will attach any outsider dog. The Mongolian dog character did not improve much since the times of Huns. Even today horse riders approaching a nomadic tent will shout from distance to restrict dogs and leaves horse only when home masters come out and order dogs to keep quiet and not to touch the guest. A.Osor studies found that Mongolian dogs are not as fit as German shepherd dog for tracking. They do not learn orders well and even when learn obey with lazily. They liked verbal praise more than food. But this does not mean that they are inferior to other types of dogs. In specific situation like wolves attacking sheep herd they can be brave and deadly efficient.
Be Brave as Lion and Sharp Eyed as Falcon! Dogs are the only domesticated animals Mongols give names. All the other animals are given nicknames based on their color or shape while dogs are considered a family member. A list of dog names, made by Mongolian architect B. Adya, contains more than 100 entries. According to tradition, before bringing in a puppy a Buddhist monk is consulted to see if the dog birth year is favorable to the owner, as well as to tell a good day and hour to bring the dog to the home. A new master should bring in gifts to the owner of the dog as well as food for the she dog. When puppy is brought to home for the first time it is fed with some milk. After this the foundation of its ears and the tail end are smeared with some fat with the wish of turning into a lion. Then the new owner whispers the dog name into its ear. Each name has meaning. Eagle, Falcon, Lion according to some
qualities of these animals. Often names are associated with
the kind of service: Hunter, Guard, Shepherd etc or desired
qualities: Fast, Bringing in Good, Lucky...
Dog Care and Maintenance Mongols keep their dogs free, without tyeing or building dog house. The only must be thing is a wooden plate kept at some distance form the gher. Dogs are let known that they can eat only from that plate while the rest of food is forbidden. Dogs are usually fed what remains from the family, mostly the bone remains. During mass slaughtering of livestock in autumn or festives a special 'dog share' is set aside. Often utensils soup is cooked for dogs. It is said that one can immediately know if a nomadic family has a dog judging by how clean is the surroundings. Sometimes it happens that dog steals food. In such case it disappears feeling guilty. Even when returning after few days it stay at distance waiting for a sign of pardon from master. Mongols make warm winter coats and boots from dog skins. Dog hair is known to be most warm and light furs. Each spring up to 400 grams of soft under hair can be combed from one dog. This is used for knitting winter socks with which feet never get cold during winter. Dog meat believed to have special curing powers ands often used for treating lung diseases.
Good Dog Signs
There are strict rules for picking up a good dog some of which are contained in Medieval medical scripts and some of which are passed from father to son. According to these rules, dog's outside appearance is important in judging a good one. It is believed that a dog with heart shaped white spot on chest will be very brave and loyal. Reddish shadow in eyes indicated that the dog will be fierce fighter ready to fight until the end. White spots near claws are good omen as they bring in wealth to the master's home but white socks and white tail end mean that the dog will steal food and neglect its duties. Bringing in dog puppy form faraway place, keeping dogs of different breeds, with gray color or mixed breed was strongly discouraged. When choosing from among the puppies, the last-born is usually given preference as the best. Dog character is tested by lifting it from tail or leg. If the puppy remains silent and attempts to curb the body it will be a strong and good dog. Short and soft hair, flexible skin, wide chest and small back are also considered to be signs of a good dog.
Save Bankhar!
Bankhar is a popular name for dogs. It is translated as 'flat faced' and often serves as nickname for any dog. "Save Bankhar!" is the motto of those worried with the sudden decline of the number of Mongolian dogs. If 20 years ago they comprised about 30% of all registered dogs and nowadays it is hard to find one real Mongolian dogs even in remote areas. Inter- breeding began in late 1940s, the time of Trans Siberian railroad. Prisoners of war and Unit 505 comprising of servicemen from Russian General Vlasov fighting against the Soviets on the side the Nazi Germans during WWII were brought to Mongolia to accomplish the tedious task. For several years the unit men virtually paved the road with dead and built narrow rails above. After the construction was complete, Russians withdrew leaving behind empty labor concentration camps and hundreds of abandoned guard dogs, usually German shepherd dogs. Mongolian writer Dogmid, one of the initiators of the Mongolian Dog saving movement, recalls that when he was a child almost every family in the Zuun bayan town area had a German shepherd dog. The second wave of mixing began with the arrival of more than 100,000 Russian military and advisers in mid-60s who were bringing their own dogs along. Nowadays it is in fashion among young Mongolians to won rare dog breeds, from Chinese Chua-Chua to English bulldogs. Often abandoned by their owners they join the army of stray dogs comprising now a great variety of breeds from all over the world. Though one can find many rare dogs on the local market, it is rare to see a puppy of true Mongolian dogs on sale.
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