Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound

The history of the Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound stretches back into deep antiquity. It is believed they are descendants of ancient Tibetan dogs and accompanied the nomadic tribes of Central Asia for thousands of years. Archaeological findings, particularly in the Ivolginsky settlement in Buryatia, confirm that dogs of a similar type lived alongside humans before the Common Era. They were an integral part of the nomads’ lives: they guarded dwellings (yurts) and livestock from predators, assisted in hunting, and were considered full-fledged members of the family.

During the 20th century, due to changes in the traditional way of life, collectivisation, and uncontrolled cross-breeding, the breed was brought to the brink of extinction. Only a handful of purebred Khotosho remained. A monumental effort to revive the breed was started in the late 1980s by enthusiasts and cynologists Nikolai Batov and Marika Teregulova. They organised expeditions to remote areas of Mongolia and Buryatia, painstakingly gathering the surviving population. Thanks to their efforts, the breed was saved, and a planned breeding programme was initiated.

Although the breed is not yet recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), it is rapidly gaining popularity thanks to its exceptional working qualities and stable character.

Detailed description of appearance:

• Head: Massive, with a broad skull and a smooth yet noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle is voluminous, slightly shorter than the length of the skull.
• Eyes: Small, oval-shaped, set wide apart. The colour varies from light amber to dark brown. The gaze is intelligent, calm, and confident. A characteristic feature is the presence of light (reddish or grey) patches above the eyes, the so-called “spectacles.”
• Ears: Medium-sized, triangular, hanging, set at or slightly above eye level.
• Coat: Very thick with a well-developed undercoat that protects the dog from any weather. There are two coat types: long-haired (the guard hair is long, forming a mane on the neck, feathering on the back of the limbs, and a plume on the tail) and short-haired (the guard hair is short and lies close to the body).
• Colour: The most common colours are black, and black and tan, as well as various shades of red, brown, and fawn. For the black and tan colouring, distinct light tan markings are characteristic, forming “spectacles” above the eyes and patches on the muzzle, chest, and limbs.

The strong and sturdy Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound is, above all, an intelligent and well-balanced dog with a stable psyche. Its main purpose is to protect its territory and family members, a task it takes very seriously. This is not a guard dog that barks mindlessly. The Khotosho first assesses the situation, gives a vocal warning, and only resorts to active measures in the event of a real threat.

Its independent decision-making is sometimes compared to that of breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai), yet the Khotosho is considered more sociable and human-oriented. For its family, it is a gentle and devoted friend. They are remarkably patient with children, allowing them many liberties and acting as a caring nanny. They usually live peacefully with other pets they have grown up with, viewing them as part of their “pack.”

This breed possesses brilliant intellectual abilities and, as owners note, even a peculiar sense of humour. It is not inclined to blindly follow commands but rather to cooperate. A fitting description of the breed is: “It is as independent as a Caucasian, swims like a Newfoundland, and plays like a Labrador.” This highlights its versatility.

Before getting such a serious dog, it is important to soberly assess all its advantages and potential challenges. This will help you understand if this breed is the right fit for you.

The main requirement for a comfortable life for a Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound is having its own territory. The ideal option is a private house with a large, securely fenced garden where the dog can move freely and fulfil its guarding instincts. Keeping this breed in a flat is strictly unacceptable.

Coat care. The Khotosho’s thick coat has water-repellent properties and is not prone to matting. Grooming is not difficult but must be regular. The dog should be brushed 1-2 times a week, and daily during the seasonal moult (spring and autumn) to remove the dead undercoat. Frequent bathing is not recommended as it disrupts the natural oily layer that protects the skin and coat.

Physical exercise. The Khotosho is not a hyperactive dog that needs hours of running. However, to maintain physical fitness and psychological well-being, it needs daily exercise. This can include long walks outside the garden, calm jogs with the owner, or games. It’s important to give the dog opportunities to explore new territories and gain new experiences.

Training a Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound is a fascinating yet responsible process. Due to their tendency for independent decision-making, they learn quickly but do not tolerate mindless drills. Training should be built on mutual respect, patience, and consistency. The dog needs to understand why it is performing a particular command.

Early socialisation is a key aspect of their upbringing. From a young age, the puppy should be introduced to different people, sounds, places, and well-behaved dogs. This will help raise a confident and calm dog that can react appropriately to new situations. The approach to training a Khotosho is radically different from training breeds focused on unquestioning obedience, such as the East European Shepherd.

Khotosho excel in complex training courses, such as search and rescue and guard services, passing tests with “excellent” marks. They listen attentively to their owner, but only if they see them as a fair and consistent leader. A raised voice and physical punishment are unacceptable—this can permanently destroy trust.

The approach to training such an intelligent guardian must be different from that for highly specialised breeds, for example, the Lagotto Romagnolo, which is genetically wired for a specific task and close cooperation with a human. The Khotosho, however, assesses the situation itself, so it needs to be taught not so much “what to do” as “how to react correctly.”

The Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound is an aboriginal breed that has undergone harsh natural selection. As a result, they have very robust health and a strong immune system. Hereditary genetic diseases are practically non-existent. However, like all large dogs, they are prone to certain health issues.

1. Musculoskeletal diseases: The most common are hip and elbow dysplasia. For prevention, it is crucial to provide the puppy with a proper, balanced diet, avoid over-exercising during its growth period (up to 1.5-2 years), and monitor its weight.
2. Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This is an acute, life-threatening condition common in dogs with a deep chest. To prevent it, feed the dog smaller portions twice a day and do not allow vigorous play immediately after eating.
3. Obesity: Despite being unfussy eaters, Khotosho can gain excess weight from an improper diet and lack of activity, which puts extra strain on their joints and heart.

Regular preventive check-ups with a vet, timely vaccinations, and parasite treatments are essential for maintaining your pet’s health.

Historically, the Khotosho was not spoiled with a variety of food, so they are not picky. However, for the health and longevity of this mighty giant, a high-quality and balanced diet is essential. Two types of feeding are suitable: a natural diet or high-quality super-premium or holistic dry food for giant breeds.

When feeding a natural diet, the basis of the ration (about 50-70%) should be raw meat (beef, lamb, poultry) and offal. The menu should also include:

• Grains: rice, buckwheat, oats.
• Vegetables and greens: carrots, pumpkin, courgettes, apples.
• Fermented dairy products: kefir, low-fat cottage cheese.
• Cartilage and large bones for dental and joint health.

It is crucial to ensure constant access to clean drinking water. Vitamin and mineral supplements, especially those with chondroprotectors (glucosamine, chondroitin), are a necessity for supporting joint health, particularly during growth and in old age.

• The “Four-Eyed” Dog: The legend of the four eyes is linked to the light patches above the eyes. It was believed that when the dog sleeps, these “second eyes” see everything and guard the owner.
• The Talisman Dog: In ancient times, Khotosho puppies were not sold. They could only be given as a gift, a sign of great respect and friendship, as it was believed the dog brought good luck.
• Family Ties: The Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound is a close relative of other large Asian shepherd dogs, particularly the Tibetan Mastiff, which is considered one of its ancestors.
• The Silent Guardian: Unlike many guard breeds, the Khotosho is not prone to senseless barking. It only gives voice when it deems it necessary.
• A Sacred Animal: In the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet and Mongolia, these dogs were revered and often lived at the temples, guarding them.

Is the Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound suitable for living in a flat?
Absolutely not. This is a large, active dog with an innate instinct to guard its territory. It needs space and its own garden. Keeping it in the confined space of a flat will negatively affect its psyche and health.

How aggressive are they towards strangers?
The Khotosho is naturally wary of strangers; this is the basis of its guarding qualities. It does not show unprovoked aggression. With proper socialisation, the dog will react calmly to guests who enter the house with the owner’s permission, but it will always keep them in sight.

Do they get on well with children?
Yes, this is one of the breed’s defining traits. They are very patient, gentle, and are excellent protectors of their family’s children. However, as with any large dog, interaction with small children should always be supervised by an adult.

Do they shed a lot, and is coat care difficult?
They shed very heavily, especially twice a year (spring-autumn) when the undercoat changes. During this period, daily brushing is required. At other times, brushing 1-2 times a week is sufficient. Overall, coat care is not difficult.

Are they difficult to train?
They are very intelligent and learn quickly but can be stubborn due to their independence. Training requires an owner with experience, patience, and the ability to build a partnership rather than a “boss-subordinate” relationship. This is not a dog for a novice.