Pet Wiki

Armant

Also called Egyptian Sheepdog, Ermenti, Sabe, Hawara Dog

Rare breedShort profile

From Egypt; named after the town of Armant in Upper Egypt.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight23 to 27 kg1
Height, male50 to 60 cm1
Height, female45 to 55 cm1
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 23-27 kg without splitting by sex.

brave and devoted
clever herder
reliable guardian of the flock
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, rough coat

A shaggy, rough coat of some length. Some puppies are born with a naturally short tail.12

Coloursblackblack and tantricolourgreygreyish yellowblack and whitegrizzledlight brown1

Personality what they are like

Courageous, intelligent and loyal to its people, while cautious with strangers. It guards its livestock with real determination.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A traditional working herder and guard dog in Egypt.2

The story where it all began

Its origins are debated: one story links it to Briard-type dogs brought by Napoleon's army, another to dogs brought by 19th-century Russian travellers, while the Egyptian kennel body favours a native African origin. It is little known outside Egypt, where local enthusiasts work to keep the breed pure.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    One of its names, 'Sabe', means lion in Arabic.1

  2. 2

    It is also called the Hawara dog after the Hawwara tribal confederation.1

  3. 3

    Some Armants are born with a natural bobtail.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Armant is named after the town of Armant, Egypt, the supposed place of origin of the breed. It is also called the Hawara dog, after the Hawwara tribal confederation who used them with their livestock.3

Name ideas for your new friend

NefertitiLotusSphinxAmunCleoPapyrusNileBastetKhepriSeshatAnkhRamses

A day in the life told by an Armant

I woke with the sun, my flock already bleating. I circled them, my ears perked for any strange sound. A lizard scurried, but I knew it was harmless. My human brought water and patted my head. I stood guard all morning, proud and watchful. At noon, I rested in the shade, one eye open. When a jackal howled far away, I gave a low bark. The flock stayed calm. At dusk, I walked home with my human, tired but happy. I am their protector.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Egyptian Kennel Federation (as named by Wikipedia)
Recognised nationally; the Egyptian Armant Herding Club works to preserve the breed.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Armant. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Armant, and at what times?

Feed your Armant at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies, at consistent times like morning and evening. Avoid free feeding, as dog stomachs empty within a few hours. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.4

What should an Armant eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Offer a balanced, high-quality dog food appropriate for your Armant's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, onion, garlic, and raw meat or eggs. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you suspect ingestion.5

How often should I bathe an Armant?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Armant gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep its rough coat healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Armant need brushing?

Brush your Armant's long, rough coat weekly to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, which suits this breed's coat well.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Armant's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Armant need?

Your Armant needs daily exercise, such as walks and play, as it is a traditional working herder and guard dog. Aim for at least one good walk or active play session each day to keep it happy and healthy.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Armant's teeth and ears?

Brush your Armant's teeth at least every two days, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Armant live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care; there is no specific figure provided. Ask your vet for a typical range for the Armant breed.

Is an Armant good with children and other pets?

The Armant is courageous, intelligent, and loyal to its family, making it good with children when properly socialized. It is cautious with strangers and guards its territory, so early socialization with other pets is important.12

Can an Armant be left alone?

This varies by individual; some Armants may tolerate being alone while others may not. Consult a good breeder or trainer for guidance on your dog's specific needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Armant dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, recognition
  2. Egyptian Sheepdog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for uses, bobtail, temperament
  3. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.