Pet Wiki

Bankhar Dog

Also called Bankhar, Mongolian Bankhar, Hotosho, Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound, Mongolian Four Eye Dog

A thoughtful, self-reliant dog that bonds closely with the animals and family it protects.

SizeGiant
Weight36 to 60 kg (79 to 132 lb)males 39 to 60 kg, females 36 to 41 kg12
Height66 to 84 cm (26 to 33 in)males 71 to 84 cm, females 66 to 74 cm12
Lifespan15 to 18 years12
CoatDouble coat, long or short
OriginThe Mongolian steppe and neighbouring Buryatia, where Mongol and Buryat herding families kept it with their flocks.21
Rare breedShort profile
devoted guardian of its flock
calm and independent thinker
hardy in extreme cold
12

Personality what they are like

A thoughtful, self-reliant dog that bonds closely with the animals and family it protects. It stands firm against wild predators, yet is not naturally hostile to people and, once introduced, usually treats visitors with polite disinterest.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, long or short

A powerful but fairly athletic guardian, lighter and leaner than the Tibetan Mastiff. In winter it grows a full outer coat of roughly 8-10 cm over a thick undercoat, which thins out as the weather warms.12

Coloursblack and mahogany (four-eye)black and tanblackredtanbrownblack and white12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to patrol open steppe alongside roaming herds, so it is happiest with a real job and plenty of space rather than short city walks.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The heavy winter undercoat is shed seasonally, so regular brushing during the moult keeps the coat tidy.1

Home where they are happiest

Suited to rural life with livestock and wide open ground; it copes well with very cold climates thanks to its dense coat.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Traditionally fed simple herder fare such as boiled livestock offal, rice, noodles and bones. It is known for needing relatively little food for its size.12

Company who they like around

Forms strong bonds with its herd and household and works best when raised alongside the animals it will guard.1

The story where it all began

Nomadic herders in Mongolia and Buryatia relied on these dogs for centuries to guard camps and livestock against wolves, eagles and snow leopards. During the Soviet-era decades their numbers collapsed and by the 1980s the dog had nearly vanished. Today the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project breeds working dogs and places them with herding families again.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its Mongolian name loosely means chubby or fluffy, while the Buryat name hotosho translates as yard wolf.2

  2. 2

    Dark dogs with light spots above the eyes are nicknamed Mongolian Four Eye Dogs and are traditionally favoured.2

  3. 3

    Placing Bankhar with herders is used as a conservation tool: fewer livestock losses means fewer conflicts with snow leopards and wolves.3

  4. 4

    In Mongolia the females usually come into season only once a year.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Bankhar is a unique landrace of livestock protection dogs native to the Mongolian Steppe, traditionally used by herders to protect their herds from predators.3

Name ideas for your new friend

TengerNaranSarnaiBoldOyuunKhatanZayaTemujinAltaiErdeneSukhMunkh

A day in the life told by a Bankhar Dog

I rise with the sun over the endless grass, my thick coat warm against the morning chill. The sheep know my steps, and I walk among them, a silent guardian. A wolf howls far off, and I raise my head, steady and sure. No fear, just readiness. The herder calls, and I trot to him, leaning against his leg for a scratch. The day passes with the herd's slow rhythm, and I check every rise and hollow. When a stranger approaches, I watch calmly until my human says it's fine, then I return to my post. At night, I lie at the edge of the firelight, the stars my ceiling.

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

Recognised by the official bits

None (landrace)
Described by the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project as a landrace shaped by herders over thousands of years rather than a formal breed; not listed by FCI or the major kennel clubs.1

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 Bankhar Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Bankhar Dog at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, and avoid free feeding. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.124

What should a Bankhar Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Bankhar Dog does well on simple foods like boiled offal, rice, noodles, and bones, but always avoid dangerous items such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol. Stick to a balanced diet and consult your vet for specific recommendations.125

How often should I bathe a Bankhar Dog?

Pet Wiki suggests bathing your Bankhar Dog every eight weeks, though you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Always use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bankhar Dog need brushing?

Brush your Bankhar Dog weekly to keep their double coat tidy, and increase brushing during seasonal shedding. This helps remove loose fur and keeps their skin healthy.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bankhar Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim your Bankhar Dog's nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bankhar Dog need?

Your Bankhar Dog needs daily exercise and plenty of space to roam, as they were bred to patrol open steppe. They are happiest with a real job or long walks in a large area.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bankhar Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bankhar Dog's teeth daily or at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Keep ears dry and never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bankhar Dog live?

A Bankhar Dog typically lives between 15 and 18 years, making them a long-lived companion. With good care, they can enjoy a full, healthy life.12

Is a Bankhar Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, a Bankhar Dog is good with children and other pets when raised with them from puppyhood. They form strong bonds with their family and the animals they guard, and are not naturally aggressive to people.12

Can a Bankhar Dog be left alone?

A Bankhar Dog is self-reliant but bonds closely with its family, so it can be left alone for reasonable periods if it has space and a job. However, they thrive with company and purpose, so consult a breeder for your specific situation.12

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? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Bankhar Dogs - Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project bankhar.orgused for size, coat, colours, temperament, diet, lifespan, history
  2. Bankhar Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, colours, history, facts
  3. Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project bankhar.orgused for working role and conservation programme
  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.