Restoring the Native Bankhar
For centuries, the Mongolian Bankhar protected nomadic herding families and their livestock across the vast landscapes of the steppe. Nearly lost during the twentieth century, this remarkable breed is now at the center of a conservation effort that is restoring both an ancient livestock guardian and an enduring part of Mongolia’s cultural heritage.
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Through its partnership with the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project, Three Camel Lodge supports the restoration of the breed while helping strengthen the relationship between wildlife conservation, traditional pastoral life, and the communities that have depended on the Bankhar for generations.
An Ancient Guardian of the Steppe
The Mongolian Bankhar is among the world’s oldest livestock guardian breeds, developed over centuries to live alongside Mongolia’s nomadic herding families. Unlike herding dogs that move livestock, the Bankhar remains with the herd, using instinct, intelligence, and a calm presence to deter predators before conflict occurs.
Protecting sheep, goats, camels, horses, and yaks from wolves, bears, and snow leopards, the breed became an indispensable partner in Mongolia’s pastoral way of life.
A Breed Nearly Lost
During nearly seventy years of Communist rule, the Bankhar population declined dramatically as traditional pastoral practices changed and purebred dogs became increasingly rare.
Recognizing the breed’s ecological and cultural significance, Bruce Elfstrom founded the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project in 2011. Working with nomadic herding families, the nonprofit breeds, trains, and places Bankhar dogs where they can once again fulfill their historic role protecting livestock while supporting coexistence with native wildlife.
Our Partnership
Three Camel Lodge has proudly supported the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project for more than a decade. What began through founder Jalsa Urubshurow’s long-standing friendship with project founder Bruce Elfstrom has grown into an active conservation partnership rooted in shared respect for Mongolia’s landscapes and nomadic traditions.
Today, the Lodge serves as a breeding site for the project, raising and socializing puppies before they are carefully matched with qualified nomadic herding families. Each successful placement strengthens a proven conservation model that protects livestock through traditional, non-lethal methods while supporting the long-term health of Mongolia’s ecosystems.
Discover Conservation in the Gobi
During their stay, guests may have the opportunity to meet the Lodge’s resident Bankhars, learn about the breed’s remarkable history, and discover how traditional livestock guardians continue to play a vital role in protecting both nomadic livelihoods and Mongolia’s wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors may also observe young puppies as they prepare for placement with nomadic herding families, offering a rare glimpse into a conservation effort rooted in tradition.
Other Projects
Khankhongor School Partnership
Creating opportunities for the next generation of Mongolian musicians and dancers through education, scholarships, and cultural exchange.
The Avdar Artist Residency
Supporting Mongolia’s contemporary artists by providing time, space, and inspiration to create new work rooted in the landscapes and traditions of the Gobi.
