Dogs Types

Canaan Dog

Description: The Canaan Dog is a medium sized dog that's built in a sturdy fashion, with an overall proportionate body. The pricked ears of this breed are broad at the base and have rounded tips, set high on the head. The bushy tail curls when the dog is in 'alert' mode. The dog's almond shaped eyes are a dark brown sitting over a slightly slanted and dark nose. At first glance, the Canaan Dog looks inquisitive when it glances at you, more curious than suspicious.

The legs are long and straight with paws that almost resemble those of a cat. The medium sized chest is also moderately deep and covered by a double coat of short, flat fur. The head is shaped in a sort of blunted wedge shape with a defined stop at the nose.

Originally from Israel, the Canaan Dog is a natural herder and is thought to have been in existence for the past thousand years or so. Training this dog can be difficult at times, as the Canaan Dog tends to be manipulative towards owners that it feels it can outwit. Smart and independent, this particular dog breed can become bored just as quickly as it learns new tasks.

Coat: The coat of the Canaan Dog is a double coat and has straight outer coat that should be no more than 2 inches long. The undercoat is thick and can resist even the harshest of temperature changes. Much of the coloring will depend on the import of the breed. Those in the U.S. tend to have a white coat with a black face and patches, while other imports began to reveal other colors like red. Most of the U.S. dogs are going to be white and black.

Character:The Canaan Dog is a double coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, flat, and short. The under coat is soft and dense. The color of the coat comes in two distinct patterns: white with mash, and solid colored with or without white trim. Solid coat colors range from black, sandy, red, liver, and all shades of brown. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Country of Origin:The Canaan Dog (also known as the ‘Kalef Knaani’ or ‘Kelev Canaani’) is the national dog breed of Israel and has a distinct background from all other herding breeds. It dates back to Biblical times, when it served as the guard dog and herd dog of the ancient Israelis. There are several references to working or stray dogs in the Bible which likely refer to the Canaan Dog. A sarcophagus from the fourth century BC depicts Alexander the Great hunting with a dog that appears to be a Canaan Dog. The origins of the Canaan Dog are unknown, but it likely descended from the spitz (an ancient breed of white, thick coated dogs). After the Roman invasion in the 2nd century, most Canaan Dogs became strays in the Negev Desert, though a few were enlisted as guard dogs by the nomadic Bedouins. In the 1930’s, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel recognized that existing guard dogs for Jewish settlements were not well suited to the harsh terrain, and had the idea of training these wild desert dogs. She was able to capture and earn the trust of several dogs, and found them to be easily trainable. By World War II, her Canaan Dogs were serving as messengers, sentries, and mine detectors. Dr. Menzel wrote the first standard for the breed and in 1965 sent the first Canaan Dogs to America. The Canaan Dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997.

Temperament: The Canaan Dog is generally good with other pets, but is somewhat aloof toward strangers and may be aggressive toward other dogs. It barks immediately at suspicious activity, making an excellent guard dog. The Canaan Dog is protective of its family. Health

Care: This breed is virtually maintenance free. Once a week brushing will suffice; with extra care given during seasonal shedding. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. The Canaan Dog is prone to such health issues as patella luxation, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Training: It is vitally important to remember that the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed. They are slow to mature, independent, and stubborn. This breed requires an experienced owner and trainer. Early socialization and obedience are an absolute must. Canaan Dogs will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods but does need to be shown who is dominant. Training must be done with firmness, respect, fairness, patience, and consistency. They are easily bored with repetition.

Activity: The Canaan Dog requires an inordinate amount of strenuous physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They greatly benefit from working, herding, and family play sessions. This breed makes an excellent walking, jogging, and hiking companion. They do best in a home with a large safely fenced area where they are able to romp and run freely. Canaan Dogs will do okay in an apartment provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

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