Canaan Dog dog breed information
Canaan Dog color
May Be Either Predominantly White With Mask With Or Without Additional Color Patches, Or Solid Color With Or Without White Trim.
Canaan Dog height
male: 20-24, female: 19-23 inches
Canaan Dog weight
male: 45-55, female: 35-45 lbs
Canaan Dog description
The Canaan Dog is a sturdy, medium-sized, squarely proportioned dog with a bushy tail carried curled over the back when the dog is alert. The pricked ears have a broad base, rounded tip, and are set high. The head is shaped like a blunt wedge with a shallow, but defined stop. The nose is dark and slightly slanted. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown with dark rims that harmonize with the coat color. They slant very slightly and should have an alert, inquisitive expression. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite (leve
Canaan Dog origin
The Canaan Dog was originally bred in the 1930's from the wild dogs of Israel. Bedouins still use the breed today to guard, herd and manage their sheep. It has a high capability for learning and has also been used as a war sentry and messenger, mine detector, tracker, search & rescue dog, and even as a guide for the blind. It is a very hardy breed, well-adapted to the deserts of his native Israel. Drawings of similar looking dogs were found in tombs dated to the 2200 BC. The breed was first imported to the United States in 1965 when four dogs sent by the breeds founder, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel, arrived by ship on our western shores.
Canaan Dog temperament
Not only does the Canaan Dog excel as a herder, but it has also proven itself in a variety of tasks involving dependability and obedience. This very intelligent and independent breed can do exceptionally well in obedience. It responds best to positive, motivational training, but tends to get bored with overly repetitive training. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independently, yet will work as a team with its handler. Many dogs display herding instincts and compete in herding trials. Gentle, devoted and docile, but also lively, alert and protective. It is a natural guard dog as well as an excellent watchdog that tends to bark a lot. May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. The Canaan Dog tends to be a one person dog or one family dog. They are very defensive of their territory. He should be well socialized when young with both dogs and people, especially with children, as the breed tends to be naturally wary of strangers, though he is very friendly with those he knows.
Canaan Dog health problems
The Canaan Dog is a very healthy breed with one of the lowest rates of hip dysplasia out of any breed.
Canaan Dog living conditions
The Canaan Dog will do okay in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Its dense undercoat protects the dog from extreme temperatures, whether it be hot or cold - so it can live outdoors, but also makes a wonderful housedog.
Canaan Dog exercise
This is a working dog that will not be happy just sitting around. It needs lots of exercise and mental and physical challenges. These needs can be met with herding exercises, a long jog or a strenuous game session along with a challenging training session.
Canaan Dog life expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Canaan Dog grooming
The Canaan Dog is a very clean breed with no doggie odor. It is easy to groom. Comb and brush once a week, taking extra care when the dog is shedding. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
Canaan Dog recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, CKC, NKC, CDCA, KC, CDC, ICDCA, ANKC, APRI, ACR
