What makes the Canaan Unique?
Despite its somewhat pedestrian appearance, Canaan dogs are intelligent and hardworking. These dogs are also intensely loyal to their handlers or their human families. They are also good at dog sports but they will also enjoy playing with kids.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 inches) Females – 48 to 58 cm (19 to 23inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 20.4 to 24.9 kg (45 to 54.9 pounds) Females – 15.9 to 20.4 kg ( 35.1 to 5 pounds) |
| Origin: | Israel, Middle East |
| Life Span: | 12 – 15 Years |
| Colour: | Golden, Red, Cream, Liver, Tan, Black |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 6 puppies |
Is the Canaan Right For You?
The Canaan dog is very persistent but easily trained. These dogs often serve as both a responsive companion and natural guardian. Canaan dogs are also fairly reserved around strangers, due in part to their highly territorial natures. This dog breed usually satisfied with short walks. Canaan dogs also enjoy outdoor place time in fenced-in areas. They will only need the occasional bath. Their toenails should be kept trimmed as well.
In 5 Words
- Vigilant
- Devoted
- Alertc
- Cautious
- Quick
Characteristics
Learn About the Canaan
Description
General Description
Canaan dogs are sturdy, medium sized individuals. Their bodies are proportionate as well. Members of this breed have dark brown, almond-shaped eyes that often have a curious expression in them. Their muzzles should be tapered and their heads should be wedge shaped.These dogs also have a dark nose that is somewhat slanted and pricked ears that are somewhat rounded at the tips. A bushy tail that curls up when the animal is alert is another feature of the breed. Males of this breed should be distinctively masculine in appearance. Likewise, females should have a pronounced feminine look but they should not be considered to be dainty.
Size
Male dogs of this breed typically weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms (45 to 55 pounds). Female dogs typically weigh between 16 and 20 kilograms (35 and 45 pounds). While males stand about 50 to 60 centimeters (19 to 24 inches) at their shoulder blades, or withers, their female contemporaries stand somewhat shorter at 45 to 50 centimeters (18 to 20 inches) high on average.
Coat
Canaan dogs have a double coat that is rough in texture. Members of this breed can be mostly white or solid colored. They are permitted to have masks or additional patches color as well. Solid colored dogs are allowed to have white markings, but those without them are not penalized either.
Short History of the Canaan
For hundreds, if not thousands, of years the ancestors of the modern Canaan dogs have roamed that land. Two thousand years ago, the Israelites population decreased and eventually the people were dispersed by the Roman Empire. Some of their pets were left behind in the rush to escape. These animals eked out a harsh life on the Sebulon coastal plain and in the Negev desert. However, a few lucky male dogs were trained by the local Bedouins or Druze to act as guard and livestock dogs for their communities.
The reemergence of this breed is due to the efforts of Dr. Rudolphina Menzel. She was seeking a dog that was hardy and intelligent to work with the military and also serve a guard dog for local villages. European breeds did not adapt well to the harsh climate found in Israel and that had proved a problem, but her research eventually led her to the Canaan dogs. Due to the many hardships these native dogs had faced over the centuries, only the most intelligent and hardiest had survived.
A breeding and training program was established using captured Canaan dogs, who quickly proved their value. Graduates served as mine detectors, sentries, Red Cross assistants, and messengers. They also helped their handlers locate injured soldiers in the Second World War. In the lulls between wars and after them, Canaan dogs were put to use as guide dogs for blind people.
In 1965, the breed was imported to America and slowly attracted devotees. It was admitted to the American Kennel Club’s herding group in 1997, after having been in the Miscellaneous class for eight years. The Canaan dogs’ original purpose as a guardian and herding animal is now more often than not overlooked in favor of the breed’s growing cache as a companion.
Temperament
The Canaan dog is very persistent but easily trained. These dogs often serve as both a responsive companion and natural guardian. These vigilant dogs can be quite vocal at times. However they are docile around members of their human family and completely devoted to them. Though they are affectionate and devoted pets, they do not glue themselves to their owners. Canaan dogs are also fairly reserved around strangers, due in part to their highly territorial natures. Both shyness and dominance of people are considered to be faults in this breed.
Caring for Your Canaan
General Health
The Canaan Dog is currently one of the healthiest breeds around. However, dogs should be tested for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and other hereditary problems which can appear from time to time. Breeders should use inbreeding co-efficiencies to avoid any difficulties from arising that way. Tests or hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy should be undertaken as well if one plans on breeding their dogs.
Care
Daily
This dog breed usually satisfied with short walks. Canaan dogs also enjoy outdoor place time in fenced-in areas.
Weekly
This breed needs to be brushed at least once a week, preferably with a hound mitt or curry brush. Frequent brushing may be required when the Canaan dog undergoes a period of heavier shedding. It is also a good idea to brush one’s dog’s teeth regularly to prevent bad breath and the onset of periodontal disease.
Monthly
All pets require flea, tick, and heartworm medication on a monthly basis.
Grooming & Bathing
These dogs will only need the occasional bath. Their toenails should be kept trimmed as well.
Exercise & Training
When these dogs have a constant schedule, they are not difficult to housetrain. In fact, Canaan dogs are incredibly trainable but they tend to get bored easily. It is a good idea to find out what motivates one’s particular pet and use that to an advantage. Some dogs are motivated by playtime while others enjoy treats, for example. To prevent members of this breed from becoming shy, early socialization training is also highly recommended.
Owners should note that Canaans love to dig and can excavate large areas if left unsupervised. Therefore, they may not make the best pets for gardeners. It is a good idea to either provide these dogs with their own digging space or direct this habit towards other activities. Canaans are especially well-suited to agility sports and, of course, herding sheep but they also enjoy playing with children. These dogs also require a securely fenced yard to protect them from traffic and from getting into fights with other canines.
Canaan Picture Gallery
