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History
The Canaan Dog was originally bred in the 1930's from the feral dogs of Israel. Bedouins still use the breed today to guard, herd and manage their sheep. The Canaan Dog has also been used as war sentry and messenger, mine detector, and even as a guide for the blind. The Canaan Dog 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 2200 BC. The breed was first imported to the United States in 1965 when four dogs sent by the breed's founder, Dr. Menzel, arrived by ship on our western shores. The Canaan Dog is recognized by the FCI and CKC, and can be shown in ARBA and UKC dog shows. The breed is now in the Herding Group of the AKC, and is therefore eligible to participate in all AKC activities.
Description
A sturdy, medium sized, squarely proportioned dog with a bushy tail carried curled over the back. The ears are erect, medium to large, and set low. The head is shaped like a blunt wedge with a shallow, but defined, stop. The nose is dark, and the slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes are dark brown with dark rims that harmonize with the coat color. The eyes should have an alert, inquisitive expression. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite (level bites are acceptable under the FCI standard). The front legs should be absolutely straight. The round cat-like feet should have hard pads. The double coat protects the dog from extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. The outer coat is 1,3 to 3,8 cm long and lies flat, and the undercoat is straight, soft and short. Color is either solid black, brown, white, or in a patched pattern of white with black or brown. (The FCI standard allows solid white dogs, but the Canaan Club of America and the AKC do not.) Solid colors may have white trim on the chest, feet and tip of tail. The first four imports to the U.S. were white with black mask and patches. These dogs and subsequent imports introduced a variety of color patterns. Although the majority of U.S. dogs are white-and-black, the complete range of colors found in the wild is represented in the U.S. population of Canaan Dogs. Brown-and-white and black-and-white dogs should have a symmetrical mask matching the color of their patches. Red dogs are either born creamy white and then darken, or dark reddish brown and then lighten.
Talents
Tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, agility, and competitive obedience.
Personality
Tends to be a one-person or one-family dog. Very defensive of his territory, the Canaan Dog is a great watchdog. He should be well socialized when young with both dogs and people (especially children), as the breed tends to be naturally wary of strangers though he is very friendly with those he knows. This breed can do exceptionally well in obedience, but tends to get bored with overly repetitive training. Very intelligent and independant. Responsive to training. Positive, motivational training works best with this breed. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independantly, yet work as a team with his handler. Many dogs display herding instinct and compete in herding trials. Gentle, devoted and docile, but also lively, alert and protective. A willing and vigilant guard dog. May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex.
Behavior
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Trainability: Very easy to train.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
Combativeness: Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
Noise: Average barker.
Notes
Canaan Dogs are very clean and do not have a "doggy" odor. A healthy, hearty breed with one of the lowest rates of hip dysplasia of any breed.
Grooming
Grooming: Very little grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Seasonally heavy shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Moderately active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: Best with at least an average-size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
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