History of the Canaan Dog Breed
It is believed that Canaan dogs evolved despite many hardships over hundreds, or even thousands, of years. Many claim that the breed originated in biblical times in the land of Canaan, and at that time it was known as kalef K'naani, which means "dog of Canaan." It is also said that drawings of dogs with a similar look were found in the tombs of Beni-Hassan, which dated back to 2200 BC. This breed was used to guard the camps and herd the flocks by Israelites in ancient times, and the Canaan dog was apparently abundant in the region. But these Israeli dogs were apparently left to fend for themselves in places like the Sebulon coastal plain and Negev desert (which is a natural reservoir for wildlife in the area) when the Israelites scattered from their homeland with the Romans' arrival nearly 2,000 years ago. It is believed that the Bedouins captured wild, male pups from the breed and raised them as guard dogs or livestock dogs. Sources also claim that this breed was used as a guard dog for the Druze on Mount Carmel. But when the breed was further developed by the Israeli Defense Force to be used as service dogs in the 1930s, the traditional European service dog could not adapt to the harsh climate. It is Dr. Rudolphina Menzel that can be credited with the continued existence of the Canaan dog. She searched for and captured the native feral dogs and started a training and breeding program. She developed the dog to protect isolated Jewish settlements and to build up the reserve of war dogs for the coming War of Independence. The breed quickly became adept at serving in many capacities, including: sentry dog, messenger dog, and mine detectors. In fact, it is claimed that the dogs were better at detecting mines that mechanical detectors. The Canaan dog also served as helpers to the Red Cross and in locating wounded soldiers during World War II. After the War, many became guide dogs for the blind, again thanks to Dr. Menzel. It was in 1965 that the first Canaan dog appeared in the United States, brought to the country by Ursula Berkowitz of Oxnard, California. The breed slowly attracted attention. The breed was admitted to the AKC as part of the herding group in 1997.
Size and Appearance of the Canaan Dog Breed
Square in proportion and medium in size, the Canaan dog is a combination of agility, endurance, and strength. The straight front legs feature catlike feet with hard pads and strong nails. The back legs are in balance with the front, and they feature well-developed, muscular thighs. The wedge-shaped head is somewhat elongated, and it features dark, almond-shaped eyes with a slight slant. The eyes offer an alert and inquisitive, yet dignified expression. The ears are medium to large in size, they are broad at the base, and they taper to a slightly rounded tip. The ears angle slightly forward when the dog is excited. The tapered muzzle features a darkly pigmented nose, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The well-arched neck flows smoothly into the shoulders and back. The tail, which is carried curled over the back when the dog is excited, is set moderately high. The gait of the Canaan dog is described as a tireless, brisk, natural trot. The double coat of this breed consists of an outer coat of straight, harsh, flat-lying, hair with slight ruff and a soft, short undercoat that varies in density depending on the climate. The tail is usually quite bushy. There are two basic coat patterns in the Canaan dog: mostly white with a mask and with or without additional patches of the same color and solid-colored (including black, browns, reds) with or without white trim.
Canaan Dog Temperament
Intelligent and devoted, the Canaan dog is considered to be a natural guardian of its family. While it is generally reserved around strangers, this breed is usually good with household dogs and other pets, but it may have a tendency to be aggressive with strange dogs. This breed also tends to bark a lot. It is said that the Canaan dog is amazingly attached to its family, and mature dogs will grieve if placed with a new owner. This breed should be socialized with children from an early age. It may become attached to one particular person in the family. While this breed responds well to positive, motivational training, it may get bored with overly repetitive training.
Canaan Dog Recommended Maintenance
The Canaan dog is easy to groom, and it is considered to be a very clean breed.
The coat should be brushed about once a week to remove dead hairs. Extra care is needed during heavy shedding periods, as this dog is a seasonally heavy shedder. Bathe when necessary. It is important to keep the nails trimmed, and the ears cleaned. This breed is generally very easily housebroken as it has a natural denning instinct.
The Canaan dog needs daily mental and physical activity, and it will get bored if it just sits around. Jogging, herding exercises, games, and training sessions can help to meet the daily requirements. While this dog can live outdoors in warm to cool temperatures, it also enjoys being inside with its family and can make an excellent house dog. This breed will be okay in an apartment dwelling is sufficient exercise is provided, but it does best with at least an average-sized yard.
Canaan Dog Health
Life span: 12 - 13 years
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: none
