Carvings and burials show that dogs have been in ancient Canaan, a region which today encompasses Israel, for 2,000 years. Developed from local dogs in the 1930s by Dr Rudolphina Menzel, a dog trainer and breeder from Austria, these are steady, confident dogs, loyal to their family, and aloof with others. The Canaan Dog is used for herding and tracking, but is primarily a companion. It requires patience to train fully.

Breed name synonyms: Kelef K’naani, Kelev Cana’ani, Canaan

HISTORY

The feral forefather of the Canaan Dog, the middle eastern Pariah Dog, dates back to pre-biblical times. The Canaan Dog is an Israeli breed named after the Land of Canaan. The Hebrews used these ancient dogs to herd and guard their flocks and encampments.
Canaan Dogs were plentiful until the Romans drove the Israelites out of the Holy Land. Forced to seek shelter, the Canaans migrated in the Negev Desert. In the Negev Desert, not only they survived extinction, but procreated and remained undomesticated for centuries. Later on, they were adopted by some Bedouin tribes. Even today that Canaans are considered to be a “natural” breed, which means they were shaped by natural selection and not human breeding.
During the Israeli War of Independence and in WWII, Canaan Dogs served as messengers, mine detectors, trackers and guard dogs.
In the past Canaan Dogs used to be a rare breed but today they are getting increasingly popular as pets.

PERSONALITY

Canaan Dogs are devoted and docile with their family, but reserved and aloof with strangers. Being highly territorial, they serve well as responsive companions and natural guardians. They are alert, vigilant and persistent. Unfortunately they have a tendency to wander and run away.

Canaans are an incredibly agile breed. They are able to completely change direction even when running at high speeds.

Canaan dogs are intelligent and can learn fast, but they are not easily trainable. The missing ingredient is the fact that they are difficult to motivate.

TRAITS

Although there are two subtypes of dogs, the so – called “stockdog” type and a longer coated, heavier type dog, the standard requires a medium-sized dog with erect ears and square conformation. Its appearance must show a combination of agility, endurance, and strength.
The Canaan’s harsh, double coat protects him from extreme temperatures. The coat’s color may be solid black or brown with or without white markings.
Females weight 35-45lb (16-20.5kg) and their height at withers is19-23” (48-58.5cm), while males weight 45-55lb (20.5-25kg) and their height at withers is 20-24” (51-61 cm).

HADLING

Canaan dogs can claim pure working heritage. Sitting around and napping all the time, are not their favorite activities. They are very active and their mind needs to be kept busy. Canaans are aware and suspicious of their environment at any time.

Because Canaans are closer to “nature” they are more concerned about the hierarchy of the pack. The owner must impose himself as the leader. These dogs require firm but loving handling. Early socialization during puppyhood is imperative, in order to counteract bad tendencies such as aloofness and aggression toward other dogs. Although experienced dog owners may find the Canaan easy to train, first-timers will have their hands full.

HEALTH

Canaan Dogs are a hardy breed and do not suffer from any known hereditary health problems. Acquired health problems are also rare. However, epilepsy is probably the main concern in Canaans. Seizures typically start between 2 and 4 years of age. Another common problem are allergies. They cause itchy skin and can lead to severe type of bacterial skin infection known as pyoderma. Both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur in Canaan Dogs, but thankfully their rates are very low.

Other conditions reported in Canaan Dogs include hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), luxating patella, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, diabetes, pancreatitis, and degenerative myelopathy.

The Canaan’s lifespan is estimated to be 12-13 years.