Canaan Dog: Characteristics, Exercise, Health

Group: Southern, Herding Dogs.

AKC Ranking: 150

Also Known As: Kelef K'naani

About Canaan Dog

Origin of the Breed The Canaan Dog was originally bred in the 1930's from the wild dogs of Israel. Description of the Breed 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 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. The straight, harsh, double coat is ½ to 2 inches long and lies flat.

Coat

It comes in solid black, brown, and white, or in a patched pattern of white with black or brown. Solid colors may have white trim on the chest, feet and tip of the tail. Brown & white and black & white dogs should have a symmetrical mask matching the color of their patches. Red dogs are either born dark reddish brown and then lighten, or creamy white and then darken.

Height: 19-24 inches (48-61 cm.)

Weight: 35-55 pounds (16-25 kg.)

Personality

This breed is dependable, obedient, intelligent, independent, gentle, devoted, docile, lively, alert, protective and an excellent herder. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independently, yet will work as a team with its handler. It tends to bark a lot.

May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex and wary with strangers. The Canaan Dog tends to be a one person dog or one family dog. They are very defensive of their territory.

Living Conditions

The Canaan Dog will do okay in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. It suits itself to extreme temperatures. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise & Training

They need a lot of exercise and mental and physical challenges, which include long daily walks, or a daily jog, along with herding exercises, a strenuous game session, a demanding work along with a challenging training session. It responds best to positive, motivational training, but tends to get bored with overly repetitive training.

Grooming

The Canaan Dog is a very clean breed with no doggie odor. It is easy to groom. It should be combed and brushed once a week, taking extra care when the dog is shedding, which it does heavily.

Health Issues

Noted for its resistance to disease and healthy constitution. It has one of the lowest rates of hip dysplasia out of any breed.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 yrs

Breeder Club: www.cdca.org

Rescue Link: www.canaandogrescue.com/cdrn/index.htm