Canaan Dog

Canaan Dog
Size: Medium
Other Names: Dog of Canaan, Kelev K’naani
Country of Origin: Israel
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Herding
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog, with a wedge-shaped head, medium-sized, erect and low set ears with a broad base and rounded tips.  The Canaan Dog is square, the loin region short, the forequarters highly erect, the hindquarters less angulated, the tail curled over the back when excited, and the trot is short.  Type varies somewhat between the American lines of Canaan Dogs and those found in Israel and the rest of the world, with many of the American dogs being rectangular in shape.

A medium pariah-type herder and watchdog for a house and yard; short coat, an alert bark, and a reserved mind that wants a job more than a crowded apartment.

The Canaan Dog may have existed in the Middle East for millennia.  It belongs to one of the most ancient family of dogs, the spitz.
Height
Male: 20-24 inches; Female: 18-20 inches
Weight
Male: 40-55 pounds; Female: 35-42 pounds
Color
From black to cream and all shades of brown and red between, usually with small white markings, or all white with color patches
Coat
Outer coat is dense, harsh and straight of short to medium-length; undercoat should be close and profuse, according to season
Lifespan
12–15 years
Litter size
4–6 puppies

Temperament

Canaan Dogs have a strong survival instinct.  They are quick to react and wary of strangers, and will alert to any disturbances with prompt barking, thus making them excellent watchdogs.  Though defensive, they are not aggressive and are very good with children.

Training

Canaan Dogs are intelligent and learn quickly, but may get bored with repetitive exercises or ignore commands if they find something of more interest.

Care and grooming

Brush the double coat weekly, more often when the undercoat blows.  This desert herder needs shade and water in heat.

Shedding

Moderate; heavier when the undercoat blows.

Health

Canaan Dogs are generally healthy pariah-type dogs.  Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy can occur; ask breeders about hip and eye testing.

Crosses that include the Canaan Dog

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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