The Canaan Dog is a smart and dependable herding breed that also is a talented guard dog. Aloof with strangers, the Canaan is loyal to his family.

Physical Characteristics

• Large, square build
• Thick, bushy tail
• Wedge-shaped head, black nose, dark eyes, erect ears
• Coat: Harsh, flat top hair and soft under coat comes in predominantly white with color patches or solid red, sandy, brown or black
• Height: 19-24 inches
• Weight: 35-55 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament

• Smart, dependable, gentle, affectionate, alert, devoted, obedient, independent
• Interaction with people: Very friendly with familiar people; wary of strangers
• Interaction with animals: May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex
• Training: Needs firm, positive training and early socialization with children and other pets
• Bark: Can be highly vocal
• Protection: Good watchdog; protective of its territory

At Home

• OK for apartments with sufficient exercise
• Adaptable to most living situations
• Needs daily walk
• Can live indoors or outdoors

Grooming

• Easily groomed
• Seasonal heavy shedder
• Brush and comb once a week minimum
• No "doggie" smell

Brief History

• Native to Israel
• Dates back 4,000 years
• When the Israelites dispersed, some dogs became guards for nomadic people and others lived as pariahs
• Tomb carvings at Beni-Hassan in Egypt, dating back to 2200 B.C., depict dogs similar to the Canaan
• Used as a mine detector, messenger, and search-and-rescue dog in the Israeli army
• First brought to the U.S. in 1965

Fido's Facts

• In the 1930s, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel worked with then-undomesticated Canaans, eventually leading to domestication, training and breeding
• The Canaan is the national breed of Israel
• The dogs took refuge in the Negez Desert after Israelites were moved from the land
• Used as military dogs in the Middle East during World War II