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Canaan Dog

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.

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Breed Facts
Active:
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Affectionate:
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Friendly:
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Pet Friendly:
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Protective:
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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
Medical Conditions
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
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
Other 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
Breed 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
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Canaan Dog Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit Canaan Dog Rescue Network