One of the AKC’s oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. This quick, medium-sized pasture dog is docile with family, aloof with strangers. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home. Canaan Dogs are lean, bushy-tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. The coat is straight and harsh, and comes in various colors and patterns. Erect, expressive ears and dark almond eyes convey an inquisitive expression. Canaans move at a brisk, natural trot. They are rugged, agile, and apparently tireless, making them a nice fit for hikers and runners. Canaans are clever, confident, and territorial. They will end up “owning” passive owners who haven’t establish themselves as top dog in the family pack. Early training and socialization are key. When positive methods are applied, these ancient wonder-dogs train beautifully. Agility, obedience, herding trials, and sentry duty are a few outlets for their work ethic.
History
Canaan Dogs are named for the territory that is today Israel, Lebanon, and parts of bordering countries. For Israelites of biblical times, herds and flocks were at the heart of daily existence. Livestock was kept for food, leather, and wool, but also for use in the ritual sacrifices that were solemn custom for centuries. The many references to sheep and shepherds in Christian, Hebrew, and Muslim scripture attest to the centrality of pastoral life to ancient Semitic cultures.
Artifacts going back some 4,000 years bear inscriptions of dogs that look much like Canaans, but exactly when the breed was developed is one of those canine milestones that has vanished in the rearview mirror of history. We can assume that for thousands of years these dogs were shepherd’s assistants whose tasks included herding, droving, and guarding.
The turning point of the breed’s known history occurred in the year 70. It was then that the Romans, after decades of their uneasy occupation of Judea, destroyed Jerusalem and dispersed the Israelites across the Middle East and Mediterranean basin. With their owners gone and their flocks scattered, Canaan Dogs sought refuge in the Negev Desert, where they survived and, for the most part, lived undomesticated until the 20th century.
During the years leading to the foundation of the State of Israel, sentry dogs were needed to patrol isolated Jewish settlements and to train as K-9s for the fledgling Israeli army. Dr. Rudolphina Menzel, an Austrian cynologist living in Palestine, proposed the semi-wild dogs of the desert, on the assumption that only the fittest could survive such a hardscrabble existence. So began the redomestication of the Canaan Dog.
The desert dogs proved bright and highly trainable, and they were soon earning their feed as sentries, messengers, service dogs, and landmine detectors. After World War II, Menzel began the peacetime pursuit of breeding and training Canaans as guide dogs for the blind.
Health
The Canaan Dog is generally healthy and has a small group of dedicated breeders who communicate with each other regularly and work together for the betterment of the breed. As with all breeds, a Canaan Dog’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
Grooming
Canaans tend to stay clean and normally require less frequent baths than other moderately active breeds. They have a double coat, consisting of a harsh, flat outer coat and a softer undercoat. They will have a shedding season at least once a year’frequent brushing during this time will help to remove loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. The nails should be trimmed regularly if they don’t wear down naturally, as overly long nails can cause discomfort and structural issues.
Exercise
Canaans require a moderate amount of exercise and can adapt well various living situations when given daily outings. Training for dog sports provides an ideal outlet for their energy. The breed exercises mind and body by participating in obedience, tracking, herding, agility, nose work, carting, coursing ability tests, and other activities that dog and owner can enjoy together.
Training
Wonderfully sensitive, affectionate, and responsive, Canaan Dogs make devoted family companions. They are highly intelligent and readily trained. Although the dogs are adaptable to most climates and living situations, their natural drive for self-preservation and a well-developed sense of territory make them mistrustful of strange people, strange dogs, and new environments; early socialization and puppy training classes are a must. This is a process that should begin with the breeder and continue with the new owner and helps to ensure a well-mannered and well-adjusted dog both at home and in public. Training sessions should always be positive; harsh training methods will have a negative effect on the Canaan’s sensitive nature.
Nutrition
The Canaan Dog should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
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