Canaan Dog

The Canaan dog is a medium-sized, square dog that is spitz-like in appearance, with a thick, profuse coat and a tail curled over the back when excited or moving. The harsh, straight short/medium-length coat comes in sandy to red-brown, white or black in colour. Ideally, the Canaan Dog should measure between 50-60cm and weigh between 18-25kg.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Medium dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Quiet dog
Guard dog. Barks and alerts
May require training to live with other pets
May require training to live with kids

Personality

Canaan dogs are one of the few 'natural' breeds in existence today. They have become domesticated over the years but still possess extremely strong survival instincts, which can make them independent and wary. They are territorial, but not aggressive to people, and protective of their family, both adults and children. They can be quarrelsome with other dogs and same-sex aggression is not unknown, so early and ongoing socialisation is essential.

History and Origins

The Canaan dog is an ancient breed from the Middle East. They were used to guard and herd the flocks of the ancient Israelites. When the Israelites dispersed so did their dogs, and only the strongest survived the harsh environment. The Bedouin tribes adopted some of the dogs to guard their camps and herds. During the 1930s, a guard dog was required by the isolated settlements of Israel. The Canaan dog breed was the ideal choice. They were semi-wild and could survive in harsh conditions. Today this dog is still seen guarding the Bedouin tribes and also the Israeli army used them for guard and patrol work.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

They enjoy exercise and are very agile and athletic. They will adapt to however much exercise they are given, whether they are indoors or out but they need at least one good long run, for a minimum of an hour, every day.

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Canaan dog is generally a healthy breed, with few widely recognised specific breed related problems. Hip scoring and eye testing in breeding dogs in advisable to prevent problems arising in the breed.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.