New Dog World: Canaan Dog Breed: Israeli Patrol Dog

Sunday, 13 April 2014

Canaan Dog Breed: Israeli Patrol Dog

Breed: Canaan

AKC Breed Group: Herding

Other Registries: ANKC (Non Sporting); CKC (Working); FCI (Spitz and Primitive); KC (Utility); UKC (Sighthound & Pariah)

Weight: Male: 45-55; Female: 35-45 lbs

Height: Male: 20-24; Female: 19-23 inches

Color: Predominantly White With Mask, With or Without Additional Color Patches, or Solid Color With or Without White Trim

Origin: Israel

Canaan Dog Overview

This ancient dog breed originated in the Middle East in 2200 B.C. The Canaan Dog was used by the Israelites to herd and guard. This dog breed was also used extensively during and after WWII as a guarding, tracking and patrol dog. Today, the Canaan Dog still performs these duties. Although once a rare breed, they are now well established in Israel, Western Europe, England and the United States.

Canaan Dog Characteristics

This dog breed is well balanced, powerful and medium-sized. The Canaan Dog is an elegant breed. This dog breed is extremely resilient with an above average amount of endurance and stamina. The Canaan Dog is agile, athletic and hard working. This breed has a keenly developed sense of smell and hearing enabling them to be instantly alert to danger.

Canaan Dog Temperament

Considered to be a primitive breed, the Canaan Dog is highly intelligent, devoted and deeply loyal. This dog breed forms an extremely strong bond with their family and can be very wary of strangers. The dog makes an excellent guard dog, but does tend to bark excessively. This breed does not like to be left alone for extended periods. The breed gets along well with older children. This breed is not suited for a home with other dogs of the same gender, cats or small household pets. The Canaan Dog has natural herding instincts and tends to herd anything that moves. This dog breed is not recommended for the novice or sedentary owner.

Canaan Dog Care

This breed is almost maintenance free. A weekly brush suffices for the breed, but extra care should be given during seasonal shedding. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. The Canaan Dog is susceptible to patella luxation, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

Canaan Dog Coat

This is a double coat dog breed. The outer coat of the Canaan Dog is harsh, straight, flat and short. The under coat is soft and dense. The coat comes in two distinct color patterns: white with mash, and solid colored with or without white trim. Solid coat colors range from black, sandy, red, liver and all shades of brown. The Canaan Dog is a seasonal and heavy shedder.

Canaan Dog Training

It is vital to keep in mind that the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed. This breed is slow to mature, highly independent, and tends to be stubborn. The Canaan Dog requires an experienced owner and handler. Early socialization and obedience are an absolute must. Canaan Dogs do not respond well to harsh or forceful methods, but do need to understand who the boss is. Training should be performed with firmness, respect, fairness, patience and consistency. The Canaan Dog tends to become bored with repetitive tasks.

Canaan Dog Activity

This dog breed requires an above average amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. The Canaan Dog enjoys having a task to do, herding and family play sessions. This breed makes an excellent walking, jogging and hiking companion. The Canaan Dog is best suited to a home with a large, safely fenced area where there is room to romp and run freely. Canaan Dogs adapt well to apartment living, provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention and stimulation.