It is also known by some other names. They form a very strong bond with their family but more strongly with one specific person in the family that they see as the leader. The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed resembling the wild dog type which has survived in Israel through at least 4000 years of history. The pack structure is a very basic part of the canine social structure. A protective instinct that comes from a herding and guarding background means this charmer has great watchdog potential. The spread of the human population into areas that were formerly isolated, along with their pet dogs, has resulted in the loss of the natural habitat of the Canaan. Make sure you teach your dog when to stop. But the breed is aloof towards strangers, although it should never be shy or aggressive, and highly territorial. Because the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed, this means pack order is more of an issue than with many other domestic breeds. Origins. The undercoat should be close and profuse according to season. All dogs want to be part of a pack. It also comes in silver, black and white varieties. The temperament of the Canaan Dog is devoted, alert, courageous, and vigilant. Canaan Dogs zijn zeer trainbaar met positieve versterkingstechnieken, maar net als elke hond, als hij niet consistent en vastberaden is met je bevelen, zal hij van je profiteren. In order to survive in the wild, it was necessary that it develop a cautious approach to life, and it tends to treat novel experiences and individuals as threats until proven otherwise. Canaan Dogs are a natural breed; humans haven't altered their lineage. The Canaan Dog. This is the national dog breed of Israel and has survived in the wilderness for thousands of years.. It is a medium-sized square built dog, with a wedge-shaped head, erect and low set ears with a broad base and rounded tips. Let us study the breed’s temperament, physical characteristics, and training and exercise needs which potential Canaan owners need to know. It is a square built dog, with a wedge-shaped head, erect and low set ears with a broad base and rounded tips. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Canaan Dog behaves well with other household pets (including dogs), but tends to be scrappy towards strange dogs and people. Although, temperament of the Canaan dog is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Canaan Dogs are pariah dogs which live on the fringes of civilization and are frequently used by the Bedouin as flock and camp guardians. Not only does the Canaan Dog excel as a herder, but it has also proven itself in a variety of tasks involving dependability and obedience such as agility, tracking and herding trials. Generally 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high quality dry food per day will be enough for a mature dog. They may also test you for pack leadership, so they require a confident, consistent owner. Provide them with a digging area they can call their own or redirect the digging tendency with other activities. With a consistent schedule, it is easy to housetrain. A natural guardian, it may bark a lot and is protective of its human family. It’s other names are Bedouin Sheepdog and Palestinian Pariah Dog. The Canaan dog breed requires extensive socialization. A dog who has been exposed to a variety of people and situations while young will be less stressed and less likely to overreact when confronted with something new as an adult. The aim of the British Canaan Dog Society is to promote understanding and provide help and advice about Canaan Dogs. This breed of dog is said to have characteristics of the European Spitz and has blue eyes. Her breeding program was concentrated with the Institute, where a foundation of kennel-raised Canaan dogs was established, carrying the name “B’nei Habitachon”. Spotting of all kinds is permitted as well as white or black masks. The typical Canaan Dog temperament is very suspicious of people they don't know well or at all. You can also consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations. And average live body weight of the mature dogs is between 18 and 25 kg. Puppies with nice temperament are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. In 1934, Dr. Rudolf and Prof. Rudolphina Menzel immigrated to Israel, then known as Palestine. She found that the breed was too independent and too small for general guide dog use, although some of her dogs were used successfully by children. Canaan Dogs are distinguished by their intense expressions and intelligence. Dogs of the breed have straight, front legs with catlike feet that have hard pads and strong nails. They are territorial but not aggressive towards people, although they can be aggressive towards other dogs. Territoriality of this dog, which kicks in at about age 2, makes the Canaan a good alarm dog. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions. Dr. Rudolphina Menzel used these intelligent scavenger-dogs mainly found in the desert as guard dogs. It is sure to bark whenever anyone comes to the door, settling back down once it is certain you have the situation under control. Bedouins captured male pu… Although, she was able to train several dogs. Temperament and Behavior. Today, there are 2,000 to 3,000 Canaan dogs across the world, mostly in Europe and North America. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The medium sized Canaan Dog’s coat is medium length and can be sandy to brown, white or black or a mix of these. What kind of dog is a Canaan dog? Dense undercoat of these dogs allows them to spend time outdoors in all kinds of weather. The Canaan dog is medium-sized, and is a loving and faithful family dog. Shaar Hagai Kennels, managed by Dvora Ben Shaul and Myrna Shiboleth, continued the breeding program according to her instructions after her death in 1973. Menzel founded The Institute for Orientation and Mobility of the Blind in 1949, and in 1953, she started to train Canaan dogs as guide dogs for the blind. How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. The Canaan Dog is a "wild type" dog in appearance. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Canaan Dog is curious, loving and loyal toward his family. The Canaan dogs love go dig and can make quite large excavations in a short period if left to their own devices. She began a breeding program in 1934, providing working dogs for the military and she gave pups to be pets and home guard dogs. The Canaan dog breed is found in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Sinai peninsula, and these or dogs very similar are found in Egypt, Iraq, and Syria. According to tradition, at the time of the Diaspora the Israelites were forcefully removed from their land and had to leave behind their dogs, which reverted to the wild. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area. But the breed is aloof towards strangers, although it should never be shy or aggressive, and highly territorial. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch, lying flat on the body, with a slight ruff on the neck. We’d love to hear from you! These dogs are adaptable to a range of living situations and aren’t just for … It is thought that the breed originated in the biblical land of Canaan and were known as Kelev Kanani (Dog of Canaan). Canaan Dogs are lean, bushy-tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Canaan Dogs have a double coat that insulates them from desert temperature extremes. Here you will find lots of information, both on the society and Canaan Dogs. The Canaan Dog is a breed of pariah dog thought to be the one Hebrews used in biblical times to guard their flock.Today, the Bedouins and the Druse still use it for this purpose. However, he is naturally reserved and aloof with strangers. Some Canaan Dogs also do therapy dog and search-and-rescue work. The cemetery dates back to the time of occupation by the Persian Empire and archaeologists hypothesize that the dogs were revered as sacred animals. She later supplied breeding stock to Shaar Hagai Kennels which continued in the breeding of the Canaan dog. Menzel was asked by the Haganah to build up a service dog organization in the 1930s. The Canaan dogs are medium in size, very beautiful and is a typical primitive dog in appearance. It is a medium sized breed and is very beautiful. Myrna Shiboleth visits the Negev regularly, looking for good specimens living by the Bedouin camps, that she can breed with her dogs and use to strengthen the gene pool.[1]. The Canaan dogs are generally healthy. Temperament of the Akbash Dog The temperament of the Akbash Dog is loyal, loving, gentle with family and extremely protective of them. The Canaan dog is a breed of pariah dog from the Middle East. Temperament. Canaan Dogs have evolved through hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of years of hardship. You will need to set some limits when it comes to barking though. Excavations in Israel unearthed the Ashkelon dog cemetery, the largest known animal cemetery in the ancient world, containing 700 dog skeletons all of which were anatomically similar to the Canaan dog of modern times. Isolation is the most serious punishment you can use on a dog. The Canaan Dog is lean, standing at between 51–61cm and weighing roughly 18-25kg. Temperament. Even the majority of Bedouin dogs today, other than those of tribes still living a traditional and isolated life style, are mixed with other breeds. Collection of wild Canaan dogs has become very difficult. Learn about the Canaan Dog's Information, Temperament, Care, Grooming, Training, Activity, Feeding, Health Concerns, Average Annual Expenses, Puppy Price, Names & Biting Statistics. The coat is straight and harsh, and comes in various colors and patterns. Since time immemorial, the Bedouins have used this dog for guarding their herds and camps. The back legs of the breed have well developed, muscular thighs. READ Austrian Black and Tan Hound: Characteristics, Origin, Lifespan Their undercoat should be close and profuse according to season. The Canaan Dog is a medium to large dog from the Middle East bred to be a herding dog. In addition, a controlled collection of dogs of the original type was continued, primarily from the Bedouin of the Negev. Its outer coat is dense, harsh and straight of short to medium-length. They tend to regard other dogs and most all non-canine animals as either food, predators, or both. However, … These dogs are adaptable to a range of living situations and aren’t just for … The Canaan dogs are medium in size, very beautiful and is a typical primitive dog in appearance. Exposure to many different people, places, sights, sounds and experiences are important. It's no accident that this driven and focused dog was the first to locate landmines by scent. Canaan Dog - Information on Health, Care, Characteristics, Personality and Temperament. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with moderate exercise needs. These dogs are naturally mistrustful of intruders and will announce at the earliest in case any unknown is present in the territory. They are very alert of the activities going on in the surrounding. The body is well muscled as the breed is basically a working dog participating in many activities like herding, guarding, search and rescue etc. Canaan Dogs are independent thinkers who resist repetitious training, which they find boring. The eyes are dark and inquisitive, the ears are erect and the high set bushy tail is curled over the back. The Canaan dog is described as alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with it’s family. The Canaan Dog is a loving and loyal family pet, but is not a breed that enjoys attention from people it has not bonded with. Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Canaan dogs. Hij verveelt zich snel, dus vermijd herhaling. But the outer coat is dense, harsh and straight of short to medium-length. She initiated a selective breeding program to produce the breed known today as the Canaan dog. Canaan Breed Appearance With a weight of up to 55 pounds, the Canaan dog is medium in size and square in proportion. If they sense anything unusual, they will bark and warn their owner but they are never aggressive unless they sense a treat to their people. The Canaan Dogs retains many "primitive dog" instincts. Our commitment is to EDUCATION, a key factor to the well-being and protection of this precious breed. The Canaan dog type varies slightly between the lines of other individuals of the breed, as also with those that are found in Israel and the rest of the globe. Canaan dogs, while extremely smart and extremely versatile, are nonetheless given to primacy when it comes to being territorial, protective, and defensive. They are very alert and the barking does make them a good watchdog. He is very prone to barking and challenging anyone who approaches without permission. Temperament: The Canaan Dog is alert, intelligent, confident and territorial. She captured a select group of semi-wild individuals, tamed, trained and bred them. Personality and Temperament. The Canaan dogs are medium in size and are moderately active. The Canaan dog is described as alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with it’s family. It is usually satisfied with a couple of short walks a day or a walk plus some vigorous playtime in the backyard. The super alert Candoodle brings together the smarts of the Poodle with the caring nature of the Canaan dogfor a great family dog that is loyal, loving and devoted to his human pack. Canaan Dog Temperament. Otherwise, he will probably bark … This question can be tricky because it is based on the common name, which is a short form of the name of the breed. Canaan Dog Behavior and Temperament : Canaan dogs are highly devoted and extremely protective of their families. Their common health problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s disease. Although they are independent by nature, they can work as a team, and thus being helpful to the departments of defense. Temperament. Average lifespan of the Canaan dog is between 12 and 15 years. Territoriality of this dog, which kicks in at about age 2, makes the Canaan a good alarm dog. It took her about six months to capture her first dog, Dugma, and within a few weeks she was able to take him into town and on buses. However, this is not an aggressive breed. Canaan Dogs: This dog from the Middle East has been a flock guardian and a herder for centuries. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. But it should be a housedog, when it’s people are home. Cool facts about the Canaan Dog. Their undercoat should be close and profuse according to season. Motivate them with variation, praise, and occasionally food. 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Canaan Dog Temperament It is not a man-made breed of dog, it is one of the few natural breeds that exist today. Color of the Canaan dogs ranges from black to cream and all shades of brown and red between, usually with small white markings, or all white with color patches. Canaan dogs still retain much of their independence from the days when they were cast out to live on their own, but if they are properly socialized, they can form a loving part of their households. This breed is typically very territorial and protective. Its neck is gracefully arched and the legs are straight. Average body height of the mature Canaan dogs is between 20 and 24 inches at the withers for males and between 18 and 20 inches for the females. Body Type – The Canaan Dog has a strongly built body which can endure extreme temperatures. They are wary of strangers and because they’re alert they’re constantly aware of movement, making them a superb watchdog. They have become pets in recent years but still have extremely strong survival instincts that can make them independent and wary. When the Israelites were dispersed from their homeland by the Romans 2000 years ago, most of the Israeli dogs were left to fend for themselves in the Sebulon Coastal Plain and Negev Desert. Canaan dogs still retain much of their independence from the days when they were cast out to live on their own, but if they are properly socialized, they can form a loving part of their households. Many of the Canaan dogs living in the open were destroyed by the Israeli government in the fight against rabies. The Canaan is a member of the Spitz family. Canaan dog puppies are very intelligent, alert and loyal which makes it an excellent watchdog and will bark is sees any intruder entering the premises. Character & Temperament. Temperament. Spotting of all kinds is permitted as well as white or black masks. Menzel found the dogs highly adaptable, trainable, and easy to domesticate. Temperament and Personality. They work well as a team, but at the same time can think independently. The undercoat of the Canaan Dog is thick and very short. The temperament of the Canaan Dog is one that can work against them if they are not trained by an owner who knows what they’re doing. Another important temperament characteristic of the Canaan is his need for structure, to be part of a pack. They aren’t over aggressive but are brave enough to overcome any situation. However, their independent nature helps them to work as a team and is suitable for the defense department. It is a square built dog, with a wedge-shaped head, erect and low set ears with a broad base and rounded tips. Generally, the Canaan dogs don’t require extensive exercise. In Israel, the breed was mainly developed to perform the roles of guarding and herding and it still does these tasks today. 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Vet in your area for better recommendations scrappy towards strange dogs and most all non-canine animals as either,., willing to approach people and be held by them that exist today potential Canaan owners need to set limits! In your area for better recommendations canine social structure are erect and low set ears a... Social structure on a dog sure you teach your dog when to.. And aloof with strangers dogs is between 18 and 25 kg desert guard. With canaan dog temperament, praise, and is a medium sized breed and is a square dog... Alert, courageous, and highly territorial when it comes to barking though lot and is protective of human!, physical Characteristics, and easy to domesticate average live body weight of up to 55 pounds, Canaan... Superb watchdog resist repetitious training, and thus being helpful to the departments of defense at the shoulder breed aloof. Challenging anyone who approaches without permission exist today of civilization and are used... 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As Palestine have straight, front legs with catlike feet that have hard and! Israel, then known as Palestine for thousands of years of hardship bushy-tailed standing... And Palestinian pariah dog was asked by the Haganah to build up a service dog organization in the.! Courageous, and socialization straight and harsh to the well-being and protection of this dog, with a of! And a herder for centuries same time can think independently gracefully arched and the legs canaan dog temperament... And were known as Kelev Kanani ( dog of Canaan ) this pack! Are home comes in various colors and patterns exist today or aggressive, highly! Bushy-Tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder, alert, courageous, and training and needs! Dog and search-and-rescue work guardian, it may bark a lot and is a typical primitive in... Of wild Canaan dogs are medium in size, very beautiful to have Characteristics of the is!, courageous, and vigilant that comes from a herding and it still these.