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Canaan Dog
Also known as: Kelev K'naani, Israel Canaan Dog
Breed origin: Middle East
Original purpose: Herding and flock guardian dog.
AKC recognized: 1997
AKC group: Herding
Size:
Weight: males 45 to 55 lbs;
females 35 to 45 lbs
Size: Height: males 20 to 24 inches;
females 19 to 23 inches
Color: There are two color patterns. Pattern 1) Predominantly white with mask and with or without additional patches of color. Pattern 2) Solid colored with or without white trim. Color may range from black through all shades of brown - sandy to red or liver.
General characteristics/temperament: The Canaan Dog is alert, vigilant, devoted, inquisitive, responsive, and loyal. They are docile and loving with their family but reserved and aloof with strangers. They are highly territorial and vocal, possess extremely keen senses of hearing and smell, and make a natural guardian and watchdog. Although very good with children within their family, Canaan Dogs can sometimes be wary of other children and may become defensive of "their" children if they are involved in any kind of rough or physical play such as wrestling. Because Canaan Dogs are derived from an ancient stock of pariah dog, they retain more natural canine behaviors than most breeds, and thus will require much more extensive socialization and training.
Good with children? Yes, with children within their family.
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? Naturally
Easy to train? Yes
Suitable canine sports/activities: herding, tracking, agility, obedience
Exercise requirement: Two walks a day should keep them fit and happy. While they like to run, they are more sprinters, not endurance runners.
Known health problems: Hypothyroidism, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, osteochondritis dissecans.
Recommended books for further reading:
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Canaan Dog Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Canaan Dog Rescue Network
DogBreedMatch
