Canaan Dog
Non Sporting

Group:

Non sporting

Size:

large

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Exercise:

high

Grooming:

very low

Trainability:

medium

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

high

Area of Origin:

Israel

Date of Origin:

ancient times

Other Names:

Kelef K'naani

Original Function:

livestock guardian

History

The Canaan Dog, also called the Kelef K'naani, traces its ancient origins back to 2200-2000 BC in Israel where it was used to guard livestock from jackals and other predators. It is one of the few natural breeds left, and still counts a few wild or semi-wild members in the Middle East. Its modern, true-breeding form began in 1935 through the efforts of Dr. Menzel and her husband, in Jerusalem. It has recently become better known outside of Israel, finding favour in the USA and in Europe.

Temperament

If raised with children or other pets, the Canaan Dog will have a natural protective instinct and will be devoted to watching over them. Canaan Dogs are very attached to their owners and adults will grieve if placed with a new family. Canaan Dogs are highly trainable, dependable and obedient and highly territorial.

Upkeep

This is a very work-oriented breed. It needs a lot of physical and mental activity every day to satisfy its quest for work. It can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it enjoys being with its family inside as well. This is a dog that cannot live in an apartment and that should preferably have ready access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing weekly.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A medium sized, well-balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type.Strong distinction between the sexes.

CHARACTERISTICS:
(Not specified. Classified by the F.C.I. under Asian Spitz and related breeds.)

Temperament:
Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant, not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.

Head and Skull:
Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Nose black.

Eyes:
Dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential.

Ears:
Erect, relatively short and broad, slightly rounded at the tip and set low.

Mouth:
Full dentition with scissor or level bite.

Neck:
Muscular, of medium length.

Forequarters:
Limbs: (fore and hind) of moderate angulations. Balance is essential. Forelegs: Perfectly straight. Shoulders: oblique and muscular. Elbows: Close to the body.   

Body:
Square: Withers, Well developed. Back: Level. Loins: Muscular. Chest: Deep and of moderate breadth. Ribs: Well sprung. Belly: Well tucked up.

Hindquarters:
Limbs: (fore and hind) of moderate angulations. Balance is essential. Hindquarters powerful. Buttocks: Strong, lightly feathered. Stifles: Well bent. Hocks: Well let down.

Feet:
Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.

Tail:
Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.

Gait/Movement:
Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential.

Coat:
Hair - Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse.

Colour:
Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted, with or without mask. If masked, mask must be symmetrical. Black mask permitted on all colours. White markings are permitted on all colours: "Boston Terrier" patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours, sand, gold, red, cream, are most typical of the breed.

Size:
Height at withers: 50 , 60 cm. [20 - 23 & 1/2;] Males can be considerably larger than females.

Weight:
18, 25 kg [40, 55 lbs.]

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.