Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog is said to have originated in the biblical land of Canaan, where it was used to guard camps and flocks. After the Romans came and the nomadic population was dispersed, the dogs became feral, making their own way in the Negev Desert, finding work with Bedouin herdsmen or performing guard duty for the Druze people on Mount Carmel.

The dogs were redomesticated during World War II, proving to be intelligent and trainable sentry dogs, messengers and land mine detectors. After the war, they were trained to be guide dogs. Eventually, people became interested in them as companions. They have many excellent qualities, but being a still somewhat primitive breed, they have certain quirks that can make them difficult to live with unless they are placed with just the right people.

The Canaan Dog is generally not an indiscriminate barker, giving voice only when he thinks it’s necessary. However, if you have a lot of traffic to and from or in front of your house, your Canaan Dog will be barking a lot. Consider whether this will be a problem in your neighborhood.

The Canaan Dog is affectionate but not needy. He’ll check in with you occasionally, then go about his business of keeping an eye on things. He’s good with children, deeply loyal to his family and reserved with strangers. Socialize him early and often to ensure that he doesn’t become shy.

Canaan Dogs are highly trainable with positive reinforcement techniques, but like any dog, if you’re not consistent and firm with your commands, he will take advantage of you. He gets bored easily, so avoid repetition. Once you find out what motivates him, though, he’s an enthusiastic worker in whatever dog sport or activity you train him. Canaan Dogs can do well in almost any activity, including agility, obedience, rally and tracking. They are also found doing search and rescue and therapy dog work. And, of course, they are natural herders.

Because of his independent and adventurous spirit, the Canaan Dog is rarely reliable off leash. He has a superb sense of smell and excellent eyesight and is likely to take off if he senses something interesting.

The Canaan Dog has a short double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During this time, he’ll need frequent brushing to remove dead hair. The rest of the year, brush the coat weekly to keep it clean. In addition, trim his nails as needed, brush his teeth, and keep his ears clean to prevent infections.

Last but not least, it should go without saying that a loyal and protective breed such as the Canaan Dog needs to live in the house. It’s an unhappy Canaan Dog who is relegated to the backyard with little or no human companionship.
Other Quick Facts

The Canaan’s coat color can be mainly white with a mask and sometimes additional patches of color or a solid color ranging from black to all shades of brown, including sandy, red or liver, with or without white trim.
Early Canaan Dogs used to deliver messages were good for only short distances. Because of their territorial nature, if a track was longer than 500 to 1,000 meters, they would simply turn around and go back to where they started.
The Canaan Dog belongs to the AKC’s Herding Group, but outside North America he is considered to be a primitive spitz type.

Besides his good looks and graceful movement, the Canaan Dog is blessed with an endearing and responsive personality. Although his heritage as a desert survivor gives him a certain degree of independence, a Canaan Dog who has been properly socialized loves his family and is adaptable to many different living situations. Life in an apartment with several short daily walks is just as agreeable to him as living in a suburban home with three noisy kids. Although he is loyal and affectionate, he’s not a glutton for attention.

The Canaan Dog is active, but his energy level isn’t excessive.