Description

The Canaan Dog is a medium-size, robustly made, Spitz-type dog. Canaan Dogs have been indigenous to the region encompassed by modern Israel for centuries. The Canaan Dog is reserved with strangers but makes a good companion dog that is loyal and affectionate to his family. Soft and eager to please, The Canaan dog also need to know the rules of the house or they might become manipulative. He has been used as a guide dog for the blind and as a search and rescue dog.

Size of Male: Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Temperament

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. Canaan Dogs are very intelligent and independent and can do exceptionally well in obedience. Canaan Dog responds best to positive, motivational training, but tend to get bored with overly repetitive training. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independently, yet will work as a team with its handler. Many dogs display herding instincts and compete in herding trials. The Canaan Dog is gentle, devoted and docile, but also lively, alert and protective. It is a natural guard dog as well as an excellent watchdog that tend to bark a lot. May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. The Canaan Dog tends to be a one-person dog or one family dog. They are very defensive of their territory. The Canaan Dog should be well socialized when young with both dogs and people, especially with children, as the breed tends to be naturally wary of strangers, though he is very friendly with those he knows.

Living Conditions

The Canaan Dog will do ok in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. Canaan Dogs are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The dense undercoat of Canaan Dog protects it from extreme temperatures, whether it be hot or cold – so it can live outdoors, bus a wonderful housedog.

Upkeep

Few breeds can claim as pure a working heritage as the Canaan Dog. Canaan Dog will not be happy just sitting around. Canaan Dog needs lots of exercise and mental and physical challenges. These needs can be met with herding exercise, a long jog, or a strenuous game session along with a challenging training session. It can live outdoors in warm to cool climates, but it also makes an excellent house dog. Its coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hairs.

Health

Major concerns: Epilepsy, Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Hypothyroidism, Osteochondritis dissecans

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years