It has been thousands of years since the Canaan Dog first appeared in the deserts of Israel. In biblical times, the Hebrew are said to have used these dogs to herd and protect their flocks and encampments, and some are still employed by Bedouins and Druse today.
Canaan Dogs are popular as family pets and in canine sports including conformation, agility, and obedience throughout Europe and North America. They're quite versatile and can even live in an apartment if their owners are able to provide them with the necessary amount of exercise. However, as a pack breed, they require firm leadership and continuous training. With their intelligence, they also have stubbornness. You'll get a dog who is eager to please if you use positive reinforcement.
See here for a complete list of Canaan Dog characteristics and facts.
Highlights
- It is not recommended that first-time dog owners choose the Canaan Dog.
- Primitive Canaan breeds are more concerned with pack order than certain other types. They'll try to take control of the "pack" from an owner who isn't actively involved in it.
- In order for children to discern the difference between a real threat and a perceived one, they need a lifetime of socialisation.
- Dog-aggressive Canaan Dogs are possible. Some people are unable to coexist peacefully with a canine companion of the same sexes, while others will attack any canine they encounter.
- Canaans are reserved around new people.
- The barking of Canaan Dogs is a sign that something has changed in their area. Untrained or regularly left alone, they may develop a bad habit of barking at inconvenient times.
- This makes them poor watchdogs since they are suspicious of everything and everyone, regardless of whether or not they pose a threat.
- Canaan dogs need a fenced-in yard.
- It's not uncommon for them to change a well-kept lawn into something like the lunar surface.
- Though intelligent, they may be difficult to control because of their stubbornness and lack of interest in following instructions. They have a "what's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to training.
- They shed a lot twice a year and a little less the rest of the year.
- Only 1,600 Canaan Dogs are known to exist in the world. If you want a puppy from a Canaan Dog litter, you'll have to wait.
- Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, negligent breeder, or pet retailer if you want a healthy dog. To avoid passing on hereditary disorders to their offspring, a respectable breeder will do temperament and health testing on all of her breeding dogs.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
35 to 55 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
History
For millennia, the Canaan dog's progenitors came from all throughout the region of the Middle East. Ancient artefacts show dogs that appear very much like the ones we know today, which suggests that the breed has existed for at least 4,000 years. These canines may have been used by humans to herd cattle and protect their properties.
As a result of the Romans' destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, many Israelites escaped without their dogs. Dogs that had been exterminated from Canaan returned to the wild, where they remained undisturbed through the 20th century. Then, people began to domesticate these canines again, typically for use as security dogs as well as companions, and this trend continued for centuries.
Military and law enforcement agencies used the highly trainable Canaan dogs that were re-domesticated. Some of these canines even went on to serve as guide dogs for the blind. In addition, the breed was adopted as Israel's national mascot. In 1997, the American Kennel Club recognised the Canaan dog for the first time, but the breed is still very uncommon today.
Personality & Temperament
Although the Canaan Dog is a devoted and loving member of the family, it is not a breed that appreciates attention from others. Survival in the wild required it to develop an extremely cautious attitude, and it often sees new events and people as potential threats unless they can be shown differently. As a result, it makes an alert yet obnoxious watchdog, albeit its propensity to bark at random may restrict its usefulness in this capacity.
Although it is kind and protective of youngsters, its basic nature necessitates that the entire family emphasise the dog's status as the pack's subordinate. The Canaan may have difficulties asserting their dominance over those who are new to dog ownership or those who are used to "softer" breeds. When it comes to dogs, the breed isn't known for getting along well with other animals.
Care
A well-adjusted Canaan dog benefits much from early and persistent training and socialising. For this athletic breed, regular daily activity is essential as well. There is no need for anything more than the bare minimum in terms of grooming.
Health
Most of the genetic health issues that appear in modern pedigrees have been eliminated or prevented by the breed's almost two-millennia-long natural selection process. Individual Canaan Dogs have been found to have the following conditions, although no severe health issues appear to exist in the breed as a whole:
Cryptorchidism
Male canines with one or both testicles that do not descend into the scrotum.
Epilepsy
Seizures are a symptom of a neurological condition.
Hypothyroidism
An autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland that results in a reduction in thyroid hormone production.
Medial Patellar Luxation
A loss of stability in the kneecap as a result of bone misalignment in the rear leg.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
Nutrition
Keep your dog hydrated at all times. Feed your dog a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet, too. In most cases, two well-portioned meals are served daily. However, to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients it requires, review the type of food and the amount with your veterinarian. Additionally, keep a close eye on treats and other extra food consumption to avoid overindulging.
Grooming
Because the coat requires only weekly brushing, baths infrequently, it should not be cut or trimmed in any other way. To make matters even more comfortable, the Canaan Dog sheds very little and doesn't have an overpowering doggie scent. Nail clipping should begin when the dog is young and more likely to comply, as senior dogs that have never had their nails cut before may find the procedure a distressing one.
Exercise
An adequate quantity of exercise is necessary for all breeds of Canaan dogs. You should take at least two 30-minute walks each day. This dog enjoys a variety of different types of exercise, including jogging and hiking. In addition, allowing your dog to play fetch and other activities off leash in a safe environment is highly recommended. This intelligent breed can benefit greatly from participating in dog sports such as agility and herding, which both challenge the dog's brains and build the link between dog and handler.
Training
Smart and responsive to positive training methods like clicker training, Canaan dogs are excellent candidates for this method. As soon as feasible, begin training. If you use harsh training methods on them, they will stop responding. Training a Canaan dog is considerably easier (and more effective) if you make it pleasant for him by practising frequently and rewarding him with lots of praise and treats.
Wariness is one of many wild impulses that can be found in Canaan dog breeds. As a result, early and regular socialisation is critical for Canaan dogs to prevent them from developing excessive levels of fear or shyness.
Begin exposing your dog to new people and places as soon as possible. If you do this, your Canaan dog may be more accepting of visitors. When raised with children, Canaan dogs tend to get along well. Dogs and cats may not always get along with each other in the home. Smaller pets, such as cats, may be seen as prey by them and chased. These dogs can also be aggressive toward other canines if they perceive a perceived threat.
Children and Other Pets
The Canaan people are loyal to and protective of their offspring. If you have dogs around small children, be sure to show them how to approach and touch them so that no bites or ear or tail pulling occurs. You should teach your youngster the importance of respecting dogs' privacy and not to disturb them while they're having a meal or sleeping. Never, ever leave a dog alone with a child, no matter how adoring they are.
They can get along with other dogs if they've been socialised extensively, although they're known for their rough play. It is possible that they appear hostile towards other dogs to those who do not know the breed. However, it's crucial to distinguish between rough play and genuine aggressiveness. So that you can determine when to interfere and when to let them be dogs, become familiar with the body language of canines. Adult Canaans, on the other hand, aren't the finest prospects for dog parks. Other dogs may be bullied or interfered with by them. Dogs of the same sexes should be avoided if at all possible.
It's preferable for Canaan dogs and cats to be raised together, and the cat should be able to stand up to the dog instead of fleeing. When the Canaan sees someone running, his prey drive kicks in and he chases after them. Because of the breed's high prey drive, it is not uncommon for it to go after and kill small animals it encounters in the wild. Families with pets like rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils should probably avoid them.
Puppies
Canaan pups are affectionate and simple to raise. As puppies, they will struggle if left alone for long periods of time due to their high level of socialisation. Until the puppy reaches adulthood, it's preferable to keep a family member with it at all times.
Dogs Similar to Canaan Dogs
It's hard to find another dog like a Canaan, because they're so unique. Adopting another herding dog, on the other hand, may be a comparable experience due to the fact that these canines are herders. They include German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Collies.
Collie
Collies have long, fluffy coats and are excellent herding dogs. Collie dogs that have been bred to be pets, rather than working dogs, tend to have a more laid-back and family-friendly temperament.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are excellent pets because of their dedication to their owners and their work ethic. In addition to being fantastic with children, these dogs also like spending time outside.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a loving, clever, and energetic dog. German shepherds are wonderful pets, but they do require a lot of activity.
