The Canaan Dog first came to the U.S. in 1965. Ursula Berkowitz of Oxnard, California had been regularly corresponding with Dr. Menzel for two years. Dr. Menzel knew that she needed to increase the exposure of the Canaan Dog beyond the borders of Israel. She hoped that by introducing the breed to the U.S. the popularity for the Canaan would increase.
On September 7, 1965 the first four Canaani came to the U.S. Dr. Menzel had especially selected these 4 to establish the breed in the U.S. Arriving aboard the Israeli ship, the Yehuda, were:
Toro me Isfijal (CCA #1), a dog bred by the Druse religious group on Mount Carmel, and purchased by Dr. Menzel especially for shipment to the United States. Interestingly, Dr. Menzel had a sand coloured male initially picked, but substituted Toro when she decided the other was deemed 'too sharp'. This made all four original imports white with black patches.
Waf me Massada (CCA #2), a bitch by Bedouin tribesmen in Massada, and purchased by Dr. Menzel for shipment to the U.S.A. Waf whelped five litters, 26 puppies, and many Canaan Dogs today trace back to this foundation bitch.
Birion me B'nei HaBitachon (CCA #3), a dog of Dr. Menzel's breeding, a littermate to Belith (CCA #4).
Belith me B'nei HaBitachon (CCA #4).
|
