Canaan Dog Traits
The ancient Israelites were said to have used the Canaan Dog as their guard and herd dog. The Canaan Dog is a dog of the wild that has evolved through natural selection. Only the strongest, most fit, and most intelligent would have survived the hot, barren wilderness that is the Israeli desert.
An inquisitive dog with strangers, they are loyal and loving with their family. His medium-size, square body is without extremes, showing a lean, sharp outline. The Canaan Dog moves with athletic agility and grace. Their trot can be described as “covers more ground than expected”. He has a blunt wedge-shaped head, more long than wide, with low-set erect ears, a tail that curls over the back when excited, and a harsh, straight, flat coat. His undercoat depends upon the season.
The Canaan Dog, even though they were not bred for a specific task, can make use of their exceptionally well developed senses. They have balanced drives, thus making them quite versatile. They are aware of their surroundings, but can be trained to first alert their owners, and then give way to them. As with many working dogs, their instincts can be harnessed with proper training.
Like all breeds, the Canaan Dog should be well socialized when young with both dogs and people. The Menzels noted that the Canaan seems to be exceptional with children...they are aware that they are smaller and treat them gently. They bond very well to their pack members, but need to understand the “pack order” early, or they will try to lead. Socialization in a wide variety of situations with a wide variety of people and dogs will only make them more comfortable, and by extension, a more enjoyable companion.
This breed can do exceptionally well in performance sports when properly trained. They are very intelligent and independent. Positive, motivational training works best. Today, Canaans have successfully trained and competed in agility, tracking, herding, rally-obedience, formal obedience, and work as Therapy and Service dogs.
The Canaan Dog is gentle, devoted and docile, but also lively and alert. He is an excellent watchdog. They are also uniquely vocal, capable of “speaking” their minds in addition to the usual warning bark. But they only bark as is necessary.
The first Canaan Dogs in North America arrived in California in 1965. The first Canaans in Canada arrived in 1970. It was not until the fall of 1971 that Suzan Horovitch founded the first Canaan Dog kennel in Canada at her Southalta Kennel in Barnwell, Alberta. Representation of the breed increased with Terry Bagley and Terramara Kennels in Cold Lake, Alberta (both these breeders have since retired from breeding).
Today, there are about 750 Canaan Dogs in the United States, 400 in Israel, and 200 in the rest of the world (estimation). |
