Breed Standards

Breed Standards

With commentary by world renowned Canaan Dog Expert, Myrna Shiboleth

Cain at 9 Months Old

I have arranged the following breed standards in the same layout as the AKC. After each section I have inserted the commentary. I arranged it this way so you can see the slight differences between each standard.

Origin:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Middle East

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Israel

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Not Specified

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Israel

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Not Specified

Used for:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Herding and Flock Guardian

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Flock and Camp Guardian

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Not Specified

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Watch and security Dog

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Not Specified

Classification:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Herding Group

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Sighthounds and Pariah Dogs

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Utility Group

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive) Section 6 (Primitive)

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Not Specified

General Appearance:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – The Canaan Dog is a herding and flock guardian dog native to the Middle East. He is aloof with strangers, inquisitive, loyal and loving with his family. His medium-size, square body is without extremes, showing a clear, sharp outline. The Canaan Dog moves with athletic agility and grace in a quick, brisk, ground-covering trot. He has a wedge-shaped head with low-set erect ears, a bushy tail that curls over the back when excited, and a straight, harsh, flat-lying double coat.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized, well-balanced, strong and square dog, with a wedge-shaped head; erect, low-set ears; and straight, harsh, dense coat of short-to-medium length. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 1:1. The tail is bushy, set on high, and is carried curled over the back when the dog is alert or excited. This breed is presented in a completely natural condition with no trimming. Moderation and balance must always be considered when evaluating this breed.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Medium sized, well balanced, strong and square. Marked distinction between sexes.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes

Explanation of the appearance by Myrna Shiboleth: “The overall first impression we should get of the Canaan Dog is of a dog that is totally natural and as close as possible to the original ancestor of our modern dogs. It is a medium sized, medium boned, square, compact, and very well balanced dog, agile and muscular, that looks as if it could cover ground all day without tiring. Nothing about the Canaan should be exaggerated; everything must be in balance and harmony and give the appearance of pure functionality.”

“Lets consider function. The Canaan, or any pariah for that matter, lives on the fringes of civilization, usually in areas where means of survival are scarce. These dogs have to be capable of living on the bare minimum and they usually are fit and healthy and in quite good physical condition despite this. These dogs are capable of hunting for themselves, usually small game such as hares, mice, lizards, and such, though they have been known to bring down full-grown gazelles as well. They are scavengers, able to silently and stealthily penetrate the perimeters of Bedouin camps or settlements to steal or scrounge in the garbage dumps. They can live with a bare minimum of water, sometimes drinking only once every few days. They also have to be capable of coping with natural enemies, which means the ability to either effectively flee danger or to be able to stand and fight if necessary.”

“Anything that interferes with this functionality is undesirable. A dog that is too heavy in structure will require too much food and water for the conditions, and will not be as effective a hunter and scavenger or in fleeing his natural enemies, which may include man. Heavier types of pariah, as are found in Turkey and Syria, are less suitable to the desert environment. On the other hand, a dog that is too fine and light boned will find it more difficult to compete with the other small predators and scavengers. The Canaan in nature and in his task as a Bedouin guard dog has to be capable of standing up to jackals, wolves, and even hyenas and this does mean standing up to them to them to protect his flock. The Canaan has also proven himself capable of taking down an adult gazelle. These things would be impossible if he is too small and fine. Structure that is exaggerated in any way including characteristics such as excessive length of body and overangulation will also make him less effective, less able to maneuver, and less suited to the terrain. The wrong coat type will seriously damage his ability to withstand the climatic extremes of his natural environment. Strong distinction between the sexes is desired as in most breeds. This is also related to functionality as it helps a dog that is highly territorial to identify at a distance an animal that is a potential mate rather than an enemy or intruder into his territory.”

Size:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Size--Height at the withers is 20 to 24 inches for dogs and 19 to 23 inches for bitches. The ideal Canaan Dog lies in the middle of the stated ranges. Disqualifications--Dogs less than 20 inches or more than 25 inches. Bitches less than 18 inches or more than 23 inches. Proportion--Square when measured from the point of the withers to the base of the tail and from the point of the withers to the ground. Substance--Moderate. Dogs generally weigh 45 to 55 pounds and bitches approximately 35 to 45 pounds. Dogs distinctly masculine without coarseness and bitches feminine without over-refinement.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Desirable height ranges from 20 to 24 inches, measured at the withers. Desirable weight ranges from 40 to 55 pounds. Dogs are distinctively masculine in appearance compared to bitches and may be considerably larger.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Height 50-60 cms (20-24 ins). Weight 18-25 kgs (40-55 lbs).

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Height at withers : 50-60 cm.Males can be considerably larger than females. Weight : 18-25 kg.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Height 50-60 cm, males may be considerably larger than females. Weight 18-25 kg.

Explanation of the size by Myrna Shiboleth: “We are dealing here with a dog of medium size and weight, and medium build. Again, balance and correct proportions are essential. Males may be noticeably larger and stronger than females, but with both males and females, our aim is towards the middle of the range described and not to the extremes. The Canaan should not appear to be a large or heavy dog, but neither is he small and overly refined. This is a medium sized but powerful appearing dog that obviously appears capable of surviving in difficult conditions and defending himself and his property.”

Head:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Elongated, the length exceeding the breadth and depth considerably. Wedge-shaped, when viewed from above. Slightly arched when viewed from the side, tapering to stop. The region of the forehead is of medium width, but appearing broader through ears set low to complete an alert expression, with a slight furrow between the eyes. Expression--Alert, watchful and inquisitive. Dignified. Eyes--Dark, almond-shaped, slightly slanted. Varying shades of hazel with liver-pointed dogs. Eye rims darkly pigmented or of varying shades of liver harmonizing with coat color. Fault--Unpigmented eye rims. Ears--Erect, medium to large, set moderately low, broad at the base, tapering to a very slightly rounded tip. Ears angled very slightly forward when excited. A straight line from the inner corner of the ear to the tip of the nose should just touch the inner corner of the eye and a line drawn from the tip of the ear to the tip of the nose should just touch the outer corner of the eye. Ear motion contributes to expression and clearly defines the mood of the dog. Major Fault--In the adult dog, other than erect ears. Stop--Slightly accentuated. Muzzle--Tapering to complete the wedge shape of the head. Length equal to or slightly longer than the length of the skull from the occiput to stop. Whisker trimming optional. Nose--Darkly pigmented or varying shades of liver, harmonizing with coat color. Lips--Tight with good pigmentation. Bite--Scissors.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The head is a well-proportioned, wedge shape that is moderately broad between the ears and tapers evenly toward the muzzle. Head length is approximately twice the width of the skull. Males should look powerfully masculine without coarseness and bitches should look feminine without over-refinement. From the front, the sides of the wedge taper evenly from the ears to a full muzzle, without prominent cheeks or a pinched muzzle. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a shallow but definite stop. SKULL -- The skull is moderately broad between the ears and tapers toward the muzzle. At its broadest point, the width of the skull should be approximately equal to its length. The low set of the ears makes the skull appear broader than it is. A disproportionately narrow skull is to be penalized. Viewed from the side, the topline of the skull is slightly flattened. MUZZLE -- The length of the muzzle, measured from stop to the end of the nose, is equal to the length of the skull, measured from occiput to stop. The jaw is strong and the muzzle is full and well-filled in under the eyes. When viewed from the side, the line of the underjaw is almost parallel to the top line of the muzzle. Lips are black and tightly closed. TEETH -- The Canaan Dog has a complete set of good-size, evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite. NOSE -- The nose is solid black. In some light-colored dogs, the pigment of the nose may fade somewhat during the winter months. This is not desirable but should not be severely penalized. In profile, the nose is on the same line as the top of the muzzle and extends somewhat beyond the lower jaw . EYES -- The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Dark brown eyes are strongly preferred. Lighter eyes are less desirable and the lighter the eye, the more serious the fault. Hazel or yellow eyes are serious faults. Dark eye rims are essential. EARS -- The ears are relatively short and broad, prick, and set low. The ears are slightly rounded at the tips and point slightly outward although they can be drawn nearly upright when the dog is alert. The ears are mobile and react sensitively to sounds. Ears should be fully erect by the time a dog is one year of age.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Skull Well proportioned, wedge shaped of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened between ears. Stop shallow but defined. Length from muzzle to stop approximately equal to length from stop to occiput. Nose black. Lips tight and well pigmented. Eyes - Dark, almond shaped and obliquely set with black rims. Ears Medium sized, erect and set low with broad base and rounded tip. Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws, level bite acceptable.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – : Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. CRANIAL REGION : Skull : Somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop : Shallow but defined. FACIAL REGION : Nose : Black. Muzzle : Sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Lips : Tight. Jaws / Teeth : Jaws should be strong. Full dentition with scissor or level bite. Eyes : Dark brown, slightly slanted, almond-shaped. Dark rims essential. Ears : Erect, relatively short and broad, slightly rounded at the tip and set low.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Nose black. Ears erect, relatively short and broad, slightly
rounded at the tip and set low. Eyes dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential. Mouth full dentition with scissors or level bite.

Explanation of the Head by Myrna Shiboleth: From the front, the head is a perfect blunt wedge shape, fairly broad between the ears and tapering evenly to the end of the full muzzle. There should be no flaring at the cheeks or narrowing at the muzzle, the tapering should be continuous and the end of the muzzle should be blunt and rounded, not sharp and pointed. There should be no appearance of elongation. The width of the head between the ears, the length of the skull from occiput to stop, and the length of the muzzle from the stop to the end of the nose are approximately equal.

There should be no appearance of elongation. The standard does not call for an elongated wedge, but for a blunt medium length wedge shape. One of the most common head faults is an overly elongated head, caused by too little width between the ears and too much length of skull and muzzle. This results in a head resembling the sight hound heads, with the often-accompanying fault of snipiness in muzzle or weak underjaw.

From the side, the head consists of two parallel lines of skull and top line of muzzle, divided by an apparent but not exaggerated stop. The stop should be a harmonious part of the head, and not too deep or square. The topskull is not totally flat, but slightly rounded, although it is so slight as not to be very apparent without touching the skull and feeling the structure. The line of the underjaw is approximately parallel to the top line of the muzzle. The jaw must be full and powerful, never receding or weak. This is a dog that must be capable of hunting for himself and of defending himself and his herds from predators, and must appear powerful enough to do so.

The head must always be in proportion to the body, not too heavy or too fine. There should be a clear difference between the head of a dog and a bitch. A dogs head is powerful and masculine, and a bitchs head is more feminine and refined, though it should not appear weak or lacking in strength.

The standard allows only the black-pigmented nose. This is a survival factor for an animal that spends a good portion of its life exposed to the strong desert sun. Noses lacking pigment have been found to result in health problems in other breeds in the harsh climate, as well as to other animals such as horses that have light facial and nose pigment.

There is, however, a factor that (for lack of better terminology) has been called the snow nose (as it is referred to in northern breeds). The nose leather of these dogs is black in the summer when the sunlight is strongest, but made fade to a dusty or pinkish shade in the winter when the sun is not as strong, or when the dog is kept out of the sun. This nose color is acceptable, as it does provide the proper protection from the sun, but it is not desirable. Highest preference is to a nose that is permanently black. Liver, pink, or parti-colored nose pigmentation is unacceptable.

The Canaans ears, as are those of all the pariah dogs, and of all the wild canines as well, must be pricked. The prick ear is the most effective at catching sounds, and the great mobility of the ear is a highly effective tool for identifying the direction from which the sound comes. This characteristic is extremely important as a survival factor.

The ears of the Canaan are not set high on the skull, standing erect and pointed upwards, like the German Shepherd or Siberian Husky. They are set a bit wider on the skull, the inside edge of the ear being approximately even with the inside corner of the eye but, although strongly pricked, they are oblique in carriage.

The Canaan ear is triangular with the height being a bit longer than the width, and they are slightly rounded at the tips. The ear should be in proportion to the head, and therefore should not be too large or too long.

Any form of drop or button ear, or semi-prick ears, is totally unacceptable.

The keen yet appealing expression of the Canaan is one of his most essential and distinguishing characteristics, and a major factor in achieving this expression is the eye shape and color. The Canaan has what has been called a sloe eyed Oriental look, created by the very dark almond shaped slightly slanting eyes emphasized by the black eye liner around them. The result is an alert, intelligent, and at the same time sweet expression which is expressive of the character of the breed.

Eyes that are too light will have a hard and staring expression, like that of a bird of prey, rather than the soft and sweet expression desired. Even a medium brown eye can appear to be too light, especially if the dog is black or with a black mask. The criterion for judging the correctness of the eye color should be the effect it has on the expression as a whole. Yellow eyes do occur occasionally and are unquestionably incorrect; this is often connected with undesirable coat colors as well. Pale or liver eye rims greatly detract from the desired expression as well, and are definitely not desirable.

Round eyes result in an expression that lacks the intelligent and alert look that are so expressive of the breeds character, tending to create a stupid or staring look. Small or piggy eyes create a mean expression. The eye must be almond shaped and properly set in the head, and never round or prominent or too small.

The plier or level bite, which was the preferred bite in the original standard of the breed, is also a bite commonly found in wild canines such as wolves, jackals and foxes. This sort of bite is efficient for self-grooming, for removing thorns and stickers from the coat, for freeing oneself from parasites, and so on. However, over the years that the Canaan has been selectively bred for the show ring, selection has been made for the bite more commonly seen in the show ring, the scissors bite. As this bite does not really interfere with functionality, it is totally acceptable. Both scissors and level bites should be equally acceptable.

Missing teeth is not a common problem in the Canaan, although it is not very rare for one or two premolars to be missing, or in an older dog, to be worn down to the point where they can not be seen or felt. One or two missing premolars should not be seriously penalized; this will not interfere with the effectiveness of the bite. However, a number of missing teeth is definitely undesirable and should be penalized.

Overshot or undershot bites are definitely not permissible, as well as other bite abnormalities

Excellent Eyes Excellent Male Head Excellent Female Head Male and Female Heads in Profile

Neck and Body:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Neck--well arched. Balance to body and head and free from throatiness. Topline--Level with slight arch over the loins. Body--Strong, displaying athletic agility and trimness. Chest--Moderately broad and deep, extending to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs. Loin--Well-tucked up. Short, muscled flanks. Tail--Set moderately high. May be carried curled over the back when excited; limited to one full curl. When extended, the bone must reach to the hocks. Fault: Tail which falls over to either side of the back. (The AKC is the only one that puts the tail as part of the body so the rest will be added here.)

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The neck is very muscular and long enough to give a balanced, elegant appearance. Body: The Canaan Dog is a square dog. His height, measured from the withers to the ground, should equal his length of body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. The topline inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a level back. A sloping topline must be faulted. The back is well-muscled with a short, strong loin. The ribs are well sprung out from the spine. The chest is deep and moderately broad. When viewed from the side, the lowest point of the chest is immediately behind the foreleg. The forechest should extend in a shallow oval shape in front of the forelegs. The belly is well tucked up. The croup is short and relatively level.

o Tail (added) – The tail is a thick brush set on high. When the dog is alert or excited, the tail is carried in a loose curl over the back.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Neck - Muscular, well arched, of medium length without throatiness. Body - Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up.

o Tail (added) – Set high, thick brush carried curled over back when trotting or excited.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – NECK : Muscular, of medium length. BODY : Square. Withers : Well developed. Back : Level. Loins : Muscular. Chest : Deep and of moderate breadth. Ribs well sprung. Belly : Well tucked up.

o Tail (added) – Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Neck Muscular, of medium length. Body - Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up. Moderate angulation. Balance is essential.

o Tail (added) – Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.

Explanation of the Neck and Body by Myrna Shiboleth: The neck must be in proportion to the rest of the dog. It should be of sufficient length to give the dog an athletic, well balanced and elegant appearance, but should not be as long as the neck of a sight hound, for instance. There should never be an impression of heaviness or stockiness, nor of weediness and insufficient strength. The neck must be powerful and well muscled; keep in mind that a strong and muscular neck is an essential tool to a dog that must hunt, catch prey, and carry it back to his den. Canaans, especially males, often have very thick protective hair on the neck, which may make it appear more massive than it actually is. Even so, the neck should never appear too heavy.

The Canaan, like many of the related Spitz breeds and pariahs, is a square built dog. Square means that his height and length are equal. If we were to draw a box of equal length sides, taking the measurement of the height or length of the body as the length of the sides, the body of the Canaan would fit neatly inside. A square dog is considered to be a moderate dog, with every part in proportion and balance to the other parts. Nothing is exaggerated. The square build is efficient for a dog that lives in nature, providing the possibility of quick and efficient movement, endurance, agility, flexibility, and the ability to turn on a dime.

The back is completely level and short, providing a powerful link between the slightly prominent withers and the muscular loins and croup. A back that is too long will tend to be soft and weak; this will be apparent both when the dog is standing and when the dog is moving. In movement, the back is totally steady and level as the old timers used to say, if a glass of water was set on his back while he was moving, he wouldnt spill a drop.

The Canaan is a muscular dog, and should not be soft. The muscles are not as prominent as in some breeds, but they should be well developed and obvious to the touch. A Canaan should always appear fit, never soft or flabby.

The chest should be sufficiently deep and broad. Depth of chest is to the elbow. The ribs should have good width, but should not be barrel shaped. Too much width of chest interferes with efficient usage of the shoulder blades and upper arms and interferes with proper front movement; too narrow chest will also cause incorrect movement and incorrect positioning of shoulder. Forechest should be well developed. Narrowness is also highly undesirable.

An elongated body will result in an incorrect elongated, loping stride or choppy, disunited movement. The dog will look as if it is two separate pieces stuck together, rather than one compact, efficient, and well balanced unit.

Angulation in the Canaan is moderate, as is true in other square built dogs, and again the key is balance. Overangulation appears very attractive and flashy in the dog that is standing still, but results in poor movement, overreaching, and lack of flexibility and agility, and interferes with proper balance. Underangulation prevents sufficient reach.

The tuck up is quite pronounced, especially in young dogs. A young dog may appear relatively leggy until the chest finishes to develop, and may seem to lack in body substance. It is important to remember that the Canaan is a breed that develops very slowly, and isnt fully mature until between three and four years of age. They come into their real prime and full maturity at about four, especially the males.

Tail (added here) – A tail that is set correctly as the finish of a short and strong topline will also be carried correctly, curled well over the back. A correct tail indicates both correct structure and strong temperament. The correctly carried tail is carried curled over the back and should come past the topline; in some cases, the tail even forms close to a double curl. Although the curl and a half is not ideal, it is preferable to a loose tail or sickle tail that doesnt reach the topline and is carried like a hound or trailing like a husky. The curl may come over on the top of the back, or the lower part may come over a bit on one side of the flanks.

The tail is not merely an appendage set on as an afterthought. It is an integral part of the dogs body constructions; an incorrect tail indicates other structural faults as well.

The tail carriage is also indicative of the dogs character. A dog that carries his tail down and tucked is insecure and fearful, and these points should be considered when judging the dog. The Canaan is a dog that is suspicious by nature and is not a dog that usually enjoys the crowds and commotion of the show ring, and can not be expected to carry his tail high at all times, but when moving we do prefer to see his tail carried over his back.

The tail must be well coated as described, a thick brush. The hair on the tail should not be overly long, but thick as on the rest of the body. Lack of coat on the tail is undesirable the tail is used in the desert to cover the nose when the dog curls up to sleep in the cold weather, and the thick coat helps to keep the nose and air warm.

These are of excellent Body types according to Myrna. Excellent Tail set and carraige

Forequarters:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Shoulders moderately angulated. Legs straight. Pasterns flexible with very slight slope when viewed from the side. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet--Catlike, pads hard, pigmentation harmonizing with nose and eye rims. Nails strong, hard, pigmentation harmonizing with either nose and eye rims or coat. (The AKC is the only one that puts feet in with the forequarters. So the rest will be listed here to.)

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The shoulders are moderately laid back and muscular. The scapula and the upper arm form an angle of about 110 degrees. When standing, a line dropped from the highest point of the withers would pass just behind the forelegs. The muscles of the upper leg are firm and well-developed. The forelegs are straight, with strong, moderately short, very slightly sloping pasterns, and moderate bone. The shoulder blade and the upper arm are roughly equal in length. The upper arm lies close to the ribs but is still very mobile, with the elbow moving close to the body.

o Feet (added) – The feet are of medium size, strong, round and cat-like, with hard pads. Nails are strong and hard. Dewclaws may be removed.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Well laid muscular shoulder, elbows close to body. Medium boned. When viewed from the front forelegs straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

o Feet (added) – Strong, round and cat like with hard pads.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Moderate angulations. Balance is essential. FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs perfectly straight. Shoulders : Oblique and muscular. Elbows : Close to the body.

o Feet (added) – Strong, round and cat-like with hard pads.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – The shoulder should be oblique and muscular, elbows close to the body. Forelegs perfectly straight.

o Feet (added) – Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.

Correct Front

Explanation of the Forequarters by Myrna Shiboleth: The oblique shoulder set is important in that it allows sufficient width of body for good development of chest and well sprung ribs. Elbows should be close to the body, neither tied in nor loose, both when the dog is standing and when he is moving. Correct front angulation is essential to correct movement. Forelegs should not be bowed nor turn in or out, but should be completely straight with well-shaped feet pointing forward.

Feet (added here) - The terrain that is the Canaans natural environment is very harsh. It consists of extremely hard and very rocky ground, hills and wadis that have a great deal of loose, sharp rock lying around, and vegetation that is often tough, thorny, very thick, and close to the ground. The ground and rocks can also be very hot in the summer when it has been exposed to hours of sun. The Canaan must have feet that can stand up to these conditions without being damaged and will allow him to keep moving and functioning for many hours a day. The most efficient foot for functioning in these conditions is a tight catfoot with well-arched toes, and very strong and tough pads that are impervious to the rocks, thorns and heat of the ground, and that are suitable for running and climbing. Some desert breeds of dog have longer or hare feet, but these are dogs that run on the sand or the flat for the most part; for the rocky environment of the Canaans, elongated feet are not functional. Weak feet, soft pads, open toes, flat feet, and hare feet are serious faults.

Hindquarters:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Moderately angulated. In balance with forequarters. Straight when viewed from the rear. Thigh musculature well-developed, moderately broad. Hocks well-let-down. Dewclaws must be removed. Feet and nails as in fore-quarters.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The hindquarters are powerful with very muscular and moderately broad thighs. The rear legs are moderately angulated. The hocks are well let down and perpendicular to the ground when viewed from any angle. Viewed from the rear, the hocks should be parallel to each other.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Powerful, broad muscular thighs, hocks well let down. Legs straight when viewed from behind.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Moderate angulations. Balance is essential. HINDQUARTERS : Powerful. Thighs : Strong, lightly feathered at the rearside. Stifles : Well bent. Hocks : Well let down.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Powerful, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down. Strong buttocks, lightly feathered.

Excellent Hindquarters

Explanation of the Hindquarters by Myrna Shiboleth: The hind angulation must be in balance with the front angulation in order that the dog will be able to move correctly and efficiently, without wasted energy. The angulation is moderate but in proportion. Strength and muscular development are essential

Coat:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Double coat. Outer coat-straight, harsh, flat-lying, with slight ruff. Ruff more pronounced on males. Length of outer coat ½ to 1½ inch; longer on ruff and back of thighs, shorter on body, legs and head. Undercoat--straight, soft, short, flat-lying, density varying with climate. Tail bushy, increasing in plumage from set to end of bones, then tapering to pointed tip. Faults--Excessively long guard coat that masks the clean outline of the dog. Any trimming that alters the natural appearance of the dog.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The Canaan Dog has a double coat. The outer coat consists of straight, dense, harsh-textured short-to- medium length hair. The undercoat is close-fitting, dense, profuse, and downy in texture. The neck is well-furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron. The buttocks are lightly feathered and the tail is well-furred. Correct coat is essential to survival in the desert so an incorrect coat, including the absence of undercoat, is a serious fault.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Outer coat dense, harsh and straight of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse according to season.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – HAIR : Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse.

Ideal Coat Type

Explanation of the Coat by Myrna Shiboleth: The correct Canaan coat is of great importance. The coat provides protection from the extremes of the climate, which can range from extremely hot to extremely cold, even, at some times of the year, within the same twenty four hour period. People have a tendency to imagine that the Middle East is a desert, with a burning sun shining down on unlimited sand. This is not at all accurate. Israel is a harsh and extremely arid region (though close to the coast the climate can be quite humid), and there is a great range of temperatures. In the day the temperature can be over 40 degrees C at some times of the year, and at night it can be below freezing. There are times of the year with sudden and heavy rains, and in some areas, even snow. The Canaans coat has to protect him from all of these extremes of climate, as well as protecting him from the prickly vegetation and thorn bushes so prevalent in the area, from parasites such as fleas and ticks, and from the attacks of other dogs or animals.

Therefore, the Canaan has a double coat, the type of coat found in most of the wild and semi-wild canines. This coat is also typical of many of the other Spitz breeds. The outer coat is of rather harsh and very strong hair of medium length, that stands out a bit from the body. This characteristic helps it to serve to catch thorns and stickers before they penetrate to the skin, to shed rain and damp, and to provide some aeration to the skin for cooling during the hot days. A very short coat will not provide these functions. The undercoat, which is extremely thick and wooly, provides insulation from the cold, the heat, and the rain, and little can penetrate it, including parasites, thorns, or the teeth of other animals. This undercoat is shed twice a year and then quickly grows back. Lack of undercoat is a very serious fault. This is a characteristic that is definitely anti-survival. It should be noted that the breeds of dog that suffer the most from the heat and the sun in hot climates are those with very short coats and no undercoats (Boxer, pinscher), and not dogs with heavy and thick coats.

One sometimes sees Canaans, even with the Bedouin, with a longer coat, somewhat similar to that of a Belgian Sheepdog in length. Although the coat may be of good harsh texture, this length of coat is undesirable. Longer coats than this also sometimes occur, and they are

usually very soft or silky in texture. These coats are highly undesirable, as their texture provides the dog with very poor protection.

Feathering on the buttocks, the ruff on the neck, and the plume on the tail are usually a bit longer than the rest of the coat, but should not be too long or of a soft texture.

Color:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – There are two color patterns. Pattern 1) Predominantly white with mask and with or without additional patches of color (large body patches are desirable). Pattern 2) Solid colored with or without white trim. Color may range from black through all shades of brown - sandy to red or liver. Shadings of black on a solid brown or tan dog are frequently seen. The trim on a solid colored dog may include chest, undercarriage, feet and lower part of leg and tip of tail. In all color patterns self-ticking may be present. Disqualifications--a) Gray and/or brindle. b) All white (The AKC is the only one that addresses a Mask separately from the coat color so I will include it here.) Mask – The mask is a desired and distinguishing feature of the predominantly white Canaan Dog. The mask is the same color(s) as the body patches on the dog. The basically symmetrical mask must completely cover the eyes and ears or can completely cover the head as in a hood. The only allowed white in the mask or hood is a white blaze of any size or shape and/or white on the muzzle below the mask. Faults--On predominantly white dogs--absence of mask, half mask, or grossly asymmetrical mask.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Canaan Dogs may be solid color or spotted. Acceptable colors include any shade between cream and red-brown, including sand, gold, or red; white; or black. Dogs may be masked or not, but if masked, the mask must be symmetrical. Black mask and white markings are permitted on all colors. Black shading on red or sand-colored dogs is acceptable. Gray and liver are unacceptable colors. Brindle, black and tan, or tri-color are unacceptable color patterns

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted, with or without a symmetrical black mask. White markings permitted on all colours. Grey, brindle, black and tan or tricolour undesirable.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted, with or without mask. If masked, mask must be symmetrical. Black mask permitted on all colours. White markings are permitted on all colours : « Boston Terrier » patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan, or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours-sand, gold, red, cream- are most typical of the breed.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted with or without mask. If masked, mask must be symmetrical. Black mask permitted on all colours. White markings are permitted on all colours; “Boston Terrier” patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan, or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours and gold, red, cream are most typical of the breed.

Explanation of the Color by Myrna Shiboleth: There is a very wide range of acceptable colors and patterns in the Canaan. Some colors seem to be more typical of certain parts of the country from which those dogs originated. Black and black and white are more typical to the rocky and forested north, while the pale sand colors, creams, golds, and reds are more typical to the southern wilderness and desert areas.

As a wide range of colors is accepted, it is easier to list those that are not acceptable. The colors that are most definitely not typical to the Canaan are brindle (as in a boxer, for example) and liver. These are colors that we have never seen among wild born populations and have not had in pure bred litters born in Israel. These would be considered as indications of possible mixed ancestry should they occur. Liver presents another problem as well, as the liver color is connected with self colored nose and eye rims and yellow eyes, anti survival factors for a dog spending a great deal of time exposed to the brutal middle eastern sun.

Black and tan (as in a Doberman, for example) and tricolor (as in a beagle large clear patches of brown, black and white, or more commonly, black saddle fading into tan sides, legs, neck, as in a German Shepherd, with additional white trim) do occur in the Canaan. These are recessive characteristics that sometimes appear, but this color is undesirable. Prof. Menzel felt that these colors were not typical or distinctive and that they gave the Canaan a mixed breed appearance. Dogs of these colors are not acceptable for show, and preferably should not be bred from, as they will pass the color on.

What appears to be gray, or gray patches, may also occur in the Canaan, but this is usually the result of mixed black and white hairs giving a gray impression. True gray, as in a Weimaraner, is a totally unacceptable color.

Cain (Black and White spotted) Black and White Spotted Weimaraner

(Heavily Ticked)

A Canaan with a correct basic color of the cream to red shades may sometimes have a black overlay. This is usually very obvious in young puppies, and disappears with time as they mature and grow their adult coats. At times, however, some black overlay remains, leaving the color looking muddy. This is not considered tricolor, but is not desirable.

The Canaan may have a mask, either black or white, on any color. The mask is not essential, but if there is a mask, it should be symmetrical. An asymmetrical mask can be most unattractive and interfere with the correct expression.

Various color patterns are common solid with white trim (feet, chest, white on neck and tail, blaze); Boston Terrier patterns are not uncommon and are quite attractive. Spotted dogs can have anything from minimum spots to large spots covering a good deal of the body, or a good deal of ticking over the whole body. All of these patterns are completely acceptable

Boston Terrier Pattern Red and White Black and Tan (Undesirable)

Gait:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Movement is very important. Good reach and drive. Quick, brisk natural trot, apparently tireless, indicating an animal capable of trotting for hours. Covers ground more quickly than expected. Agile, able to change directions almost instantaneously. Tends to single-track at high speed. Fault--Anything that detracts from efficient movement.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The natural gait of the Canaan Dog is an effortless, ground-eating trot. It is a short, quick, agile gait which enables the Canaan to change direction instantly, leap effortlessly, or just trot for hours without tiring. Correct movement is essential in this breed.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Energetic and natural trot.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential

Some good examples of movement

Explanation of the Gait by Myrna Shiboleth: One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Canaan is his effortless, ground-covering trot. Contrary to many other breeds, where it is difficult to find good movers, with the Canaans it has been rare to find a dog that didnt move well. Correct movement is, of course, a result of correct structure, and in the Canaan, correct functional movement has been essential to his survival.

The typical Canaan gait is a short, quick, light and agile trot, moving towards single tracking as the speed increases. His movement should always appear powerful, agile, and effortless, with good reach and drive, and perfect balance between front and hind movement. His topline should remain completely steady and level when moving. There should never be an impression of heaviness, sluggishness, or effort. The Canaan does not move in a long loping stride; his gait is short and quick and he looks able to change directions instantly, to leap effortlessly over or on any obstacles in his path, and to keep going for hours without tiring.

A long bodied dog will be lacking in the effortlessly and smooth movement, often appearing to be disunited with front and hind legs moving out of synch with each other. Lack of correct balance in angulation may cause gait faults such as pacing or overreaching. From the front and the rear, the movement of legs is parallel and straight forward, moving in under the center of gravity of the dog as the speed increases. Crossing, paddling, loose elbows, cowhocks, narrow movement are highly undesirable.

Correct gait is essential to this breed, and all faults resulting in poor movement should be penalized

Temperament:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with his family. Reserved and aloof with strangers. Highly territorial, serving as a responsive companion and natural guardian. Very vocal, persistent. Easily trained. Faults--Shyness or dominance toward people.

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – The essential characteristics of the Canaan Dog are those which have enabled them to survive for centuries in the desert. The Canaan Dog gives the impression of elegance but is sufficiently substantial to stand up to jackals, hyenas, and wolves. They are intelligent and adaptable to wide extremes of lifestyle and climate. The character of the Canaan Dog is based on their instinct for survival and sense of territoriality. They are extremely vigilant and alert; quick to react; distrustful of strangers, both human and animal; and strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Their first reaction, when confronted with an intruder is not to attack but to stay out of reach and bark continuously. Canaans of both sexes may be aggressive with other dogs, particularly in their own territory. Canaan Dogs are extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training but consider themselves the equal of those with whom they live. Canaans raised with children are very gentle with and extremely protective of them. This breed matures slowly both physically and mentally and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Agile, alert and highly intelligent.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.

Explanation of the character by Myrna Shiboleth: It is essential to have a basic understanding of the character of the Canaan. The Canaan is not a dog that is outgoing and friendly to everyone or willing and happy to be approached and petted by all. The Canaan has survived because of his highly developed suspiciousness and his ability to react instantly to anything that may be considered danger. This often results in the Canaan being a reluctant show dog. He does not like being outside of his own territory, especially in places with large numbers of other dogs and strange people, and he doesnt care to be handled by strangers. Intelligent and trainable, he will learn to put up with this, but he doesnt usually enjoy it. The may result in him being reluctant to put his tail up in the show ring, and at times backing away when approached by a strange judge. He may also show a startle reaction at unusual or sudden noises, movements or occurrences. If given a moment to look over the situation, and to take a look at the human approaching him, the well socialized and well trained Canaan will settle and behave with dignity, honoring his human master with his agreement to put up with all of this nonsense if his master really wants him to. It is important for the judge to understand that this type of behavior is not indicative of a shy dog or a dog of bad character, but is rather the true nature of the Canaan.

However, the Canaan is not an aggressive dog by nature and certainly not when he is outside of his own territory. He should never show any signs of aggression to humans that approach him in the ring in a normal manner, and should be willing to allow himself to be touched. He also should never display uncontrolled aggressiveness to other dogs. This type of behavior is definitely undesirable.

Disqualifications:

· American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dogs less than 20 inches or more than 25 inches. Bitches less than 18 inches or more than 23 inches. Gray and/or brindle. All white

· United Kennel Club (UKC) – Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Wariness has great survival value so Canaans often back off slightly when approached by a stranger. This aspect of Canaan temperament should not be penalized. However, dogs displaying extreme shyness, panic, or fear-biting should be disqualified. There is no place for this in domestic stock.

· Kennel Club, UK (KC) – Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

· Federation Cynologique International (FCI) – Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

· Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – All deviations from the standard of the breed. All faults in body structure which constitute a deviation from the norm of a well built dog; anything that would detract from his potential for survival as a desert animal.

All standards have a note that males should have 2 fully descended testicles.

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