Canaan Dogs

Canaan dog, also known as Kalef K'naani, is regarded as the national dog breed of Israel. In the year 1930, this dog is basically bred from the wild dog of Israel and an ancient herding breed. If we turn the pages of history, we find that they were used for tending cattle and sheep. The Canaan dog breed has been classified as one of the herding dog groups.

The dog breed was named as 'Canaan Dog', after the Land of Canaan in Israel. During the Second World War, the breed was used mostly in patrolling work and was first trained to detect mines effectively. Eventually, people used to engage this breed of dogs as messengers, mine detectors during tracking, hunting and herding as they have a keen ability to smell, hear and learn.

The Canaan dog also resembles the typical pariah dogs and is aloof with strangers. This dog breed is found in a variety of colors, ranging from brown, black, sandy, cream and red with white color patches. In the year 1965, Canaan dog was first imported to the United States by the founder of the breed Dr. Rudolphina Menzel.

Interesting Facts on Canaan Dogs

No one can question the loyalty of a Canaan dog towards its master. They can be tamed for their docile, obedient and defensive character. Like the guard dogs, the Canaan dog is defensive by nature and reacts quickly to every disturbance by prompt barking. However, a Canaan dog is friendly with its master.

A Canaan dog has two coats i.e. inner coat and outer coat. The undercoat is short, dense and soft, whereas the outer coat's thickness ranges from ½ to 1½ inch. The dense undercoat protects them from extreme temperatures, such as cold or hot and this helps make them a great watchdog.

A Canaan dog shows talents of a stock dog, is a natural herder and is used for patrolling work in Israel. By nature, the Canaan dog is intelligent and can learn a skill quickly than other pariah dogs. A Canaan dog is obedient and hence responds well to all kinds of dog training. As a group of herding dogs, a Canaan dog is inquisitive by nature and remains alert.

Children will be delighted to know that a Canaan dog reacts in a friendly way with children. This dog can be an obedient pet dog, if trained in a proper way.

The Canaan dog has prick ears that have broadbase and rounded tip features and its nose is slightly slanted. It has sharp teeth, dark brown almond-shaped eyes, straight legs and pads in feet. Canaan dog's chest is deep and the tail is set high. This dog is available in medium, rectangular as well as wedge-shaped sizes. A Canaan dog is almost 35 to 55 pounds in weight and 19 to 24 inches in height.

Do you know for how many years a Canaan dog lives? Let me tell you that a Canaan dog lives up to 11 to 15 years. Some health problems from which this dog suffers is hypothyroidism, epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and problems of digestive system, heart and respiratory systems.

You should take proper care of your pet Canaan dog including bathing, brushing, providing proper, nutritious dog foods like bones, milk and fish.