Designed By Nature
In general terms, the Canaan Dog as we know it now exists as they have for centuries, as found both in ancient texts and art as well as to this day in the deserts of the Negev in Israel, traveling alongside the Bedouin tribes and performing the same tasks and functions now as then. As a Pariah breed, it's important to those of us wishing to preserve their uniqueness that we continue to focus on NOT changing things (except the obvious of eliminating genetic diseases such as DM, which we test for and can avoid breeding on in future generations) as we want to create generation after generation of the same dog nature has sculpted by the conditions and features of their native land.
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Please read further about the history of the breed and the AKC Breed Standard:
What Is A Standard
and why should I care?
A breed standard is a listing (as decided upon by the breed club) of all the details that go into the ideal example of the breed and is a guideline both for judges and breeders to determine what traits are closer to or farther from the standard, with the goal being to produce puppies as close as physically possible to the standard as written. The standard is also an excellent way for others to determine whether or not a particular breed has the features and characteristics that they seek and those they wish to avoid, from coat and temperament to size and activity level. It's good reading, and here's the link to the AKC Canaan Dog:
From the AKC:
One of the AKC's oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. This quick, medium-sized pasture dog is docile with family, aloof with strangers. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home. Canaan Dogs are lean, bushy-tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. The coat is straight and harsh, and comes in various colors and patterns. Erect, expressive ears and dark almond eyes convey an inquisitive expression. Canaans move at a brisk, natural trot. They are rugged, agile, and apparently tireless, making them a nice fit for hikers and runners. Canaans are clever, confident, and territorial. They will end up "owning" passive owners who haven't establish themselves as top dog in the family pack. Early training and socialization are key. When positive methods are applied, these ancient wonder-dogs train beautifully. Agility, obedience, herding trials, and sentry duty are a few outlets for their work ethic.
The Canaan Dog at a Glance
(from the CDCA website / brochure)
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HISTORY
Drs. R. and R. Menzel, the founders of the modern Canaan dog breed, settled in then Palestine during the 1930s. Their mission was to create a service dog station, and also to observe the pariah dogs in the area "before it was too late." The Menzels recognized the value of these natural dogs and their desire to accompany and befriend their human masters. Their breeding choices preserved the pariah dogs' hardiness, frugality, adaptability, acute senses and intelligence as well as nobility of character and form.
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CANAAN DOGS TODAY
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The Menzels trained Canaan Dogs for mine detection work, where their skill exceeded that of mechanical devices. Canaan Dogs worked as watchdogs, sentries, messengers, search and rescue and Red Cross dogs during World War II and the Israeli War for Independence. The Menzels also trained two Canaan Dogs as leader dogs at the Institute for the Orientation and Mobility of the Blind they established in Haifa and trained others as service dogs. Canaan Dogs compete in conformation, herding, agility, rally-obedience, and earn tracking titles. The lure coursing arena has become a recent attraction for Canaan Dogs and their owners. Most importantly, though, they excel as family members.
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Today, Canaan Dogs serve as therapy dogs, trained by dedicated owners whose dogs have met the strict requirements of TDI, Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society).
Where and When?
(from the CDCA website / brochure)
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This is the story of the Canaan Dog, the national dog of Israel. The breed derives from pariah dog types native to the Land of Canaan that made themselves useful to Bedouin and Hebrew tribes over thousands of years by herding and guarding their f!ocks.
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CANAAN DOG CHARACTERISTICS
The breed's feral origins offer fascinating glimpses into natural dog behavior. Wonderfully sensitive, affectionate and responsive, Canaan Dogs are highly intelligent and devoted family companions. Because of the their natural drive for self-preservation and their well-developed sense of territoriality, they tend to be mistrustful of strangers and new environments. The ideal Canaan Dog owner is one who commits to continuing the socialization started by the breeder and adds training for good manners in public and private to the dog's daily routine.
