Canaan Dogs have developed through hundreds and, in fact, thousands of years of hardship. It is thought that the breed originated in the biblical land of Canaan and has been called Kelev Kanani (Dog of Canaan). When the Israelites were dispersed from their hometown by the Romans 2000 years ago, most Israeli puppies were left to fend for themselves in the Zebulon Coastal Plain and Negev Desert. Bedouins captured male dogs from the wild to raise as defense and cattle dogs. When the Israeli Defense Force tried to expand service puppies in the 1930s, the traditional European service breeds couldn’t adapt to the harsh climate. The Canaan Dog’s life is mainly owed to the efforts of 1 woman, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel. Her look for a more appropriate military canine led her to the native feral puppies. Several dogs have been captured and began a breeding and training program. The puppies quickly proved their worth, serving as sentry puppies, messengers, mine detectors, Red Cross helpers, or even locators of wounded soldiers at some stage in the Second World War. They were skilled as guide puppies for the blind in the Fifties. However, they have been too small and independent to be extensively successful. Perhaps no other breed of canine has ever risen from feral roots to become this beneficial and dedicated partner in so short a time. The first Canaan puppy came to America in 1965. Not the flashiest of breeds, Canaans’ understated good appearance may have made many humans overlook them, despite their companionship credentials. Nonetheless, they slowly attracted admirers, and the AKC ultimately admitted them into the Herding Group in 1997. The breed has remained obscure despite its appealing attributes.

Temperement

Canaan Dogs excel as herders, but they have also confirmed themselves in plenty of tasks concerning dependability and obedience. This breed is an intelligent, devoted, docile training dog. It is pretty tractable and willing and quick to please. They are aloof toward strangers and defensive in their family. The Canaan Dog is usually good with different pets and puppies; however, it may want to be introduced to new puppies carefully. This breed is a natural parent, and a few tend to bark a lot.

Upkeep

Few breeds can declare as pure a working heritage as the Canaan Dog. This canine will not be glad simply sitting around. The Canaan requires lots of workouts and mental and physical challenges. May meet their requirements with herding exercise, a long jog, a strenuous game session, and a challenging training session. The coat requires brushing approximately once every week to get rid of dead hairs.

Health

“Major diagnosis: none
Minor diagnosis: CHD
Occasionally seen: elbow dysplasia
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, (eye), knee), (thyroid)
Life span: 12–13 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.