Canaan DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

Dogs almost identical to the Canaan Dog have lived in the region for a very long time. Wikipedia mentions the dog cemetery at Ashkelon, from the Persian period, with 700 skeletons of dogs very similar to today's breed.

Semi-wild dogs lived for a long time in the Negev Desert, and the Bedouin used them to herd flocks and guard their camps. In the 1930s, the animal behaviour specialist Rudolphina Menzel caught a few, tamed them and began breeding them. The dogs were used by the army and as guides for the blind.

How the breed developed

• Antiquity – Similar dogs are buried in the cemetery at Ashkelon.
• Centuries – The dogs live freely in the Negev; the Bedouin use them for herding and guarding.
• 1930s – Rudolphina Menzel tames them and begins breeding the breed.
• 23 November 1966 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 28 November 1985 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a medium-sized, well-balanced, strong and square dog that resembles a wild dog. Males and females are clearly different.

General appearance

The erect, relatively short and broad ears are rounded at the tip. The dark brown, almond-shaped eyes have dark rims. The bushy tail is carried curled over the back.

The typical colours are desert colours: sand, gold, red and cream. White, black or a patched coat, with or without a mask, are also accepted. Grey, brindle, black and tan and tricolour are not accepted.

The standard describes it as extraordinarily devoted and easy to train. The AKC says it is highly intelligent, sensitive and affectionate.

Its self-protective instinct and territorial sense make it suspicious of new people, dogs and places. Early socialisation and puppy classes are a must, and training should always be positive.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. The process starts at the breeder's and continues at home.
• Be positive. It is sensitive; punishment spoils it.
• Try dog sports. It enjoys obedience, tracking, agility and scent work.
• Work on the barking. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.

It needs moderate exercise. The AKC says it adapts to many kinds of home, as long as it goes out every day.

Tips for a balanced life

• It adapts to most climates.
• The fence must be solid: it has a territorial instinct.
• Get it used to new places and people gradually.

Coat and skin care

Canaan Dogs are clean and rarely need a bath. They shed at least once a year, when they need frequent brushing. Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but a few problems can occur:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly for signs of infection.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

The AKC warns that some dogs put on weight easily. Keep an eye on calories and treats.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• 700 dogs in an ancient cemetery. An ancient cemetery with 700 skeletons of similar dogs was found at Ashkelon.
• It lived freely in the desert. Its ancestors lived semi-wild in the Negev Desert.
• A guide for the blind. Rudolphina Menzel also trained it as a guide for the blind.
• Desert colours. Sand, gold, red and cream are the most typical colours.
• It tames easily. Menzel found that these semi-wild dogs adapt and become domesticated easily.

The dog cemetery at Ashkelon

At Ashkelon, in Israel, archaeologists discovered an ancient cemetery with 700 skeletons of dogs very similar to the Canaan Dog. The cemetery dates from the period of Persian rule, and archaeologists believe these dogs were considered sacred animals.

Where does the Canaan Dog come from?

From Israel; its ancestors lived semi-wild in the Negev Desert.

How big does it get?

It measures 50–60 cm at the withers and weighs 18–25 kg.

Is it a good family dog?

Yes, it is very devoted, but suspicious of strangers; it needs socialisation.

Does it bark a lot?

Yes, the AKC gives it the top score for barking.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 12–15 years.