Canaan Dog

Canaan, Kelev Knaani
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed from Israel, known for being intelligent, devoted to family, and protective. They require significant exercise, early socialization and are not recommended for novice owners.

Origin and Purpose

  • The Canaan Dog originated in Israel and was developed to be a livestock guardian and herding dog. It also served as a messenger and guard dog. The breed is ancient with a history dating back thousands of years.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female48-58 cm (19-23 in)16-23 kg (35-50 lbs)
Male50-60 cm (20-24 in)18-25 kg (40-55 lbs)

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • White, black, brown, or sand with or without markings, including masks
Type
  • Straight, harsh and dense, short to medium length
Length
  • Short to medium

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Moderate
Grooming
  • Low
Drooling
  • Low

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Wedge-shaped, moderate size, in proportion to body
Skull
  • Moderately broad, slightly rounded
Ears
  • Erect, pointed, mobile
Eyes
  • Dark brown, almond-shaped, set slightly oblique
Nose
  • Black, in harmony with the coat color
Muzzle
  • Moderate length, powerful
Teeth
  • Scissors bite
Neck
  • Muscular, medium length, slightly arched
Forequarters
  • Well-angulated
Fore Legs
  • Straight, strong
Hindquarters
  • Well-muscled
Hind Legs
  • Straight when viewed from the rear
Feet
  • Round, compact
Tail
  • Set high, curled over back when alert
Gait
  • Agile, light, with efficient movement

Temperament

  • Alert, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers, independent, very territorial

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Highly affectionate with family
Good with Children
  • Good with older children, can be reserved with younger children
Good with Dogs
  • Can be dominant with other dogs
Good with Cats
  • Variable, requires early socialization
Openness to Strangers
  • Wary and aloof
Playfulness Level
  • Moderate
Protective Nature
  • Highly protective
Adaptability Level
  • Moderate to High

Working Roles

  • Livestock guarding, herding, messenger, guard dog

Exercise Needs

  • High, requires daily physical and mental exercise

Health

  • Generally healthy, some can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Additional Notes

  • Requires consistent training and early socialization; not suited for novice owners. They are known for their independence and strong will.

References