The Canaan Dog is not that far removed from the wild dogs that she came from in Israel. Possibly owing to this near wild heritage, she is a very healthy dog. She tends to be a one person dog or a one family dog. She is a good watch dog and guard dog and she may be aloof with strangers or non family members. She can be raised in an apartment as long as she gets enough exercise. Of course, a properly fenced in enclosure for exercise is ideal.

*Good With Children? Generally good with older children, especially if properly socialized. As a reminder, never leave young children alone with a dog or puppy.

*Good With Other Pets? Good with other pets although can be territorial and may fight with dogs of the same sex..

*Trainability: Very trainable, intelligent.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Canaan Dog is 20 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 55 pounds. The female ranges from 19 to 23 inches to the withers and 35 to 45 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed but the Canaan Dog is an extremely healthy breed. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Canaan Dog has a double coat, the outer is straight, flat lying and harsh with a bit of ruff. The inner coat is short, soft and flat. She should be brushed weekly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Canaan Dog can live between 12 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. This is a breed from the area that is now Israel. They have been around since pre-biblical times (around 2000 BC) and were developed through breeding of the Pariah dogs. Their purpose was to guard sheep and goats. The Canaan Dogs are not that far removed from semi wild dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1997.

Some Registries:

The Canaan Dog Club of America

ICDCA Israel Canaan Dog Club of America

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

ACR = American Canine Registry

CDC Canaan Dog Club (UK)

Litter Size: 4 to 6 Canaan dog puppies

Category: Herding, Primitive Breed,

Terms To Describe: Intelligent, loyal, loving, inquisitive, alert, devoted, well balanced, strong, stamina, deeply devoted

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Excellent noses.

Docile with his family.

Aloof with others.

Easily trained.

Great hearing.

Very clean dog.

She can stand extremes of temperature.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Good guard dog.

Difficult to find puppies, scarce in the United States.

Need extensive early socialization.

Very vocal.

May try to dominate people.

Seasonally heavy shedder.

Tend to be a one person dog.

*Other Names Known By: Kelef Knaani

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.