The Canaan Dog is an ancient dog breed that was established in the 1930s. They were bred from the wild dogs of Israel, and are still used today to herd, guard and manage sheep. This is a very trainable breed, and they have been successfully used as messengers, mine detectors, trackers and search and rescue dogs. Even today this breed performs most of these duties. The Canaan Dog is a very tough breed that is well-adapted to the deserts of Israel. Drawings of similar looking dogs were found in tombs dating back to 2200 BC.
Temperament
Although this is considered a primitive dog breed, the Canaan Dog is a very intelligent dog. These dogs are very loyal and affectionate toward their owners, and will shower their families with love. This is a dog that is very keen on pleasing its owner. The Canaan Dog can however be fairly domineering and strong- willed at times. This breed is best suited to owners with some previous dog ownership experience. The Canaan Dog does not require excessive attention, and they are also very independent dogs. Seeing that these dogs are so intelligent, they require sufficient mental stimulation. If they are not stimulated enough, they may show negative behaviour.
Care
Canaan Dogs are a very hygienic breed with no doggie smell. Theses dogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, and will require a weekly combing and brushing. Extra care should however be taken when these dogs are shedding. These dogs shed quite heavily during the shedding season.
Training
It is imperative to remember that the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed, and that they are slow to mature. They are also stubborn and autonomous, and will therefore require an experienced owner and trainer. This breed should receive early socialisation and obedience training - this is a must. The Canaan Dog will not react to cruel or forceful training methods, but they do need to see who is dominant. The training environment for these dogs should be firm and consistent, and also have enough admiration and reward. The training regime should be varied; otherwise these dogs will get bored.
Health problems
The Canaan dog is a very healthy and tough breed, and they are not likely to struggle with any major health issues. They can however, very rarely have trouble with hip dysplasia which is a disease where the hip joints begin to break down. This makes it very difficult to make any movements.
Group: Southern
Weight: Male: 30-44, Female: 30-44 lbs
Height: Male: 17-24, Female: 17-24 inches
Overview
The Carolina Dog is a result of natural selection, and they are a truly primitive breed. These dogs are not entirely broken in, and some of them still live in the wild. The Carolina Dog managed to survive throughout the swamps, forests and savannahs in South Carolina for thousands of years. This breed makes excellent pets, and they are also very adjustable to life in a household. Carolina Dogs can be fairly timid around strangers, and prefer to be friends with others on their own terms. If this breed is socialised properly from puppy hood onwards, they will be wonderful companion dogs. Seeing that these dogs have natural instincts, they love to be part of a pack and will therefore do well in a family environment. The Carolina Dog is calm, kind and also does well with children. These dogs are very clean, and easy to housetrain. They are also an intelligent breed that is very quick to respond. The Carolina Dog is also not aggressive or destructive, but they do have a tendency to howl when they hear certain sounds.
Temperament
The Carolina Dog is a prehistoric breed, and some of these dogs still live in the wild. They are not fully domesticated, and are therefore not ideal for someone with no previous dog ownership experience. The Carolina Dog is fairly distrustful and wary of strangers. They love to be part of a pack, and will therefore fit in well with a family. This dog will adapt best in a home were the children is older and considerate. There is a possibility that these dogs will not be tolerant of children they do not know. In general, the Carolina Dog will get along well with other dogs and cats, especially of they have been brought up with them.
Care
The coat of the Carolina Dog is a low maintenance coat that does not require too much grooming. The coat of the Carolina Dog should be brushed on from time to time and this breed should also not be bathed excessively - only when it is really required.
Training
It is vital that the Carolina Dog has an explicit leader, and also one who commands respect. The Carolina Dog should receive proper socialisation and obedience training when they are still puppies as this will help them to get along with other animals and children later on. This dog will not do well in a training environment where cruel methods are used. It should rather be done with respect and firmness.
Health problems
Carolina Dogs have no known health issues, and this breed usually lives for 14 to 14 years.