Canaan Dog Breed Information

  Learn about this dog breed including behavior, physical characteristics, origins, history and more.

Canaan Dog Breed Information

Learn all about Canaan Dog dogs, read about the Canaan Dog breed information, find out about the Canaan Dog Breed Standard, Canaan Dog behavior and more.

The Canaan Dog (Kelef K'naani) Breed Introduction

The Canaan Dog, also called the Kelef K'naani, is an ancient herding breed. Athletic and graceful the dog does not so much run as trot. The Canaan Dog breed's characteristic wedge-shaped ears are perhaps its most distinctive physical feature.

Here are the characteristics of the Canaan breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Canaan's Behavior

Recommended for: house pets

As a herding dog, Canaan Dogs are alert and vigilant. They are also devoted with family, though they may seem reserved around strangers. Many people consider the dogs to be easy to train. As herding dogs, Canaans are active and appreciate having plenty of space and things to do.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Canaan Dog Physical Characteristics

• Size: males: 20-24 inches ; females: 19-23 inches
• Coat: Straight, harsh, flat outer coat over a straight, short, soft undercoat.
• Color: There are two color patterns: 1) predominantly white; 2) solid-colored with or without white trim.
• Eyes: Dark, almond-shaped, slightly slanted.
• Ears: medium to large, set moderately low, broad at the base, tapering to a very slightly rounded tip and standing straight up.
• Muzzle: Tapering to complete the wedge shape of the head. Length equal to or slightly longer than the length of the skull from the occiput to stop.
• Nose: dark or liver-colored, matching the coat color
• Tail: high-set

Canaan Dogs Origins and History

Below are some historical facts on the Canaan Dog breed according to Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: Israel

Original purpose: The guard and herd dog

Historical notes: The Canaan Dog began as the ancient herding dog of the ancient Israelites. With the diaspora after the fall of Jerusalem, the breed became wild and also was taken in by Bedouins. Rudolphina Menzel started a selective breeding program to bring back the breed to support the new Jewish settlements.

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