Canaan dog: breed description and tips for keeping

The Canaan dog is considered an indigenous breed. This variety is the only breeding dog breed in Israel. In this country, the animal continues to exist not only in a domesticated, but also in a wild and semi-wild form.

What is the origin story of this dog breed? What are the standards and characteristics of the breed? What traits and behavior patterns are inherent in the Canaanite animal? How to properly care for a dog and in what conditions is it recommended to keep it? You can find answers to these and some other questions in our material.

The story of the origin of the Canaan dog is quite interesting and unusual. So, scientists report on the image of the Canaanite animal found on the Sinai Peninsula, which was carved into stone more than 2,000 years ago. In addition, the remains of dogs were found in ancient graves in Israel, which date back to 2000 BC. There are suggestions that this particular animal was a symbol of the wife of the king of the Kingdom of Israel Ahab - Jezebel.

However, no later records of the dog have been found. That is why most researchers are of the opinion that for some time the breed was forgotten, and the dogs, which lived not far from people, but by themselves, began to run wild.

However, Rudelfina Menzel, a well-known breeder and trainer of dogs in Israel, but having German roots, drew attention to these animals.It is she who is considered the founder of the Canaanite dog breed in its modern sense. Paying attention to stray dogs, she began to carefully study and research them, and then came to the conclusion that Canaanite animals are well trained and nurtured and have the ability to work effectively even in adverse environmental conditions.

In connection with the discovered positive qualities, active breeding of these dogs began. Through the efforts of Rudelphina Menzel, the first nursery for the Canaanite breed was created in Israel. Moreover, he worked according to a specially developed concept. Also, a breeder of German origin formulated a standard for this dog breed, which was even officially adopted at the level of the Israeli Kennel Club, as well as the International Cynologists Federation. In addition, it was Rudelphina Menzel who gave the name to the breed.

Since then, this variety of dogs has attracted scientists and dog breeders not only throughout Israel, but also far beyond the borders of this country. So, animals began to spread throughout the United Kingdom, the United States of America and even in the Republic of South Africa.

However, the history of the existence of this breed of animals has not been successful and has gone through many negative turns. So, in the 1980s, an epidemic of rabies broke out among the representatives of the breed, thanks to which the existence of a species of animals was in question.

In Israel, Canaanite dogs have been used for practical purposes from the moment of their development to the present day. Animals work as watchdogs and guide dogs, and law enforcement agencies use them to detect explosives and drugs. Besides, Canaanite dogs are dogs that are used in the military field. Often they are used to traverse minefields, because, thanks to their instinct, they can build safe routes.

For Canaanite dogs, as with other officially accepted animal species, standards of appearance have been adopted. Generally speaking, it is important to note that Canaanite dogs resemble Spitz dogs in appearance.

The structure of the dog is distinguished by proportionality, reliability and strength. As for the numerical indicators, the growth of the animal at the withers ranges from half a meter to 60 centimeters, and the males are much larger than the female. Dog weights can also range from 18 to 25 kilograms.

The head of a Canaanite pet has the correct proportions and a blunt wedge shape. The skull is wide enough. The nose is black. As for the bite, it can be one of 2 types: scissor or straight. The animal's eyes have a pronounced brown shade and an almond shape. The ears are erect, but set rather low and rounded at the edges.

If we talk about the direct anatomical structure of the body, then it is quite strong with well-developed muscles. The back is straight and the chest is deep and wide enough. The ribs are slightly curved and the belly is quite taut and taut. The tail on the body is set high enough and has a dense and fluffy hairline, itself is curved.

The coat of the Canaanite breed of dog is distinguished by its high density, has a well-developed undercoat. The colors can be very diverse (for example, white, black or even spotted), however, the most preferred color is considered to be a sand or cream shade, red and golden colors are also valuable. The color can be either uniform or stained.

If you are serious about acquiring and keeping a Canaanite dog in your home, then you should carefully study its character and behavior in order to understand whether you can get along with this animal safely.

Generally speaking, according to its natural characteristics the animal is not aggressive, however, the dog may feel distrust and wary of strangers.

Canaan dogs easily and quickly make contact with people, and they are friendly even with small children. But animals will show true love and affection only in relation to one person, who will be considered the true owner. Difficulties can also arise if these dogs are not the only pets in the house - frequent conflicts can arise between animals.

Generally speaking, keeping Canaanite dogs in an urban setting is permitted but not recommended. A better option would be to live on a private plot of land. However, even in this case, it is important to take into account that the Canaanite dog should not be kept on a leash or in an aviary; it must be provided with the possibility of free walking throughout the territory.

Even if the animal lives in a private house and is constantly on the street, walks outside the territory of the house will not be superfluous. However, remember that you need to walk the dogs on a leash, otherwise the dog may get involved in dangerous fights.

The Canaanite variety is characterized by a molting process, therefore it is important not to forget to regularly comb the hairline with the help of special brushes and pay special attention to the care of the hair.

As for hygiene procedures, the examination of the nose, mouth, ears and paw pads should be referred to the mandatory processes in this regard. It is important to make sure that no part of the animal's body is scratched, damaged, irritated or rash (if deficiencies are found, then you must immediately consult a doctor).

Another mandatory procedure is teeth cleaning. It is recommended to implement it at least once every 3 days. To do this, use a special cleaning agent made for dogs.

The Canaanite dogs are subject to the same rules as other dogs: they can be fed both dry food and natural foods. If you prefer the first option, then remember that you should purchase feed only from trusted manufacturers. Don't buy cheap formulations: they not only do not saturate your pet's body with all the necessary trace elements, but can even harm it.

In the case of choosing the type of feeding with natural products, it should be remembered that meat should become the basis of the Canaanite breed's nutrition. You can also feed animals by-products, fish and eggs, as well as cereals, vegetables and dairy products.

If you have any doubts about your pet's diet, be sure to check with your veterinarian. Remember that it is from food that the animal receives all the nutrients important for the growth and development of the body.

As stated earlier, the Canaanite dog breed is indigenous. That is why the process of learning and training an animal can be difficult - the dog will show independence and perseverance. That is why it is recommended to involve professional dog handlers and specialists in the training process who can cope with a wayward dog.

Early socialization should be mandatory. It is also recommended that you complete an early obedience course. Despite the fact that, in general, the process of training and education should take place in a strict environment, so that the animal knows who is the boss here and who is in charge in this situation, it is important not to use rudeness and aggression, not to use force in relation to the animal.

In the process of teaching and upbringing, it is important to follow the sequence of studying the commands and not to rush. Do not demand the impossible from the animal - do not rely on the fact that the dog will master all the commands in one training session. Be patient and calm.

Try to turn the activities into interesting games so that the animal does not lose interest in what is happening.

For the characteristics of the Canaanite dog breed, see below.