Canaan Dog

Appearance

Details: Rudophina Menzel described the Canaan dog's head as a "blunt wedge".

Average height and weight (mature size and weight):  19-24 inches, 35-55 pounds

Color / coat variations: The Canaan Dog's coat is harsh, straight and flat, not curled. There is an undercoat according to season. Any solid color from sandy tan to black with white trim is allowed, as is a harlequin pattern of white with black, brown or red markings. All white dogs are disqualified in the US, although the Menzels named them in their Standard. A full mask, or full mask with white blaze is required with the 'spotteds.' There is constant but relatively little shedding with exceptions once or twice a year.

Care

Lifespan: 10-14 years

Litter size: 4-6 puppies

Grooming and shedding: Canaan Dogs shed heavily in some seasons but a weekly brushing is sufficient to remove any dead hair.

Food habits: A good quality dog food or a fresh, raw diet with all the nutrients is suitable for Canaan Dogs. Meat forms an important part of their diet.

Climate and environment: The Canaan Dog can live in most climates including tough desert conditions. They can live both outdoors and indoors. They do well in an apartment lifestyle.

Temperament

Behavioral aspects: The Canaan Dog is a lively, alert canine that is essentially odorless. He barks for a reason, and stops when he is assured that there is no danger, nor reason to sound the alarm. Their unusually acute sense of hearing and smell make them good and natural watchdogs. They stay close to home, and want 'their' animals to stay home too. Barn cats belong in the barn and house cats in the house. Intruders who dress or behave differently from their family are announced or chased away. Same with animals.

With children: They are good with children.

With other dogs and animals: They are naturally aggressive with other dogs. Males are generally extremely aggressive with other dogs. Early socialization and training helps in reducing their aggressive tendencies toward other dogs though they may still bark at unfamiliar dogs in their territory. Canaan Dogs generally get along well with cats that have grown up with them.

Training and learning rate: Careful breeding, training and socialization will make most Canaans able to move around their community as responsible "canine good citizens." They should understand how to play with other dogs in the dog park and at doggy day care centers. And they should be trainable both in competition and at home.

Activity Level

Agility: Canaan Dogs have done well in agility.

Affinity to water: Some Canaan Dogs love to swim.

How noisy are they: Not all Canaan Dogs are noisy. If kept alone for a long time, they may express their boredom by barking at any passerby. Their alertness levels are high, which may be the reason why some Canaan Dogs bark at every disturbance in the neighborhood. With proper training and socialization, they can be a calm and docile breed.

Exercise: They require moderate amounts of exercise. A jog, long walk, swim may be suitable for these dogs.

Health issues: The Canaan Dog is a relatively healthy breed with very few health problems. Hip dysplasia occurs in rare instances. It is a condition marked by badly formed hips and can cause lameness.