Uncommon Dog Breeds: Canaan Dog

Coyote like in appearance, the Canaan Dog has roamed the desert plains of the Negev desert with it Bedouin masters since antiquity. The breed was used solely as a working dog, herding livestock by day, guarding the family at night. In 1930, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel began a selective breeding program in Jerusalem. During World War II, soldiers trained these dogs to detect mines. Proving themselves versatile, its no wonder the Canaan has become the national dog of Israel.

A member of the spitz family, the Canaan is an ancient breed dating back to biblical times. Rock carvings can be found in the Sinai desert depicting this dog hunting along side its human masters. It has changed little.

The Canaan dog is successful at tracking, has been used as a seeing eye dog, and is proficient in search and rescue. It is a versatile character, and seems to excel in every discipline.

Coat colors come in all variations, with a Boston terrier mask being quite common. The fur is short, and requires little to no grooming. The busy tail is kept curled when alert. The Canaan possesses a medium build, with naturally upright ears.

A serious dog, the Canaan is aloof, especially when compared to breeds such as the Labrador. For this reason it serves in more of a utilitarian role versus that of companion. People who prefer an independent animal find this breed endearing; in this aspect the Canaan is akin to the feline.

This breed is not for the first time dog owner as they possess a keen intelligence which has to be put to use. The Canaan learns quickly, and excels at obedience training, but needs a master who is capable of setting boundaries and mentally stimulating it. They will not tolerate repetition, and if bored or preoccupied, the Canaan will ignore the owners commands. For this reason Canaans function best as working dogs.

An alert breed, the Canaan makes a good watch dog. Little fails to go unnoticed, and while not prone to barking, the animal will set off an alarm. If in an urban setting, early socialization is crucial, as these dogs tend to be extremely cautious of strangers.