Canaan Dog
Group: Herding
Lifespan: 10-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 4-6
Average Weight: 35-57 lbs.
Average Height: 19-24 inches
Exercise/Actvity Level: High
Temperment with:
Children 
Other Dogs Other Animals 
History
The Canaan Dog originated in Israel. They were created by breeding wild Israeli dogs and were used to herd and guard sheep. To this day they are used for search & rescue, tracking, and in the War were used as mine detecting dogs and messengers. They are used to the sandy and dry climate of Israel and are very adaptable to various climates and environments.
Traits
The Canaan Dog is an intelligent, trustworthy dog that is independent yet loyal. They are known for excelling in tracking, obedience, herding and agility. They are athletic and calm, yet protective of their space and family. They are barkers, but will make good watch dogs. The Canaan Dog will need a lot of socialization as a puppy with other animals and people because they can become guarded adults if not done so. Since they’re instinct is to herd, they should be monitored around smaller family pets and should be socialized with smaller animals to ensure they will become responsible with these pets as adults.
Appearance
Weighing in at 35-57 lbs (16-25 kgs) and averaging 19-24 inches high, the Canaan Dog is a solid, athletic breed. The have a double coat with the outer layer being short, straight and hard, while the under coat is shorter and smooth. The coat comes in a white, brown, black or white with brown/black markings. They have strong legs and paws that are quite small and described as cat like. The Canaan Dogs ears are upright and pointed and their eyes are circular and should be a medium brown with the perimeter of the iris being the corresponding colour of their coat. Their tail is long and full, and coils to touch their back.
Health
The Canaan Dog is among the healthiest of breeds only being prone to Hip Dysplasia, but even this genetic disease is not as common as it is in some other breeds of dog.
Training
The Canaan Dog is an astonishingly intelligent breed and excels greatly in agility, tracking, and obedience trials. They will succeed well if they are trained in a positive manner but firmly. Be sure to change up the training so they will not become too accustomed to the same tricks as they will get bored. The Canaan Dog is an independent breed, so they enjoy doing work or trials where they are forced to judge for themselves.
Care
The Canaan Dog is a low maintenance breed. They should be brushed about weekly, and only need bathing as per the owners preference. Extra brushing should be done when it is shedding season as they will shed heavily.
Breed
The Canaan Dog is categorized in the Herding Group. They would do well in an apartment if they are exercised regularly. A yard or access to a park would be preferable as they love to run! This breed will need to be given exercise that requires them to think and work out their brain as well as their bodies and agility or tracking is perfect for this! The Canaan Dogs lifespan is between 10-15 years. They have on average 4-6 pups per litter. When obtaining a puppy Canaan Dog, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!
Reference pages for Information:
http://puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/canaando.htm Canaan Dog Information
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/canaan.htm Canaan Dog Breed Information
http://www.akc.org/breeds/canaan_dog Canaan Dog AKC Standards
http://www.canaandogrescue.com Canaan Dog Rescue
http://cdca.org Canaan Dog Club of America
