Origin:
This natural breed of Israel dates back to pre-Biblical times and was the guard and herding dog of the ancient Israelites. As the Hebrew population was dispersed, many Canaans took up residence in the Negev Desert and remained mostly undomesticated except for some that attached themselves to the Bedouin and earned their keep as herders. A program recruited many of these pariah dogs and trained them for war use as sentries, messengers, Red Cross helpers and mine detectors. After World War II ended, the breeding program concentrated on developing the Canaan as guide dogs for the blind, the only program of its kind in the Middle East.
Temperament:
Though reserved and aloof with strangers, the Canaan is alert, devoted, docile and vigilant with his family. The breed may be quite vocal. The Canaan is a responsive companion that takes well to training.
Activity Level:
This squarely built dog likes having a job to do. Indoors he is relatively quiet and inactive, but has great energy reserves to call upon when his humans want to be on the go. He enjoys an active life and no less than a brisk daily walk will satisfy his exercise needs.
Height/Weight:
Adults may vary from 20-24 in (50-60 cm) at the withers, with the ideal being in the middle range. Weight, depending on size, may be anywhere from 39-55 lb (18-25 kg).
Coat:
The Canaan sports a straight, harsh, flat outer coat with a slight ruff. The length of the coat should be 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) in length. The soft, short, close undercoat may vary in density with the climate.
Colour:
There are two colour patterns in the breed. The first is predominately white with a dark mask, with or without additional patches of colour. The second pattern is a solid colour with or without white trim.
Grooming:
Grooming requirements are minimal. A little brushing to remove dead hair and the occasional bath are all that's needed.
