The Canaan Dog is a herding
and flock guardian dog native to the Middle East. He is aloof with
strangers, inquisitive, loyal and loving with his family. His
medium-size, square body is without extremes, showing a clear, sharp
outline. The Canaan Dog moves with athletic agility and grace in a
quick, brisk, ground-covering trot. He has a wedge-shaped head with
low-set erect ears, a bushy tail that curls over the back when excited,
and a straight, harsh, flat-lying double coat.
|
|
| Breed Name |
Canaan Dog |
| Country Of
Origin |
Israel |
| Group |
Herding |
|
Coat |
Stiff & Straight |
|
Height |
19" to 24" |
| Weight |
35 to 55 lbs |
| Temperament |
Alert, Vigilant, Devoted |
| Activity Level |
Very High |
| Learning Rate |
High |
|
Litter Size |
N/A |
| Life Span |
12 to 15 Years |
|
|
Other Names |
Kelev K'naani |
If you are interested in an
Canaan Dog puppy:
See our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size--Height at the withers is 20 to 24 inches for dogs and 19 to
23 inches for bitches. The ideal Canaan Dog lies in the middle of the
stated ranges. Disqualifications--Dogs less than 20 inches or more
than 25 inches. Bitches less than 18 inches or more than 23 inches.
Proportion--Square when measured from the point of the withers to
the base of the tail and from the point of the withers to the ground.
Substance--Moderate. Dogs generally weigh 45 to 55 pounds and
bitches approximately 35 to 45 pounds. Dogs distinctly masculine without
coarseness and bitches feminine without over-refinement.
Head
Elongated, the length exceeding the breadth and depth considerably.
Wedge-shaped, when viewed from above. Slightly arched when viewed from
the side, tapering to stop. The region of the forehead is of medium
width, but appearing broader through ears set low to complete an alert
expression, with a slight furrow between the eyes. Expression--Alert,
watchful and inquisitive. Dignified. Eyes--Dark, almond-shaped,
slightly slanted. Varying shades of hazel with liver-pointed dogs. Eye
rims darkly pigmented or of varying shades of liver harmonizing with
coat color. Fault--Unpigmented eye rims. Ears--Erect, medium to
large, set moderately low, broad at the base, tapering to a very
slightly rounded tip. Ears angled very slightly forward when excited. A
straight line from the inner corner of the ear to the tip of the nose
should just touch the inner corner of the eye and a line drawn from the
tip of the ear to the tip of the nose should just touch the outer corner
of the eye. Ear motion contributes to expression and clearly defines the
mood of the dog. Major Fault--In the adult dog, other than erect ears.
Stop--Slightly accentuated. Muzzle--Tapering to complete
the wedge shape of the head. Length equal to or slightly longer than the
length of the skull from the occiput to stop. Whisker trimming optional.
Nose--Darkly pigmented or varying shades of liver, harmonizing
with coat color. Lips--Tight with good pigmentation. Bite--Scissors.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--well arched. Balance to body and head and free from
throatiness. Topline--Level with slight arch over the loins.
Body--Strong, displaying athletic agility and trimness. Chest--Moderately
broad and deep, extending to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs.
Loin--Well-tucked up. Short, muscled flanks. Tail--Set moderately
high. May be carried curled over the back when excited; limited to one
full curl. When extended, the bone must reach to the hocks. Fault: Tail
which falls over to either side of the back.
Forequarters
Shoulders moderately angulated. Legs straight. Pasterns flexible
with very slight slope when viewed from the side. Dewclaws may be
removed. Feet--Catlike, pads hard, pigmentation harmonizing with
nose and eye rims. Nails strong, hard, pigmentation harmonizing with
either nose and eye rims or coat.
Hindquarters
Moderately angulated. In balance with forequarters. Straight when viewed
from the rear. Thigh musculature well-developed, moderately broad. Hocks
well-let-down. Dewclaws must be removed. Feet and nails as in
fore-quarters.
Coat
Double coat. Outer coat-straight, harsh, flat-lying, with slight ruff.
Ruff more pronounced on males. Length of outer coat ½ to 1½ inch; longer
on ruff and back of thighs, shorter on body, legs and head.
Undercoat--straight, soft, short, flat-lying, density varying with
climate. Tail bushy, increasing in plumage from set to end of bones,
then tapering to pointed tip. Faults--Excessively long guard coat that
masks the clean outline of the dog. Any trimming that alters the natural
appearance of the dog.
Color
There are two color patterns. Pattern 1) Predominantly white with mask
and with or without additional patches of color (large body patches are
desirable). Pattern 2) Solid colored with or without white trim. Color
may range from black through all shades of brown - sandy to red or
liver. Shadings of black on a solid brown or tan dog are frequently
seen. The trim on a solid colored dog may include chest, undercarriage,
feet and lower part of leg and tip of tail. In all color patterns
self-ticking may be present. Disqualifications--a) Gray and/or
brindle. b) All white.
Mask
The mask is a desired and distinguishing feature of the predominantly
white Canaan Dog. The mask is the same color(s) as the body patches on
the dog. The basically symmetrical mask must completely cover the eyes
and ears or can completely cover the head as in a hood. The only allowed
white in the mask or hood is a white blaze of any size or shape and/or
white on the muzzle below the mask. Faults--On predominantly white
dogs--absence of mask, half mask, or grossly asymmetrical mask.
Gait
Movement is very important. Good reach and drive. Quick, brisk natural
trot, apparently tireless, indicating an animal capable of trotting for
hours. Covers ground more quickly than expected. Agile, able to change
directions almost instantaneously. Tends to single-track at high speed.
Fault--Anything that detracts from efficient movement.
Temperament
Alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with his family. Reserved and aloof
with strangers. Highly territorial, serving as a responsive companion
and natural guardian. Very vocal, persistent. Easily trained.
Faults--Shyness or dominance toward people.
Disqualifications
Dogs less than 20 inches or more than 25 inches.
Bitches less than 18 inches or more than 23 inches.
Gray and/or brindle.
All white.If you are interested in a
Canaan
Dog Puppy:
See our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program. |
