Live Life Team
Originating in Israel, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of this country. It is believed that the Canaan has existed for thousands of years. The Canaan is a descendent of the Pariah dogs that served as herd and guard dogs to the ancient Israelites. As the Israelite tribes moved out of the area the Pariah dogs took refuge in the Negev Desert.
It is from these feral dogs that Dr. Menzel developed the Canaan dog to help guard and serve the Israeli settlements during the late 1940’s. The resulting Canaan dogs are highly intelligent and have been used for searching out land mines, Red Cross helpers as well as guard dogs. Today they are often used and bred for guardian and protective purposes.
They are medium size, very strong and well proportioned. Their bushy tail is carried high and is typically curled over the back in an elegant manner when they become excited and happy. Canaan Dogs are generally solid in colour but not always. Usually the colours include cream tints, reddish brown, sandy shades, gold, white and black, and spotted coats. Sometimes a dark mask can be present. This particular breed does not come in tri-coloured blends.
This substantial breed has survived throughout the ages by defending itself against fierce predators. Not only have they survived predators, and extreme weather conditions and the changing lifestyle of the world. Their personality is made up of dominating attributes such as territoriality, survival, devotion and alertness.
The Canaan Dog has a tendency to be very wary of strangers and animals that may pose a threat to their family or territory. They are also very protective of babies and children in an almost maternal sense. They will die to protect them regardless of the dangers in front of them.
