Canaan Dog Breeders

It’s not easy to find Canaan Dog breeders in the USA. The Canaan Dog (Kelef K'naani) is a primitive breed developed from feral desert dogs that for thousands of years have been living close to humans. Some dogs were domesticated and served as guards, herders, and family companions. These dogs have retained the characteristics necessary for survival. They have not changed much as a result of human selection.

Early Canaan Dog breeders never bred these dogs for a specific purpose. Actually, for many centuries, these dogs were not bred by breeders. Throughout the breed’s history, Canaan Dogs were controlled by natural factors. As a result, only strong, intelligent, trainable, and adaptable dogs survived. Feral dogs were able to solve problems and quickly react to changes. Their senses are very keen and they are very suspicious to anything new and unfamiliar. This trait is very important for survival in the wild; it’s not shyness or cowardice, but self-preservation. They always need to be aware of what’s going on around them. Canaan Dogs successfully coped with the intrusion of modern civilization into their traditional territory. Still, small packs of Canaan Dogs survive in the wild.

Selective breeding of the Canaan Dog started about 70 years ago. Canaan Dog breeders of the 20th century concentrated on preserving the natural look and characteristics of the ancient primitive dog. The foundation stock was taken from the wild and from Bedouin working dogs. Canaan Dogs differ much from most working breeds. They are trainable and obedient, but they respond to commands only if there is no danger in obeying. The survival instinct is very strong in these dogs.

An important characteristic of the Canaan Dog is a pack instinct. These dogs feel safe when in a pack with a strong leader. Domestic Canaan Dogs need much communication with the family or with other pets. They are very sensitive to isolation. Well-organized hierarchy is very important for all primitive breeds. Canaan Dogs want to know their place in a pack and obey the leader. Only a firm master can teach these dogs anything. Canaan Dog breeders usually warn perspective owners of possible problems in training these dogs.