Canaan Dogs

Ancestors of Canaan Dogs were feral pariah dogs of the Spitz type that lived close to ancient Israelites in the “Land of Canaan.” The fossil remains of these dogs date back to around 8,000 B.C. The images of slender and long-legged dogs are carved in rocks of the Sinai Desert. The Bible has many references to dogs that roamed in the cities and dogs that worked for humans. All of them were the ancestors of the modern Canaan Dog. Canaan Dogs accompanied the Israelites and Bedouins for many centuries. When the Romans dispersed the Israelites about 2000 years ago, the majority of dogs lost their homes and owners. They survived in the desert and remained semi-domesticated living with Bedouins and guarding their camps and herds.

Though Canaan Dogs have a long history, they were never bred for working abilities, temperament, or appearance. Selective breeding of the Canaan Dog started in the 1930s when the best desert dogs were caught and domesticated. Canaan Dogs were not registered as a separate breed till 1953. The Israel Kennel Club was the first association that recognized it. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) registered this breed only in 1966. The AKC recognized the Canaan Dog in 1989 in the Miscellaneous Class. This breed started competing in conformation in 1997 when the official standard was adopted.

The breed standard for the Canaan Dog is not strict. The height for dogs varies from 20 to 24 inches at the withers; females are from 19 to 23 inches at the withers. The coat of the Canaan Dog is double, with a dense undercoat and harsh flat-lying outer coat with a slight ruff around the neck and feathering in the tail. Most coat colors are accepted in this breed. Two color patterns are predominant: white with a mask and with or without additional spots; and solid colored with or without trim. Solid white, gray, and brindle dogs are disqualified.

The Canaan Dog is considered to be a national treasure in Israel. In early times of their history, these Dogs helped people in all spheres of life. They were used as herders, guards, hunters, war dogs, watchdogs, and family companions. Canaan Dogs are versatile and intelligent; they can be taught a variety of tasks and tricks.