Canaan dog is considered an indigenous breed. This species is the only breeding breed of dogs in Israel. In this country, the animal continues to exist not only in the domesticated, but also in the wild and semi-wild form.
What is the origin of this breed of dog? What are the standards and features of the breed? What character traits and behaviors are inherent in a Canaanite animal? How to care for a dog and in what conditions is it recommended to keep it? You can find answers to these and some other questions in our material.
Origin history
The story of the origin of the Canaanite dog is quite interesting and unusual. Thus, scientists report an image of an animal of the Canaanite breed found on the Sinai Peninsula, which was carved on stone more than 2,000 years ago. In addition, the remains of dogs were found in ancient graves in Israel, which date back to 2,000 BC. There are suggestions that it was this animal that was the symbol of the wife of the king of the kingdom of Israel, Ahab, Jezebel.
However, no later references to the dog were found. That is why most researchers are of the opinion that for some time the breed was forgotten, and the dogs, who lived, although not far from people, but by themselves, began to run wild.
Until the 1930s, this species of animals was considered a pariah - that is, a semi-wild dog whose origin is unknown (an analogue of pariah dogs is stray animals, mongrels).
However, these animals drew attention to the well-known in Israel, but having German roots, a breeder and dog trainer Rudelfina Menzel. It is she who is considered the founder of the Canaanite breed of dogs in her modern sense. Paying attention to stray dogs, she began to study and study them carefully, and then came to the conclusion that Canaanite animals work well for training and education and are able to work effectively even in adverse environmental conditions.
In connection with the discovered positive qualities, the active breeding of these dogs began. The efforts of the Rudelfins Menzel in Israel created the first nursery for the Canaanite breed. Moreover, he worked according to a specially developed concept. Also, a German-born breeder formulated a standard for this breed of dog, which was even officially adopted at the level of the Israeli Kennel Club, as well as the International Kennel Federation. In addition, it was Rudelfina Menzel who gave the name to the breed.
Since then, this type of dog began to attract scientists and dog breeders not only throughout Israel, but also far beyond the borders of this country. So, animals began to spread in the UK, the United States of America and even in the Republic of South Africa.
However, the history of the existence of this breed of animals was not prosperous and went through many negative turns. So, in the 1980s, a rabies epidemic broke out among the representatives of the breed, due to which the existence of a species of animals was in question.
Fortunately, most of the population still survived.
In Israel, dogs of the Canaanite breed from the peak of their development to the present day are used for practical purposes. Animals work as guard dogs and guide dogs, and law enforcement agencies use them to detect explosives and drugs. Besides, Canaan dogs are dogs that are used in the military sphere. Often they are used to go through minefields, because thanks to their instinct they can build safe routes.
Today, the Canaan breed of dogs is common in many countries of the world, for example, in France, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, etc.
Breed features
Concerning dogs of the Canaanite breed, as well as in relation to other officially accepted species of animals, standards of appearance have been adopted. If you give a general external description, it is important to note that Canaanite dogs in their appearance resemble Spitz.
Animals do not have large sizes, their dimensions are very average.
The structure of the dog is proportional, reliable and strong. As for the numerical indicators, the growth of the animal at the withers is from half a meter to 60 centimeters, and the males are much larger than the female representatives. Indicators of the mass of dogs can also vary in the range from 18 to 25 kilograms.
The head of a Canaanite pet has the correct proportions and outlines of a blunt wedge. The skull is wide enough. The nose has a black color. As for the bite, it can belong to one of 2 types: scissor or straight. The eyes of the animal have a pronounced brown shade and almond shape. Ears are erect, but located rather low and have a rounded shape at the edges.
If we talk about the direct anatomical structure of the body, then it is quite strong with well-developed muscles. The back has a straight structure, and the chest is quite deep and wide. The ribs have a slight bend, and the stomach is quite elastic and taut. The tail on the body is located high enough and has a dense and fluffy hairline, in itself is curved.
The coat of the Canaanite dog breed is highly dense, has a well-developed undercoat.The coloring can be the most varied (for example, white, black or even spotty), however, the sand or cream shade is considered the most preferable color, red and golden colors are also valuable. Coloring can be both uniform and have spots.
A so-called mask may also be present, but it is worth considering that it must be symmetrical.
Nature and behavior
If you are serious about acquiring and maintaining a Canaan dog in your house, then you should carefully study its nature and behaviors in order to understand whether you can safely get along with this animal.
Generally speaking, by its natural characteristics the animal is not aggressive, however, the dog may be distrustful and wary of strangers.
The Canaanite has a quick reaction and a strong protective instinct.
Canaan dogs easily and quickly make contact with people, moreover they are friendly even with young children. But the animals will show true love and affection only in relation to one person, whom they will consider the true owner. Difficulties can also arise if these dogs are not the only pets in the house - frequent conflicts can arise between animals.
Most of the time, animals prefer to be in familiar territory and in the company of famous people; in other situations, animals can feel rather uncomfortable.
Conditions of detention and care
Generally speaking, keeping dogs of a Canaanite breed in an urban setting is permitted but not recommended. A better option would be to stay on the private house adjoining area. However, even in this case, it is important to consider that the Canaan dog should not be kept on a leash or in an aviary; it should be possible to provide free walking throughout the territory.
Even if the animal lives in a private house and is constantly on the street, walking outside the territory of the house will not be superfluous. However, remember that you need to walk the dogs on a leash, otherwise the dog can get involved in dangerous fights.
The Canaanite variety is characterized by a molting process, therefore It is important not to forget to regularly comb out the hair with special brushes and pay special attention to the care of the hair.
With regard to hygiene procedures, the mandatory processes in this regard include examination of the nose, mouth, ears and pillows of the feet. It is important to make sure that none of the animal’s body parts is scratched, damaged, irritated or rash (if deficiencies are found, then you must immediately consult a doctor).
Ears and eyes should also be cleaned with cotton pads and cotton swabs.
Another mandatory procedure is brushing your teeth. It is recommended to carry out not less than 1 time in 3 days. To do this, use special cleaning products designed for dogs.
Feeding
Canaan dogs are subject to the same rules as other dogs: they can be fed with both dry food and natural products. If you prefer the first option, then remember that you should purchase feed only from trusted manufacturers. Do not buy cheap formulations: they will not only not saturate the body of your pet with all the necessary trace elements, but can even harm it.
In the case of choosing the type of feeding with natural products, it should be remembered that the basis for the nutrition of the Canaanite breed should be meat. You can also feed animals with offal, fish and eggs, as well as cereals, vegetables and dairy products.
If in doubt about your pet's diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian. Remember that it is from food products that the animal receives all the nutrients that are important for the growth and development of the body.
Do not forget that it is necessary to maintain water balance. If possible, ensure a consistent meal schedule and monitor portions of your dog.
Parenting and training
As stated earlier, the Canaanite breed of dog is indigenous. That is why the process of training and training an animal can go through with some difficulties - the dog will show independence and perseverance. That is why it is recommended to involve professional dog handlers and specialists in the training process who can deal with the wayward dog.
If possible, write your pet to individual or group classes.
Mandatory must be early socialization. In addition, it is recommended that you master an early course of obedience. Despite the fact that, in general, the process of training and education must take place in a strict environment so that the animal knows who is the boss and who is in charge in this situation, it is important not to use rudeness and aggression, not to use force against the animal.
In the process of training and education, it is important to observe the sequence of learning teams and not to rush. Do not demand the impossible from the animal - do not expect the dog to master all the commands in one training. Be patient and calm.
Try to turn classes into interesting games so that the animal does not lose interest in what is happening.
About the features of the Canaan breed of dogs, see below.
