The medium-sized, intelligent, protective, aggressive Israeli purebred Canaan Dog is a pariah dog that has been hovering through the realms of the Middle Eastern regions for many thousand years. These dogs, with a tapered and long muzzle, almond eyes, erect and movable ears, straight legs and arched neck, are known for their multi-talents, taking equal roles in herding, guarding, police and military works, tracking etc.
Also Called | Kelef K’Naani, Kalef K’Naani, Kanaanhund, Canaanite Dog |
Coat | Double, harsh, dense, short |
Color | Black and tan, red, gray, black |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Group (of Breed) | Herding |
Lifespan | 12 to 13 years |
Weight/Size | 35 to 55 pounds |
Height | Male: 19 to 24 inches; Female: 18 to 20 inches |
Shedding | Moderate |
Temperament | Alert, intelligent, protective, aggressive |
Country of Origin | Israel-Palestine (ancient ‘Canaan’) |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Barking | Occasional |
Litter Size | 2 to 10 puppies |
Good with Children | Yes |
Competitive Registration | CKC, FCI, AKC, CKC, NKC, CDCA, KC, CDC, ICDCA, ANKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA |
The history of this natural breed of Israel dates back to the era of the Bible. The breed originated in the land of Canaan, the region that encompasses the modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Palestine and the western Jordan, and had been utilized by the ancient dwellers and nomads as guard dogs for guarding their cattle and camps. On September 7, 1965, four specimens of this breed were introduced in the USA by Ursula Berkowitz of Oxnard, California, in order to establish the breed in the country.
These dogs were studied by an Austrian immigrant to Mandate Palestine, named Rudolphina Menzel, and were classified into 4 types by their appearances:
Although they are independent by nature, they can work as a team, and thus being helpful to the departments of defense. This exceptionally obedient, trustworthy, devoted and loyal breed would get bored easily, however, would make a great guard dog, territorial at that, barking at unknown ‘intruders’, and would be too dominating, for which they need training accordingly. With their strong instinct of survival, and a very sharp sense of smell and hearing, they make a good watch dog, love people they know, looking after the family and children.
Their docile spirit helps them learn house training quickly. However, they need to be socialized well, especially with strangers, since they tend to get suspicious with them. Gain your own status as a pack-leader to avoid possibilities of behavioral hazards when adult.
Meat meal is good, but if you think daily meat-diet would be too expensive, you can also combine or opt for other supplements like kibbles, but occasionally. Raw meat is ideal, but you can also parboil or lightly cook the meat, but do not cook it in strong heat. Vegetables, yogurt, cottage cheese, greens like kelp/alfalfa blend, and vitamin E tablets added to the food are also recommended. But never feed them with junk fillers and unrecognizable food substitutes, grains and cereals or by-products from animal-meats. For dry dog food, 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of high-quality food divided into two meals is recommended for daily diet.
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