Utility group · Israel
Canaan Dog
Also called Kelef K'naani, Israeli Pariah Dog.
What makes them remarkable
The modern breed was developed from free-living desert dogs selected for working roles in the 1930s.
- Alert
- Vigilant
- Devoted
- Docile
- Confident
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 16 to 25 kg35 to 55 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 15 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- High
Training
Training a Canaan Dog
Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.
Primitive Breed
Start here
Survival instincts are strong, requires understanding of primitive dog psychology.
Territorial Nature
Naturally territorial and vigilant, extensive early socialisation essential.
Varied Training
Highly intelligent but gets bored with repetition, keep training sessions varied.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Canaan Dog and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-1.5 hours daily. Moderate exercise with mental challenges.
- Grooming
- Low to moderate. Weekly brushing, more during shedding.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Double coat, Medium length, Harsh outer coatCream to Red-Brown, Black, Spotted, White with Colour Patches
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Mild
Less common than many breeds due to natural development
Hypothyroidism
Mild
Thyroid hormone deficiency
Where they come from
History
Ancient breed that survived wild in the desert regions of Israel for thousands of years. Domesticated by Dr. Rudolphina Menzel in the 1930s for use as guard and war dogs.
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