The Canaan dog is considered an aboriginal breed. This species is the only selected species 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 species.
What is the origin of this breed of dog? What are the standards and features of the breed? What are the traits and behaviors inherent in the Canaan animal? How to care for a dog and in what conditions is it recommended to keep it? Answers to these and some other questions you can find in our material.
History of origin
The history of the origin of the Canaan dog is quite interesting and unusual. For example, scientists report an image of the Canaanite animal 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 tombs in Israel, which date back to 2,000 BC. There are suggestions that this particular animal was a symbol of the wife of the king of Israel Ahab-Jezebel.
However, later references to the dog were not found. That is why most researchers are of the opinion that for some time the breed was forgotten, and the dogs, though living not far from the people, but by themselves, began to run wild.
Up until the 1930s, this kind of animal was considered a pariah — that is, a semi-argilot dog whose origin is unknown (the analogue of paris dogs is stray animals, mongrels).
However, known animals in Israel, but having German roots, breeder and dog trainer Rudelfina Menzel, drew attention to these animals. That she is considered the founder of the Canaan breed of dogs in its modern sense. Drawing attention to stray dogs, she began to carefully examine and investigate them, and then came to the conclusion that Canaanite animals are well trained and nurtured and have the ability to work effectively even in adverse environmental conditions.
In connection with the detected positive qualities, an active breeding of these dogs began. With the efforts of Rudelfina Menzel in Israel, the first nursery for the Canaan breed was created. And he worked on a specially developed concept. A breeder of German descent also formulated a standard for this breed of dogs, which was even officially adopted at the level of the Israeli Kennel Club, as well as the International Canine 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 the country. So, animals began to spread in the territory of Great Britain, 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 a lot of negative turns. Thus, 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 survived.
In Israel, dogs of the Canaan breed from the peak of their development to the present day are used for practical purposes.Animals work as watchdogs and guide dogs, and law enforcement agencies use them to detect explosives and drugs. Besides, Canaanite dogs are dogs that are used in the military field. Often they are used for passing minefields, because thanks to their intuition 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
In respect of dogs of the Canaan breed, as well as in relation to other officially accepted species of animals, standards of appearance are adopted. If you give a general external description, it is important to note that the dogs of Canaan resemble Spitz in appearance.
Animals do not have large size, their dimensions are very average.
The structure of the dog is different proportionality, reliability and strength. With regard to 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. Dog weights can also range from 18 to 25 kilograms.
The head of the Canaanite pet has the correct proportions and the outlines of a blunt wedge. The skull is wide enough. The nose has a black color. As for the bite, it can be of one of 2 types: scissor or straight. The eyes of the animal have a pronounced brown tint and almond shape. The ears are erect, but rather low and rounded 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 rather deep and wide. The ribs have a slight bend, and the stomach is rather elastic and taut. The tail on the body is located high enough and has a dense and fluffy hair, in itself is curved.
Wool of the Canaan dog breed is distinguished by high density, has a well-developed undercoat. The colors can be the most diverse (for example, white, black or even spotty), however, the most preferred color is sand or cream color, red and golden colors are also valuable. Coloring can be both homogeneous and have spots.
There may also be a so-called mask, but it is worth considering that it should be symmetrical.
Character and behavior
If you are serious about acquiring and maintaining a Canaan dog in your home, then you should carefully study her character and behavior patterns to see if you can get along safely with this animal.
Generally speaking, by its natural characteristics the animal is not aggressive, however, the dog may be suspicious and wary of strangers.
Canaanite has a quick response and a strong protective instinct.
Canaan dogs easily and quickly make contact with people, and they are friendly even with small children. But the animals will show true love and affection only in relation to one person, who will be considered the true owner. Difficulties may also arise if these dogs are not the only pets in the house - there may be frequent conflicts between animals.
Most of the time, animals prefer to be in familiar territory and in the company of famous people; in other situations, animals may feel rather uncomfortable.
Conditions of detention and care
Generally speaking, keeping dogs of the Canaan breed in an urban setting in an apartment is allowed, but not recommended. A better option would be living on a house plot of private property. However, even in this case, it is important to note that should not keep a Canaan dog on a leash or in an aviary, it is necessary to ensure the possibility of free walking throughout the territory.
Even if the animal lives in a private house and is constantly on the street, walks outside the house will not be redundant. However, remember that you need to walk the dogs on a leash, otherwise the dog may get involved in dangerous fights.
The Canaan variety is characterized by a molting process, therefore It is important not to forget to regularly comb the hair with special brushes and to pay special attention to the care of the coat.
As for hygienic procedures, an inspection of the nose, mouth, ears and paws should be included in the mandatory processes. It is important to make sure that no part of the animal’s body is scratched, damaged, irritated or rash (if deficiencies are found, then it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor).
Ears and eyes also need to be cleaned with cotton pads and cotton swabs.
Another mandatory procedure is brushing your teeth. It is recommended to exercise no less than 1 time in 3 days. To do this, use special cleaning products designed for dogs.
Feeding
The same rules apply to Canaan dogs as to other dogs: they can be fed both with dry food and with natural products. If you prefer the first option, then remember that you should buy food only from proven manufacturers. Do not buy cheap formulations: not only will they not saturate your pet's body with all the necessary trace elements, but they can even harm it.
If you choose the type of feeding with natural products, it should be remembered that meat should be the basis of nutrition for the Canaanite breed. You can also feed animals offal, fish and eggs, as well as cereals, vegetables and dairy products.
If you have any doubts about your pet's diet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Remember that it is from food that the animal gets all the nutrients that are important for the growth and development of the body.
Do not forget that you need to respect the water balance. If possible, provide a regular meal schedule and monitor portions of your dog.
Upbringing and training
As mentioned earlier, the Canaan breed of dog is native. That is why the process of training and training of an animal can take place with some difficulties - the dog will show independence and perseverance. That is why the process of training is recommended to attract professional dog handlers and specialists who can cope with a wayward dog.
If possible, write down your pet on individual or group lessons.
Must be early socialization. In addition, it is recommended to master the early course of obedience. Despite the fact that, in general, the process of education and upbringing should take place in a strict environment, so that the animal knows who is the boss here and who is the main person in this situation, it is important not to use rudeness and aggression, not to apply force to the animal.
In the process of training and education it is important to observe the sequence of studying the commands and not to rush. You should not demand the impossible from the animal - do not expect that the dog will master all the commands for one training session. Be tolerant and calm.
Try to turn the lessons into interesting games so that the animal does not lose interest in what is happening.
On the peculiarities of the Canaan breed of dogs, see below.
