Canaan Dog
Other names: Palestinian Pariah Dog, Bedouin Sheepdog

The Canaan was bred from wild pariah dogs and has been in existence for thousands of years. They were semi-domesticated by the ancient Israelites, who used the breed as watchdogs and herd dogs. In the 1930s, Dr Rudolphina Menzel set up a breeding programme which tamed this semi-wild dog. After that, they were used as police and military dogs. Some dog lovers adopted the Canaan as a domestic pet, although this was rare. Experts believe the Canaan’s domestic population is around 2,000-3,000, with the majority living in Europe and North America.
Key facts about the Canaan Dog
Origins and history
The Canaan is a very ancient breed. Their remains have been uncovered by archeologists in and around Israel, and many believe that the Canaan was revered as a sacred animal. This was common for many desert dwelling tribes, as such animals helped them hunt and herd livestock that sustained the wider community. The first Western breeding programmes didn’t start until 1934 and by 1953 the Canaan was being used as a guide dog, a police dog, and a companion dog. Although they can make excellent pets, they’re still relatively unknown outside of the dog breeding community.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 6 : Primitive type
Physical characteristics of the Canaan Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 24 in
Male : Between 20 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 55 lb
Male : Between 40 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Black. Cream. All shades of brown and red, usually with small white markings, or all white with colour patches. White or black masks permitted.
Type of coat
Short to medium. Rough, straight, thick.
Eye colour
Dark brown. Black. Hazel.
Description
Medium size. Strong and square body. Thick coat with a large plumed tail. Short, pricked ears and long muzzle. Bears a close resemblance to wild dogs like the Dingo and Pariah dog.
Good to know
Waiting lists for Canaan puppies can be very long, as they are a rare breed.
Same-sex aggression can be a real problem. They must be well socialised from an early age. They need a confident handler.