Canaan Dog

Known since the time of the Bible in the land of Israel, it appears on frescoes from archaeological sites. The Canaan Dog is a primitive dog, which means that its evolution was not controlled and directed by man, but under the influence of natural selection. This breed adapted to the climate and topography of Israel. It is a pariah dog that still lives in a semi-wild state on the margins of society in its country of origin. Professor Rudolphina Menzel began rigorous selection of the Canaan Dog after the creation of the State of Israel. In 1965, the breed is exported to the United States, then to the United Kingdom and Italy. A year later, the International Canine Federation recognizes the first standard of the breed. At the death of Prof. Menzel, the Israeli breeder Myrna Shiboleth continues the development of the breed by regularly introducing new subjects taken from their natural environment by Druze Bedouins. In the 1950s, the Canaanite dog was recognized as a national breed of the State of Israel. Initiatives in Israel are attempting to preserve the breed while the majority of Bedouin dogs have mixed with other breeds.

The Canaan Dog is described in the FCI standard as a particularly vigilant, docile and easy to train dog. Its instinctive vigilance is fundamental to its survival in its cradle.

The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog, inscribed in a square, of spitz type. Sexual dimorphism is marked. The tail is curved on the back. The head is cone-shaped, truncated, with triangular ears erect and attached low. The eyes are almond-shaped, slightly oblique and dark brown in color. The coat cover is tight, hard and straight, rather short with a dense undercoat that thickens in winter. The colors of the coat allowed are sand to red-brown, white, black or spotted, with or without mask. Colors reminiscent of the desert are the most typical of the breed. A black mask and white markings are admitted in all colors. Gray, brindled, black and tan or tricolor are not admitted.