Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog is among the most ancient domesticated dog breeds and is even believed to be mentioned in the bible. These pups are a type of Pariah Dog that can be distinguished by their smooth coats, prick ears, and bushy tails. The Canaan Dog is intelligent, versatile, and can be trained to excel at sports such as obedience, agility, and conformation. They even can be trained as work dogs, where they assist in detecting mines and tracking people.

The history of this dog goes back thousands of years, as the Canaan Dog is depicted in Egyptian artworks dating back to 2200-2000 BCE. During these ancient middle eastern times, the Canaan Dogs entered the land of Israel with the Hebrews and assisted them with tending to their livestock in the desert climate. These dogs could herd and guard sheep, which at the time, was a valuable tool given that sheep represented a man's wealth. As the years progressed and the need for the Canaan Dog lessened, these dogs ended up as strays in the desert region. Surviving for long periods alone in the desert made the Canaan Dog very independent, and their independence is one of their well-known traits until this day. The Canaan Dog still lives in the Israeli Desert areas, mainly in Druze and Bedouin villages.

The Canaan Dog is found in Europe and North America, primarily as a family pet. The key to a successful relationship with this dog, is firm, consistent training. Given that they are pack dogs, they must understand that you are the leader of the pack and are the one in charge. If the Canaan Dog assumes control of the household, it can become unruly and difficult to control. The Canaan Dog will make an excellent watchdog as they are highly territorial and very reactive. These dogs can be fully asleep and then flip the switch in a split second to bark loudly at any sign of an intruder.

These dogs are extremely loyal to their families and are protective of them. They are less the “cuddly” type of dog and will instead display their affection by staying alert and watching over the property. Another trait to note with this dog is its extremely high energy levels. They will do best with an active family, as they will require an intensive workout daily. Once they had their exercise, they enjoy being at home and relaxing with their people. They have very gentle attitudes toward their family members and are especially gentle around children!