The Canaan Dog - Israel's National Breed of Dogs

Canaan Dogs from "Samorodok" www.ruscanaan.ru

With a history stretching back thousands of years, the Canaan Dog is one the world's ancient breed of dogs. It was very common in the region between the Sinai desert and Syria, in the area where modern Israel is.
The Canaan Dog is known since Biblical times and it appears in Egyptian cave murals, dating back to 2200 BC.

In ancient times these semi-wild dogs lived in wild canine packs. It is believed that those wild packs of dogs lived on the edges of human settlements and that this close proximity eventually led to the Human–canine bond.

Because it has evolved by natural selection, the Canaan is considered a strong and a relatively healthy breed, with strong survival instincts. Members of this breed are intelligent, independent and very cautious. It belongs to the Spitz family also known as pariah dogs.

The AKC describes it as a dog which "is naturally alert, inquisitive and watchful.  He is mistrustful of strangers and unfamiliar environments, yet loyal and loving with his family."

You can read more details about the history and the characteristics of this lovely breed at: The Canaan Dog Club of America.

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