Canaan Dog: Breed Characteristics & Care

The Canaan dog is a rare, medium-size herding dog breed from the Middle East, with a short coat, square build, upright ears, and bushy tail. This is a primitive breed that was adapted from ancient wild dogs.

These dogs can be quite territorial and wary of strangers but are generally devoted to their family. Besides working as a herding dog, the Canaan dog can make an exceptional watchdog and guardian, too.

Learn more about the Canaan dog, including their care needs, temperament, and breed history.

Characteristics of the Canaan Dog

Canaan dogs generally have an alert and watchful temperament. They can be quite vocal, barking at perceived threats. Their personality also is marked by their high intelligence and ability to excel in training. 

History of the Canaan Dog

The ancestors of Canaan dogs came from throughout the Middle East, dating back millennia. In fact, artifacts from as many as 4,000 years ago depict dogs that look quite similar to today’s breed. These dogs likely assisted people in herding livestock and guarding property.

In 70 A.D., the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and many Israelites fled without their dogs. The Canaan dogs returned to the wild and remained relatively unchanged and undomesticated until the 20th century. Then, people began to domesticate these canines again, often for use as guard dogs as well as companions. 

The re-domesticated Canaan dogs proved to be highly trainable and served in the military and law enforcement. Some also became service dogs. Plus, the breed even became the national dog of Israel. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Canaan dog in 1997, yet the breed still remains rare around the world. 

Canaan Dog Care

Early and consistent training and socialization are key for a well-adjusted Canaan dog. Daily exercise also is important for this athletic breed. And only basic grooming is necessary.

Exercise

Canaan dogs need a moderate amount of daily exercise. Aim for at least two 30-minute walks per day. Jogging and hiking also are good activities for this dog. Plus, it’s ideal to allow your dog to run freely off leash in a secure area, playing fetch and other games.

Dog sports, such as agility and herding, are excellent to exercise this smart breed’s mind and body, and these activities can strengthen the bond between dog and handler.

Grooming

The coat of a Canaan dog generally stays pretty clean. It only requires a bath roughly every couple of months, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Brush at least weekly to remove loose fur. Shedding will typically increase a couple times a year, often in the spring and fall, which will necessitate more frequent brushing.

Check the nails roughly once a month to see whether they need trimming. And aim to brush your dog’s teeth every day. Also, look in their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, irritation, and other abnormalities.  

Training

Canaan dogs are smart and generally respond well to positive training techniques, such as clicker training. Start training as young as possible. They are sensitive and will shut down if you try using harsh training methods with them. It’s much better (and more effective) to make training fun for a Canaan dog by practicing in short sessions and giving lots of praise and rewards.

Moreover, Canaan dogs retain many of their wild instincts, one of which is wariness. For this reason, early and regular socialization is of the utmost importance for Canaan dogs so they don't become overly fearful or shy.

Expose your dog from as young of an age as possible to different people and various locations. This can help Canaan dogs accept guests you invite into your home. Canaan dogs usually can get along with respectful children when raised with them. But they don't always get along with other household pets. They might see smaller pets, including cats, as prey and chase them. And they might become territorial with other dogs.

Common Health Problems

The Canaan dog is overall a healthy breed. But it’s still prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These orthopedic conditions affect the hips and elbows, impacting their function and resulting in pain and mobility issues.
• Patellar luxation: This occurs when the knee cap slips out of place. Dogs will have trouble walking and will hold their leg up.
• Eye issues: Conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can result in blindness, can affect Canaan dogs. Check your dog’s eyes for signs that something is wrong so you can treat the problem with a vet’s help. 
• Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance, and hair loss.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your dog. And feed a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s common to feed two measured meals per day.

Discuss both the type of food and the quantity with your vet to make sure your dog is getting the nutrients they need. Plus, monitor treat and other extra food intake closely to prevent overeating.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Canaan Dog

Canaan dogs are rare in North America. But it’s still worth checking local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue organizations to see whether there’s a dog in need of a home. If you’re interested in a reputable breeder puppy, expect to pay around $800 to $1,200, though this can vary widely. 

For further information to help connect you with a Canaan dog, check out:

• The Canaan Dog Club of America
• Canaan Dog Rescue Network
  

Canaan Dog Overview

The Canaan dog is an attractive breed that’s known for intelligence and trainability. They don’t require a lot when it comes to grooming, and need moderate amounts of exercise. However, they might not be compatible with other pets, including other dogs and cats.

Pros of Canaan Dogs

• Highly intelligent
• Good guardian and watchdog
• Can excel in training and dog sports
  

Cons of Canaan Dogs

• Can be very vocal
• Might not live peacefully with other pets
• Needs early and consistent socialization
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home a Canaan dog, make sure to do plenty of research. Talk to veterinarians, breed owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. Try to meet some Canaan dogs too if possible.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Australian shepherd
• Border collie
• German shepherd

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!