Pariah dogs are amongst the oldest breeds in the world and the Canaan Dog is a shining example of the purity and beauty of a loyal utility breed dating back to Biblical times. As the national dog breed of Israel, the Canaan Dog, also referred to as the Bedouin Sheepdog, is highly prized for its great qualities. Unfortunately, it’s also a rare breed and may be difficult to obtain as a puppy in the UK. There are perhaps as few as 3,000 Canaan Dogs worldwide, many of which live in Europe, North America, and of course, Israel. For those willing to put in the effort to find a Canaan Dog puppy for themselves, however, the benefits surely outweigh the challenges.
Why Canaan Dogs are Great
Some highlights of Canaan Dogs:
Rarity: although obtaining a Canaan Dog may be difficult, they’re sure to attract plenty of attention due to their rarity.
Loyalty: this breed forms a strong bond with owners and families and will remain a loyal companion for life.
Grooming: Canaan Dogs don’t require much maintenance and shed very little.
Watchdog: this breed is territorial and protective of their owner and family, making them superb watchdogs.
Family-friendly: Canaan Dogs get along well with children and the elderly and make ideal pets for families in apartments and large homes alike.
Things to Consider when Looking at Canaan Dogs for Sale
Some downsides to the Canaan Dog:
Rarity: there are so few Canaan Dogs worldwide that obtaining one as a puppy in the UK may prove to be extremely difficult.
Multiple owners: it’s best to acquire a Canaan Dog as a puppy without taking or giving ownership from or to another owner. They form strong bonds with their original owners and will lament them if they’re separated.
Aggression: Canaan Dogs are known to show signs of aggression around other dogs of the same sex. They also have a tendency to be on guard around strangers.
First-time owners: this breed isn’t the most ideal puppy choice for first-time owners due to their tendency to be stubborn from time to time.
History of the Canaan Dog
Some believe that the origins of pariah dogs such as the Canaan Dog trace their roots to Biblical times, where the ancient Israelites used them as herd and guard animals. Originally, they or their predecessors may have simply subsisted from the food waste produced by ancient hunter-gatherer communities and later became domesticated.In any case, this breed is certainly old. The Israelites used domesticated Canaan Dogs for perhaps a millennium until the Jewish Diaspora forcefully relocated the inhabitants of Israel, leaving their loyal Canaan Dogs to return to the wild. It was by chance that they did not go extinct, instead being subsequently adopted by Bedouin tribesmen and used as guard dogs.Unfortunately, the ravages of disease, war, and mixed breeding took a heavy toll on the number of pure Canaan Dogs in existence. In 1935, the Canaan Dog population began to flourish once again. Recognised by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1970, this breed has seen some popularity in the UK, although it still remains amongst the rarest breeds in the world.
Owing to its rich history, the Canaan Dog looks pure, primitive, and almost wolf-like. This breed has a wedge-shaped head with sharp, upward-pointing ears. Canaan Dogs are well-proportioned and square, looking proud and alert when standing tall. Males and females look different from one another.The Canaan Dog’s muscular and robust body is covered in an overcoat of dense and harsh fur and a thick undercoat designed to protect them from the elements during colder winter months.
How big is the Canaan Dog?
Canaan Dogs are medium-sized dogs. Males grow on average to 50-60 cm in height, whilst females can grow up to 40-50 cm high.
How heavy is a Canaan Dog?
Fully-grown adult male and female Canaan Dogs weigh approximately 20.5 kg on average.
What colour is the Canaan Dog?
According to the Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canaan Dogs have the following commonly-accepted coat colours:
Black
White
Black and white
Black and tan
Cream
Red
Red and white
Sand
Sand and white
Tricolour
Temperament
Canaan Dogs have a unique temperament that sets them apart from most other breeds. Having evolved over the course of thousands of years without mixed breeding or prolonged periods of domestication, the Canaan Dog has developed a keen ability to survive in the wild and to take care of himself. This breed, however, has also developed a strong bond, at first with the Israelites and later with Bedouins. Canaan Dogs are also used in the Israeli military for their prowess and loyalty. Since they are so rare, it may be difficult to experience their temperament in an owner’s home.One important note is that Canaan Dogs show their loyalty towards their original owner. If they aren’t acquired as puppies, they may pine for their original owner. This means it’s best to raise them as puppies and as the original owner throughout their life.
This breed was used to herd and guard flocks of sheep, so they’re certainly good guard dogs to have in the home. They are also alert and make good watchdogs.
Do Canaan Dogs bark a lot?
As an independent breed accustomed to the dangers of the wild, Canaan Dogs may bark, sometimes excessively. Proper training and socialisation can help to reduce their barking.
Are Canaan Dogs easy to train?
With positive reinforcement, Canaan Dogs can be trained easily. Caution should be exercised to provide them with patience and persistence rather than harsh punishment as they can be sensitive to this.
Are Canaan Dogs playful?
Canaan Dog puppies are playful and extremely cute. They may bark, nip, or chew, but proper training and socialisation can teach the puppy its boundaries and its role in the household.
Are Canaan Dogs good with children?
This breed is amongst the best puppy choices for families with children. They will form a strong and loyal bond with children of any age.
Are Canaan Dogs good with other pets?
Canaan Dogs do not get along very well with cats and smaller pets as their prey drive may be triggered. They may get along fine with other dogs, but dogs of the same sex may make them aggressive.
Can I leave a Canaan Dog alone?
Historically, Canaan Dogs are accustomed to living in the wild and guarding sheep in the rugged and isolated terrain of Israel. Therefore, they tolerate being left alone for prolonged periods. As puppies, however, they should receive plenty of care and affection to ensure that they don’t engage in destructive behaviour.
Do Canaan Dogs like water?
Canaan Dogs may enjoy swimming, but they should always be left to decide for themselves and never forced to go into the water. They don’t like being on boats much.
Health
How long do Canaan Dogs live?
Generally, Canaan Dogs are expected to live anywhere from 12-15 years.
How much exercise does a Canaan Dog need?
This breed requires a moderately high amount of daily exercise. Plan to walk your Canaan Dog once a day and to provide up to an hour’s worth of supervised exercise, such as in a park or in the garden.
What are Canaan Dogs’ common health issues?
Since Canaan Dogs are so rare, there are fewer reported health issues than for other dog breeds. Nevertheless, they are prone to the following health issues:
Hip dysplasia;
Cryptorchidism;
Patella luxation;
Epilepsy;
Progressive retinal atrophy.
Care
How much space do I need for a Canaan Dog?
Despite having a historical tendency to live in the wild and an independent streak, Canaan Dogs can live just as happily in smaller apartments as in large homes with open gardens.
What should I feed my Canaan Dog?
This breed requires 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food per day, divided into two meals. Opt for high-quality dog food without additives, if possible, and adjust feeding as necessary. Puppies should have their diets supervised and adjusted to avoid overfeeding.
How much grooming do Canaan Dogs need?
Canaan Dogs don’t require much grooming. Brush them weekly to remove dead hairs and to promote healthy fur growth. Their ears should be inspected regularly to avoid infection.
Do Canaan Dogs shed?
This breed doesn’t shed much, provided that it’s being brushed regularly. They therefore require little maintenance.
Average Costs
How much does it cost to keep a Canaan Dog?
As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: roughly £600-1,000 for a well-bred Canaan Dog puppyOther costs (Vet, Food etc): £70-110 per month
Specific Buying Guide
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Canaan Dog puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some Canaan Dog puppy buying advice:
Canaan Dogs are amongst the rarest breeds in the world, so always ensure that the seller is reputable and breeding puppies according to the Kennel Club’s guidelines.
Avoid purchasing a puppy that’s been previously owned for any significant amount of time. Canaan Dogs form strong bonds with their original owners and may never become fully accustomed to their new owner.
Other Reading, Adopting Canaan Dog Puppies and Rescue Organisations
