Post by DogGoneGood on Mar 23, 2009 16:01:26 GMT -5
Group: III - Working Dogs
Origin: Isreal
Date of Origin: Antiquity
Purpose: Scentry, Messenger, Assistance
Other Name(s): Kelef K'naani
The Canaan Dog was originally employed by the Bedouins as both a herder and guard dog in the Negev Desert. Today's breed, which was developed in the 1930s, has proved to be exceptionally versatile. During World War II, a number of Canaans were trained for mine detection; after the war, members of the breed were even used as guide dogs for the blind. The Canaan Dog is now used for herding, guarding, tracking, and serach and rescue. Although rather aloof, it does make a good companion. Increasingly popular in its country of origin, the breed has now spread to the United States.
General Appearance:
A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes.
Life Expectancy:
12 - 13 years
Size:
Height 50-60 cm, males may be considerably larger than females. Weight 40-55 lbs. 18-25 kg.
Tail:
Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.
Head:
Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Nose black. Ears erect, relatively short and broad, slightly rounded at the tip and set low. Eyes dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential. Mouth full dentition with scissors or level bite.
Neck:
Muscular, of medium length.
Forequarters:
The shoulder should be oblique and muscular, elbows close to the body. Forelegs perfectly straight.
Hindquarters:
Powerful, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down. Strong buttocks, lightly feathered.
Body:
Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up. Moderate angulation. Balance is essential.
Feet:
Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.
Gait:
Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential.
Coat and Colour:
Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length.
Undercoat close and profuse.
Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted with or without mask. If masked, mask must be symmetrical. Black mask permitted on all colours. White markings are permitted on all colours; “Boston Terrier” patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan, or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours and gold, red, cream are most typical of the breed.
Temperment:
Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.
Faults:
All deviations from the standard of the breed. All faults in body structure which constitute a deviation from the norm of a well built dog; anything that would detract from his potential for survival as a desert animal.
History:
Originally a pariah, the Canaan Dog has existed in the Middle East for centuries. In the 1930s, Dr. Rudophina Menzel, an Israeli authority on dogs, conducted a selective breeding program in Jerusalem, producing today's resourceful, versatile breed.
Sources:
CKC Breed Standard - Canaan Dog
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 89
Origin: Isreal
Date of Origin: Antiquity
Purpose: Scentry, Messenger, Assistance
Other Name(s): Kelef K'naani
The Canaan Dog was originally employed by the Bedouins as both a herder and guard dog in the Negev Desert. Today's breed, which was developed in the 1930s, has proved to be exceptionally versatile. During World War II, a number of Canaans were trained for mine detection; after the war, members of the breed were even used as guide dogs for the blind. The Canaan Dog is now used for herding, guarding, tracking, and serach and rescue. Although rather aloof, it does make a good companion. Increasingly popular in its country of origin, the breed has now spread to the United States.
General Appearance:
A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes.
Life Expectancy:
12 - 13 years
Size:
Height 50-60 cm, males may be considerably larger than females. Weight 40-55 lbs. 18-25 kg.
Tail:
Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.
Head:
Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Nose black. Ears erect, relatively short and broad, slightly rounded at the tip and set low. Eyes dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential. Mouth full dentition with scissors or level bite.
Neck:
Muscular, of medium length.
Forequarters:
The shoulder should be oblique and muscular, elbows close to the body. Forelegs perfectly straight.
Hindquarters:
Powerful, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down. Strong buttocks, lightly feathered.
Body:
Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up. Moderate angulation. Balance is essential.
Feet:
Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.
Gait:
Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential.
Coat and Colour:
Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length.
Undercoat close and profuse.
Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted with or without mask. If masked, mask must be symmetrical. Black mask permitted on all colours. White markings are permitted on all colours; “Boston Terrier” patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan, or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours and gold, red, cream are most typical of the breed.
Temperment:
Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.
Faults:
All deviations from the standard of the breed. All faults in body structure which constitute a deviation from the norm of a well built dog; anything that would detract from his potential for survival as a desert animal.
History:
Originally a pariah, the Canaan Dog has existed in the Middle East for centuries. In the 1930s, Dr. Rudophina Menzel, an Israeli authority on dogs, conducted a selective breeding program in Jerusalem, producing today's resourceful, versatile breed.
Sources:
CKC Breed Standard - Canaan Dog
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 89
