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Canaan Dog Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Kalef K'naani
  • Size:Medium
  • Ease of Training:Medium
  • Grooming:Low
  • Shedding:Medium/High
  • Exercise Needed:Daily Walk
  • Energy Level:Medium
  • Protection:Medium, will bark
  • Good with Children:Yes, if raised with them
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:Male: 45-55; Female: 35-45 lbs
  • Height:Male: 20-24, Female: 19-23 inches
  • Coat Colour:May be either predominantly white with mask with or without additional colour patches, or solid colour with or without white trim.

Canaan Dog Coat

The Canaan Dog is a double coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, flat, and short. The under coat is soft and dense. The colour of the coat comes in two distinct patterns: white with mash, and solid coloured with or without white trim. Solid coat colours range from black, sandy, red, liver, and all shades of brown. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Canaan Dog Character

The Canaan Dog is well balanced, strong, and of medium-size. This elegant breed is extremely resilient and possesses endurance and stamina. They are agile, athletic, and hard working. They have keenly developed senses of smell and hearing which enables them to become instantly alert to danger.

Canaan Dog Temperament

Considered to be a Primitive breed, the Canaan Dog is highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted. They have a strong tendency to become overly attached to their family, and are exceedingly suspicious and wary of strangers. They make good guard dogs but do bark excessively. This breed does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. They do best in a home with older considerate children. The Canaan Dog is not suited for a home that has a same gender dog, cats, or other small household pets. Due to their herding heritage they will attempt to perform this task on anything and everything that moves. The Canaan Dog is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.

Canaan Dog Care

This breed is virtually maintenance free. Once a week brushing will suffice; with extra care given during seasonal shedding. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary.

Canaan Dog Activity

The Canaan Dog requires an inordinate amount of strenuous physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They greatly benefit from working, herding, and family play sessions. This breed makes an excellent walking, jogging, and hiking companion. They do best in a home with a large safely fenced area where they are able to romp and run freely. Canaan Dogs will do okay in an apartment provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

Canaan Dog Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Canaan Dog is around 12-15 years, and there are various illnesses and health problems that are linked to the breed. This includes thyroid problems and seizures. However, compared to many breeds this is a relatively healthy breed. The parents of the Canaan Dog puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.