Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed resembling the wild dog type which has survived in Israel through at least 4000 years of history. These pariah dogs which lived on the fringes of civilization and were frequently used by the Bedouin as flock and camp guardians.

In 1934, Dr. Rudolf and Prof. Rudolphina Menzel immigrated to Israel, then known as Palestine. They undertook the study of pariah dogs and the Canaan Dog in particular, becoming the driving force behind its preservation. Prof. Menzel bred and trained Canaan Dogs, primarily for military work. In 1965, Prof. Menzel exported four Canaan Dogs to the United States where they became the foundation stock for American and Canadian Canaan Dogs.

They are extremely vigilant and alert, they are quick to react and distrustful of strangers, both human and animal. When confronted by an intruder at first is not to attack but to stay out of reach and bark continuously. They may be aggressive with other dogs, particularly in their own territory.

They are extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training but consider themselves the equal of those with whom they live. When raised with children they are very gentle with and extremely protective of them.

This breed matures slowly both physically and mentally and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age.