Canaan dog - history of a little-known breed, care and maintenance (+ photos)

Nicknames for Shih Tzu

When choosing a nickname for a pet, you can take into account its noble origin (after all, the ancestors of the mini Shih Tzu lived in imperial palaces and delighted the eyes of the top officials of the Celestial Empire).
Or you can focus on the baby’s cute appearance and positive character. Therefore, names for Shih Tzu boys can be proud, for example, Archibald, Dominic, Caruso, Truffle, Churchill. Or infinitely cute: Bonnie, Georges, Leaf, Mickey, Sunny, Tim. If you want to name your pet in the Russian style, the names Venya, Raisin, Krosha, Kuzya, Styopa, Tema, Funtik, Yasha are suitable.

Names for Shih Tzu girls can also be stylish: Vanessa, Gabby, Bianca, Juliet, Jasmine, Lady, Matilda, Olivia - the names of both fairy-tale princesses and popular actresses are suitable for them. By the way, there will also be touching nicknames: Didi, Klepa, Lyalya, Mika, Simka, Fairy. And among the Russian “names” the nicknames Asya, Businka, Vanilka, Zhuzha, Munya, Sonya, Tykovka, Yusechka go well with the breed.

Description and features

A large animal with a powerful build and well-developed muscles. It is of impressive size, but looks fit and light thanks to its long legs. The Anatolian Shepherd breed has the following parameters according to the FCI standard:

Height at withers for males is 74-81 cm, weight 50-65 kg, for females: height 71-79 cm, weight 40-55 kg. Here I would like to note that with such height and muscles, this weight is not burdensome for these shepherd dogs. They are fast in their movements, run fast and jump well.

The head is large, the skull is voluminous. Powerfully developed jaws, the upper teeth tightly overlap the lower ones and are located perpendicular to the jaw. This is called a correct scissor bite. The lips are black at the edges, slightly drooping, and there are no pockets at the corners of the mouth. Males have larger heads than females.

Any color is acceptable - plain (white, black, light gray, fawn), combined (for example, brindle) and even tricolor (black-gray-red). But the most common is white and cream. A distinctive feature is considered to be a black “mask” on the face - in Turkish “karabash” (black head), hence one of the names of the dog.

The ears should be the same black or darkened color. They are often cropped so that they are not torn off by predators during a fight, and it is also believed that dogs with cropped ears hear better. Uncropped ears hang in triangles on the sides of the head, appearing soft and slightly sheep-like.

The coat is short or medium length, but always with a thick undercoat, which saves the dog from the cold, and the top layer of coat also has a water-repellent effect from rain and snow. This is universal protective clothing - against harsh climates, as well as against thorny bushes, mosquitoes and predators.

The tail is straight and slightly curved. It is not customary to buy it. When the dog is alert, the tail curls into a ring, rising high behind the back, especially in boys. The Anatolian Shepherd in the photo looks both reliable and dangerous.

A powerful animal that can strangle a large wolf almost without effort. And at the same time, the dog realizes his strength, calmness and generosity are observed in his gaze: “I am strong, but I will not offend you.”

The Anatolian Shepherd is one of the largest and strongest dogs

Education and training

The Palestinian dog is easy to train. A few repetitions of the exercises - and the command is learned for life. Animals are very smart and intelligent, but incredibly stubborn and independent in behavior. When they decide that the task is not worth completing, no amount of persuasion from the owner will help.

Canaan dogs are capable of sabotaging classes if the trainer has not become an authority for them. They will never allow them to be suppressed by force - in this case, the shepherd will defend itself or run away. When training, it is important to motivate the dog, then you will be able to get an easy-going, well-mannered and obedient student.

Animals require frequent, regular and long walks outside. Due to the activity, high physical demands are required. If this is not done, the animals will become aggressive, nervous and mischievous, and will bark loudly and shrilly for no reason. Such behavior is an alarm signal for the owner and an indicator that proper efforts have not been made to raise the pet. It is better not to get a breed for older and passive people.

These dogs are incredibly curious: they explore the territory entrusted to them far and wide, and also love to run, dig in the ground and in nooks and crannies. Without supervision, dogs are capable of making a lot of digs, holes, holes or passages in the garden plot.

In raising and training a Canaan dog, consistency and constancy should be observed, never demanding more than it can fulfill. Activities should be varied, otherwise the dog will lose interest in them and refuse to carry out repeated commands.

Landseer's diseases

Even with ideal maintenance, the life expectancy of Molossians is, unfortunately, short - for Landseers it averages from ten to twelve years.

Landseers are healthy dogs, but they also have plenty of weak points.

The list of diseases to which purebred dogs are predisposed is the same in Landseers and Newfoundlands; They should pay special attention to the following weak points:

• joints and ligaments;
• heart;
• eyes;
• digestive system.

Dysplasia

The hip and elbow joints of heavy dogs experience increased stress. Dysplasia can become either a hereditary pathology or acquired as a result of improper cultivation. The disease begins after four months of age: at first it manifests itself in a slight limp, but can develop quickly. If conservative treatment does not have an effect, surgery is necessary.

Heart disease

A genetic predisposition to various cardiac pathologies is usually aggravated by poor diet or insufficient exercise. Overfed dogs with signs of obesity are more likely to be at risk. Regular examinations by a veterinarian, cardiography and ultrasound of the heart are indicated in order to detect the disease in time and begin its treatment.

Eye diseases

The “raw” eyes of many Molossians literally attract trouble - Landseers often have the following ophthalmological problems:

• inversion or inversion of the eyelids;
• cataract;
• chronic conjunctivitis.

All these diseases can be completely cured, but only a veterinarian has the right to prescribe treatment regimens; self-medication is fraught with a deterioration in the pet’s condition.

Gastric volvulus

Gastric volvulus is an acute surgical pathology caused by the anatomical feature of Molossians and is life-threatening. The fact is that the stomach of such dogs is suspended on rather long ligaments, which can twist around the esophagus if a well-fed dog begins to show excessive activity. In this case, only an urgent operation can save the animal, which must be done within four to six hours.

Health

The Canaan dog developed a body type and immune system designed to adapt and survive. This is reflected in the life expectancy of the breed, which is 12-15 years.

This is a breed that lived in the harsh desert conditions of Israel. They have developed hearing, vision and smell, which serve as an early warning system for the approach of people or predators. This dog rarely suffers from diseases, which are often caused by inbreeding.

According to the Orthopedic Foundation of America, the incidence of hip dysplasia in this breed, based on a total of 330 hip x-rays, is only 2%, while elbow dysplasia is only 3%.

The most common form of cancer in this breed is lymphosarcoma. Lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer that affects the lymphoid system. In a healthy dog, the lymphoid system is a vital part of the body's immune defense against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria.

Choosing a Canaan Dog Puppy

Until a few years ago, the Shaar Hagai breeding center for Canaan dogs was located in Israel. It was led by Myrna Shiboleth. But due to the decision of local authorities, the nursery had to move to Italy. There is currently no nursery in Russia. The only one moved his activities to Poland, but is engaged in the delivery and sale of puppies to all CIS countries. There are large nurseries that professionally breed Canaan dogs in the USA, France, Germany and some other European countries.

The only proof that a puppy or adult dog belongs to the breed is the pedigree. The Canaan Dog is registered with the FCI and most other international cynological associations. At the time of sale, puppies must have a brand, a puppy card and a veterinary passport with notes on vaccinations given according to age. Externally, babies must be completely healthy and meet the standard. They are curious and friendly by nature, in no way cowardly or aggressive. Most breeders are very sensitive to the choice of future owners for their dogs of a rare breed; only a few are allowed into breeding work. Advertisements for the sale of puppies from private individuals are very rare and you need to treat them very carefully so as not to run into scammers.

Price

The average price of a Canaan dog puppy not for breeding is 60,000 rubles. The cost of promising babies can exceed 100,000 rubles.

Standard and purpose of Hungarian kuvasz

The native breed standard was developed, as you might guess, in Hungary. The adoption of the first standard dates back to 1954, when the breed was recognized by the International Canine Association. In the FCI breed classification, Kuvasz belong to group 1 (guard and herding dogs) and are included in the subgroup of white Hungarian herding dogs.

Appearance

Hungarians love their Kuvasz dogs so much that sometimes they even change the standard if one of the brightest representatives of the breed suddenly goes beyond it - such situations are difficult to imagine in other breeds. But the main aspects of the Hungarian kuvasz are regulated very clearly in the standard. Sexual dimorphism in these dogs is noticeably pronounced.

The FCI standard specifies all breed characteristics of Kuvasz.

Table: basic provisions of the FCI Hungarian Kuvasz standard

Character and behavior of kuvasz

This big white dog is full of courage and nobility. As a representative of a glorious cohort of shepherd dogs, he is a born shepherd and an excellent guard. This is a dog of one owner, and this breed feature must be taken into account. The fact is that the kuvasz is touchingly attached to its owner - the “main owner” is for him the highest deity, no less.

Perhaps, of all the herding dogs, the Kuvasz is the most closely related to humans.

A change of owner for this dog is a catastrophe that is almost impossible to endure. Therefore, experts do not recommend purchasing dogs of this breed in adulthood, and the best age to buy a puppy is two to three months.

The owner for kuvasz is the highest deity

The Kuvasz most likely perceives small children as valuable property entrusted to its care - it tolerates their excessive activity and tries to control it as much as possible. Teenagers are treated as equals - the respect and obedience of such a dog must be earned.

Disqualities and disadvantages

The breed standard strictly guards the quality of the livestock - dogs with defects and obvious deficiencies are not allowed for breeding.

Exhibitions help select the best dogs for breeding based on conformation, but working qualities are not taken into account here.

Individuals whose height is below the lower limit cannot participate in breeding work: as well as dogs with excess body weight - heavier than 70 kilograms. The following exterior flaws are also considered disqualifying defects:

• snack (“snipe” face);
• too sharp “stop” - transition from forehead to muzzle;
• wool is hard or felt;
• tail curled or raised above the level of the rump
• kinks and creases of the tail;
• any color except white.

Nutrition

Canaanians are unpretentious eaters. You can feed them dry food or cook your own food. However, breeders strongly advise creating a diet based only on natural food. Their menu should consist of 70% protein. The list of recommended products is quite large:

• meat (poultry, beef);
• offal;
• eggs;
• fish (boneless);
• cottage cheese;
• a moderate amount of cereals (buckwheat or millet);
• fruits (infrequently) - pears, apples, bananas;
• vegetables (pumpkin or carrots).

It is important! Pork, flour products, bones, and citrus fruits are contraindicated for dogs of this breed.

Vaccination

In general, the vaccination schedule is similar to that applicable to other breeds:

1. For rabies, the first injection is given at 12 weeks, then repeated a year, carried out annually.
2. They are vaccinated against plague at 8 weeks, revaccinated every year, and repeated every year.
3. For parainfluenza, an injection is given at 8 weeks, then repeated a year, like every subsequent year of the dog.
4. Protect against enteritis at 10 weeks, re-introduce a year, repeat annually.
5. Protect against leptospirosis at 10 weeks, repeat at 12 months, then annually.
6. The microsporia vaccination is given at 28 weeks, then repeated annually and annually.
7. The vaccine against trichophytosis is given at 28 weeks, a year and annually.

Description of the breed

The Canaan Dog in the FCI classification belongs to the 5th group “Spitz and primitive types of dogs”, the 6th section “Primitive breeds”. This category name is explained by the origin of the animal - breeds with a long history were formed without selection, and their traits are determined exclusively by natural conditions and territorial needs.

It is on the ICA classification that the breed divisions of local canine associations, which are its constituent units, are built. In the international classification, Canaans belong to the primitive section, in the division of the English Kennel Club - to the Utiliti category (user), and in the American Club standards - Herding (herding).

Appearance

Canaan dogs are medium in size, the weight of the representative ranges from 18 to 25 kg, and the height at the withers is 50–60 cm (taking into account the fact that males should be much larger and bulkier than females). This breed can be distinguished from others thanks to specific characteristics:

• the head has harmonious proportions, the shape is a blunt wedge;
• the muzzle is powerful, not too large;
• ears are set wide, erect, wide, not too long;
• the nose must be black;
• eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, a dark rim along the eyelids is required;
• the body is muscular, with a moderately wide chest and tucked belly, a clearly defined withers area;
• the tail is set high, always curled upward and well covered with hair;
• the limbs are powerful and muscular, and the paws are round, reminiscent of a cat's shape.

Canaan is always an athletic body, a black nose and brown eyes

Such an athletic and fit dog has an appropriate gait - it is fast, its movements are light and dexterous. The body hair consists of coarse and straight hairs, no more than medium length, with a padded layer of undercoat. The hairs on the tail should be longer. As for Canaan colors, there are several acceptable options:

• desert tones - from sand to red (golden, cream and red are the most common among representatives of the breed);

The most common shades of wool among the Canaanites are desert tones.

Black color is considered standard for the Canaan dog.

Spotted Canaanians can be with or without a mask

Character of the Canaan dog

According to the standard, Canaanians are intended to be used as a guard and guard breed. This is largely dictated by the peculiarities of the animal psyche, which are documented in the requirements for the representative:

• vigilance;
• fast reaction;
• distrust of strangers and animals;
• pronounced protective instinct.

All the described qualities make the Canaan dog an excellent watchdog, but it is worth noting that aggressiveness is not inherent in it. This is a loyal animal that gets along well with humans and is easy to train. Canaans are gentle with children and strongly attached to their owners, making them excellent for families, especially in private areas where security is required. At the same time, representatives of the breed are very suspicious and can be overly cocky with other dogs (especially males), so it is better if the pet is the only representative of the species in the family. But a cat won’t be a big problem—the Canaanians get along well with them.

A strong character may be too much for an inexperienced or too soft owner. Only if the owner becomes a leader for the dog will it listen to him, otherwise the desire to dominate will win. Lessons should be clear and understandable and contain a minimum of repetitions of the same command. Otherwise, the dog may simply refuse to do the exercise at one point. Therefore, the owner will have to maintain moderation in training and come up with new entertainment. You should not treat Canaan unfairly and cruelly - this will make the animal downtrodden, timid and withdrawn.

Disqualification criteria

Any significant deviations from the described requirements for the breed are considered as defects and may cause disqualification of the animal:

• irregular ear shape, too large size;
• no tail curl;
• long wool;
• gray, brindle, tricolor or black and tan coat color;
• eye color other than brown, etc.

The seriousness of the defect is assessed in terms of its severity and the degree of impact on the health of the representative, both physical and mental. Aggressive behavior and indiscipline that violate the protective purpose of the breed and pose a threat to people and other animals are also strictly rejected.

Character and behavior

The Canaan dog is balanced, calm, vigilant, very suspicious and distrustful of strangers, but not cowardly. By nature, it is not aggressive towards people, has a quick reaction, a strong watchdog and protective instinct, and clearly distinguishes between friends and foes. At the same time, not only other animals, but also strangers are considered strangers. Very strongly attached to the owner and home. Treats children with care and patience. She can be cocky with other dogs, but she can chase cats on the street, but she gets along well with the pets she grew up with.

The Canaan dog has all the qualities that are necessary for a family dog ​​and companion: unpretentiousness, devotion, loyal attitude towards children. With good upbringing, they are obedient and disciplined animals.

Representatives of the breed have survived for centuries only thanks to their suspicion and ability to react with lightning speed to a potential threat. However, when socialized and well trained, they become true companions, react enthusiastically to everything that is outside the territory, love to be in new places and do not lose their composure.

Canaan dogs have a pronounced pack and territorial instinct. this makes them vigilant watchmen and serious guards, but on the other hand it can be associated with some difficulties, for example, with aggression towards guests, less often other dogs. Canaanites may consider a place where they regularly walk to be their territory and begin to defend it.

Caring for Samoyed Dogs

Samoyeds are not particularly picky about their living conditions, especially if you buy a dog for a private home. They are able to live outside in an enclosure even in winter - and this option is more comfortable for dogs than living in an apartment. They are perfectly adapted to cold weather, but do not tolerate heat well. In addition, dogs require a lot of space.

If your Samoyed lives in an apartment, follow these guidelines:

• From an early age, the puppy must know its place. Organize a comfortable soft bed that will serve as a bed for the dog;
• The Samoyed should be brushed at least three times a week, preferably every day. For combing, hard brushes with sparse teeth are used, which are capable of combing out the thick undercoat. If you want the top layer of your dog’s coat to look great, you should also use a brush with natural bristles;
• After walks, you need to not only wash your paws, but also treat them with a soft cream - Samoyeds do not tolerate asphalt and hard surfaces very well;
• Ears and teeth should be cleaned, and nails should be trimmed as soon as they begin to click on the floor;
• You shouldn't bathe your Samoyed too often. As a rule, once every two weeks is enough, especially if the dog has not purposefully gotten dirty;
• Samoyeds should not be left alone for long periods of time as they may become depressed;
• The Samoyed should be walked twice every day, the walk should last at least one hour - dogs need to move a lot, play and run.

Although Samoyeds are very fluffy dogs, they do not require as much grooming as, for example, Afghan Hounds. You just need to comb them and wash them with special shampoos and conditioners.

Care and maintenance

You can have a Bedouin Shepherd in an apartment. But this is not the best option - due to their energy, mobility and playfulness, animals are better off living in a fenced area. You should not put a chain on your dog or keep it in an enclosure; the best solution is to freely walk around the yard.

In general, the care and maintenance of the Canaan dog is similar to the care and maintenance of other guard breeds. It doesn’t matter in what conditions the dog is kept - he needs regular and long walks with high physical activity. The ideal time for this is morning and evening, the minimum walking time is 60 minutes. Due to their lack of harmony with other dogs, Canaanites (especially males) are best walked on a leash and muzzle.

The coat of pets is thick and dense, it saves them from the heat and warms them in the cold season. During periods of seasonal shedding, a lot of hair falls out, and then frequent brushing with a stiff brush is required.

The ears, eyes, and mouth of the animal are regularly examined - dirt, sulfur and foreign deposits are cleaned with a cotton pad soaked in the appropriate lotion, paw pads are lubricated with cream or disinfectant if microcracks, rashes or redness are detected.

No less attention is paid to the health of the teeth: they should be cleaned every 4-5 days with a special paste and a soft brush; if a stone is detected, you should contact a veterinarian.

A dog's claws get worn down while walking on the asphalt. Otherwise, they are cut with nail clippers once every 14-20 days.

Choosing a puppy

When deciding to buy yourself a Canaan breed puppy, you need to take into account that it is not as easy as it seems. Professional nurseries are located in the USA, France, Italy (the largest center that moved from Israel), Germany and Poland. The easiest way to get a pet is from the last one (Samorodok), but for this you will have to stand in line.

It is possible to reliably distinguish a purebred dog from a mongrel one only if it has a pedigree registered with international canine organizations. The color and proportions of the body must meet the standards, the baby must be completely healthy. Real Canaanians can be recognized by their character - the puppies are inquisitive, very friendly, and have neither aggression nor cowardice.

A reliable sign of a breed is an exclusively official document - a pedigree.

Given its limited distribution, the cost of a puppy will be high. A pet can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. At the time of writing this article, it was not possible to find current advertisements from large nurseries - such information is rarely made available to the public, since queues for puppies make it possible to avoid advertising events and sales announcements.

What to pay attention to

You need to pay attention to the puppy’s behavior:

• How it reacts to a person.
• How does he behave in general: active and cheerful or lethargic and sickly.
• Are your eyes and ears clean? Is the fur shiny? Is your appetite healthy?
• How do the puppy's parents behave? What is their character and whether there were any problems in their upbringing.

In addition, it is important that the puppy has all the documents and all the necessary vaccinations. In the official nursery, all documentation is provided and there are no difficulties with this

Of course, you can buy a puppy without documents, from your own hands. It will be cheaper and easier, but then it is important to understand that unforeseen difficulties in the dog’s behavior may arise. Character traits that are not prescribed by the standard will emerge. And if a person takes a pet, he must be ready to go through life with it until the end. Whatever difficulties would arise. Abandoning an animal is a crime.

Sources

• https://vplate.ru/sobaki/hanaanskaya/
• https://kinpet.ru/khanaanskaya-sobaka/
• https://vernyedruzja.ru/xanaanskaya-sobaka.html
• https://vashipitomcy.ru/publ/sobaki/porody_sobak/khanaanskaja_sobaka_istorija_maloizvestnoj_porody_ukhod_i_soderzhanie_foto/23-1-0-2052
• https://prohvost.club/sobaki/porody-sobak/hanaanskaya-sobaka-foto.html
• https://simple-fauna.ru/pets/dogs/breed-of-dog/hanaanskaya-sobaka/
• https://DogGav.ru/porody/srednie/hanaanskaya-sobaka.html
• https://tutknow.ru/animals/9139-osobennosti-soderzhaniya-hanaanskoy-sobaki.html

Video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/

* We invite you to watch a video about the Samoyed dog breed. In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Samoyed dog looks like.

The Samoyed dog is a beautiful and cheerful animal. They are suitable for completely different people: from married couples to single people who want to have a friendly and affectionate companion. Samoyeds are highly trainable and very sensitive towards their owners, other people and even foreign animals.

Interesting Facts

The breed got its name in honor of the ancient city of Canaan. The city was named after the son of Ham, who became the progenitor of the African people.

This is the only breed that was bred in Israel. It is one of the rarest in the world. The total number of individuals is about 2 thousand.

Serious work with the Canaanites began only at the beginning of the twentieth century. The founder of the breed was the German dog handler Rudelfina Menzel. Prior to this, no selective breeding work had been carried out.

Canaan dogs are tenacious and hardy. They managed to survive in the middle of the twentieth century, when a rabies epidemic was declared in Israel and all stray dogs were shot. When people approached, they hid in holes.

Many people argue that dogs are aggressive and cowardly. This is an incorrect statement and is based on a misinterpretation of the behavior of the Canaanite dogs.

It is also a false statement that Israeli dogs are distributed throughout the world as stray animals. The external similarity between the homeless and the Canaanites is only partial. Purebred individuals can be found in nurseries, in the Israeli desert or among the Bedouins. In addition, the procedure for recognizing a dog as a Canaanite takes place with the participation of expert dog handlers.

The breed probably originated from wild African dogs. This fact is confirmed by its relationship with the Basenji.

Sometimes the breed is called “biblical”. It is assumed that the ancestor of Canaan was Jezebel, the wife of the Israeli king Ahab. According to legend, Jezebel kept her charges near the throne, and the pets themselves were decorated with golden collars. Images of the ancient ancestors of these dogs were found in the Egyptian tomb of Beni Hassan. The age of the drawings is about 2500 BC.

The history of this breed is not full of positive moments. The Canaanites lived and collaborated with tribes, existed as wild individuals, and were on the verge of extinction. The harsh desert climate has taught dogs to survive and adapt to the most unexpected weather conditions.

Due to its rarity, the Canaan dog is difficult to acquire. Most often, you need to travel to another country to find a purebred puppy. However, dogs are deservedly considered loyal, friendly and active. They are ideal as a guard and companion for the whole family.

Origin story

Until the 30s of the 20th century, Canaan dogs existed as pariahs - semi-wild dogs of uncertain origin. For more than 1000 years, they were used by the local population to guard livestock and homes, and also as assistants to shepherds. In their homeland, Canaan dogs still accompany the Druze and Bedun.

The Canaan Dog was recognized as a separate breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1966.

Cynologist Rudelfina Mendel began breeding work with “mongrel” Israeli dogs. It was she who drew attention to the local pariahs and began to select individuals. Convinced that these dogs are not only hardy, but also highly trainable, she created her own kennel and developed a special breeding program. Later she wrote the first standard, which was approved by the Israeli Kennel Club and the FCI. Mendel decided to name her breed the Canaan Dog, thereby emphasizing the place and time of origin.

Purpose

The Canaan Dog is considered as a versatile working breed. It can be used as a watchdog, security guard and bodyguard. In Israel, they are recruited by the military as guards, mine-hunting messengers, and used in search and rescue operations. There is information about the use of Canaanites as guide dogs. In America and Europe, Canaan dogs are positioned as companions and participate in various sports, such as agility, obedience, and are less often used as herding dogs.

Their intelligence and excellent sense of smell is evidenced by the fact that many modern pariahs continue to live in minefields near the country’s border. At the same time, they unerringly choose routes and places for burrows in which they raise puppies. The rabies epidemic that broke out in the 80s forced the Israeli authorities to take serious measures and begin exterminating all stray dogs, but many wild “Canaanites”, hearing helicopters, hid in holes, which allowed them to survive

Video about the Canaan dog breed:

Appearance of a Canaan dog

General impression

As you can see in the photo, the Canaan dog is similar in appearance to a large Spitz. The beauty of the animals is laconic and simple, everything in their appearance is carefully thought out and organic - a practical fur coat and a classic silhouette, reminiscent of the fact that the ancestors of the animals were wolves.

Head

Strong, well-proportioned, with a flat forehead, the size of the Canaan dog is medium. The transition to the muzzle is smooth and not clearly expressed. The muzzle itself is quite wide, the jaws are well developed, the teeth are white, dense and not large, forming a correct bite.

The nose is mobile and black. The eyes are almond-shaped, with an intelligent and expressive look. The iris is dark brown or brown in color. The ears are raised, set wide apart, tapering from the base to a rounded tip.

Torso

Knocked down, muscular, body – square format. The chest is deep, clearly defined, and medium in width. The line of the back is straight, shortened, the loin is convex. The groin is tightened.

Front and hind limbs

Elongated, oval, medium in thickness. The hind legs, with well-developed muscles, are set wider than the front legs. The hock joints are flexible and set high. The hands are round, the fingers are strong and grouped, the claws are dark and strong.

Wool

The Palestinian Shepherd has a double coat; despite this, the dog easily tolerates high humidity and heat. The guard hair is hard and long, and comes in different lengths. Dogs with semi-long hair have contrasts in the length of the guard hairs in the head, limbs, and body.

The neck of purebred animals is decorated with a “collar”. In short-haired dogs, it is formed on the chest by elongated hair. The density of the undercoat is determined by the dog's climatic conditions.

Canaan dog colors

The color of the Bedouin Shepherd includes white, black, brick-brown, sand, cream, gold, and red. White markings are allowed. Tricolor, grey, dark tan or brindle coat colors are excluded.