Canaan Dog Rescue Network
"If it is not listed with us, it is NOT a Canaan Dog!"

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Why are some mixed breeds mistaken for a Canaan Dog?

Most purebred dogs today have been carefully and selectively bred over several generations to consistently produce an established type. For example, the German Shepherd, the Labrador Retriever, and the Poodle are all easily recognizable - even in some mixed breeds - due to the careful selection for certain physical and temperament characteristics. The Canaan Dog is a recently domesticated purebred dog created from a certain type of pariah (semi-wild or free-living) dog living in the desert around Israel. These dogs are often found living near Bedouin camps. Drs. Rudolph and Rudolphina Menzel theorized that the pariah dogs are possibly the missing link in domestication from the wolf to today’s domestic dog. The Menzels' studied and classified this population of dogs. They classified the dogs in this region into four types based on their physical appearance. The dogs identified as a Type III pariah dog was chosen as the model, selectively bred, and named the Canaan Dog by the Menzels. The Canaan Dog is a "natural" dog, meaning that his predecessors and model type evolved by natural selection. Similarities can often be seen between Canaan Dogs and the Australian Dingo, American Carolina Dog, and to a lesser extent, the Basenji. Some characteristics of a Canaan Dog are: Generally 35-55 lbs. 18-23 inches Possesses moderate, balanced front and rear angulation Low set erect ears (obliquely set) Double, flat lying coat of short to medium length. Tail, often bushy, carried in a curl over the back when in motion or excited. Impressively agile Highly intelligent* and independent Expressive demeanor Expressive vocal sounds (Host an array of vocal expression from howls, grumbles, and other sounds often termed "Canaan-speak" by breed fanciers.) Naturally aloof with strangers Often dog aggressive towards strange dogs on his own territory Charming with his family Often "neophobic", making him an exceptional watch dog * The intelligence of a Canaan Dog does not present itself as unquestionably obedient. The Canaan Dog possesses problem solving intelligence. They are gifted manipulators of human emotions to achieve their goals and are often more dexterous than the average dog using their paws like "hands", such as to open doors. The Canaan Dog alerts his family to new stimulus that "does not belong" in his environment. The characteristic warning behavior of a stranger on his territory is to circle out of reach and bark until he is assured that his family has approved of the visitor. When raising a Canaan Dog, it can take a lot of time and effort on the part of the owner to establish this level of trust with the Canaan Dog so that the dog will defer to his owner's judgement. Any domestic mixed breed dog can possess one or more of these personality characteristics - but usually not a majority of them. It is extremely common for any purebred dog to interbreed and revert back to a basic physical canine type. Often this mixed breed can be mistaken for a Canaan Dog because the Canaan Dog possibly preceded the development of the individual purebred dogs. As a result, Canaan Dogs represent the natural, moderate dog type most often confused with mixed breeds. Many mixed breed dogs are often of mid-size, with pricked ears and tails carried over their backs…a common trait of the Canaan Dog. The increased attention that the Canaan Dog has enjoyed since its AKC recognition a few years ago has been both positive and negative for the breed. When shelters and rescue organizations are trying to classify the stray, or turned in dog, more than half of these mixed breeds will fit the basic Canaan Dog description. In essence, the Canaan Dog has become a "catch all" breed tag to assign to many mixed breed dogs. This error, while it may seem trivial, is potentially detrimental to our breed. By stating that any mixed breed dog is a Canaan Dog, one risks the eventual misunderstanding of the true character traits of the Canaan Dog. In a world becoming increasingly filled with breed specific legislation, this could pose a real problem in the long run. If you have any trouble identifying whether the dog you have is a Canaan Dog, please contact a rescue coordinator for assistance.

How the Canaan Dog Rescue Network Works

When one of our coordinators receives a request for assistance in regard to an alleged Canaan Dog, they will request a pictures and a detailed description of the dog's temperament, circumstances surrounding the dog being relinquished, and why it is believed that the dog is a Canaan Dog. If possible a volunteer from within the Canaan Dog community will try to arrange a time to evaluate the dog in person. If there is not a volunteer in the area, the rescue coordinators together with the community of breeders will review the information and pictures to evaluate the possibility of the dog being a purebred Canaan Dog. This will also allow the Canaan Dog breeders an opportunity to contact any placements they have made in the area should they feel they recognize the dog. After the evaluations have been made and it is determined to be a Canaan Dog, the dog's picture, information, and/or shelter link will be on the CDRN website as an available dog. Because our breed is so rare and well-tracked by the Canaan Dog clubs and its breeders, it is rare that any Canaan Dog or mix will be available from a shelter. Due to the fact that many mixed breed dogs will resemble the Canaan Dog type, IF IT IS NOT LISTED WITH US, IT IS PROBABLY NOT A CANAAN DOG. You will find that most often older Canaan Dogs who are listed with us will be available for placement at the breeders' discretion.

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