• Canaan Dog
• Standards
• History

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Canaan Dog

Israel Canaan Dog, K'Naami, Kelef Knaani

​​The Canaan Dog is a pariah breed that has been domesticated for a wide range of tasks. These include herding, guarding, military and police dogs, as well as guide dogs for the blind.

Although recognized by all major kennel clubs the Canaan dog remains a rare breed.

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Canaan Dog Standards

• Recognition
• Height/Weight
• Appearance
• Color

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• American Kennel Club (Herding)
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Group 5)
• The Kennel Club (Utility)
• United Kennel Club (Sighthound and Pariah)

• 19-24"
• 35-55 lbs

• medium-sized primitive breed
• erect, triangular ears
• long, curled tail
• outer coat is straight and harsh

• black
• cream
• reds
• white
• can be solid or patterned
  

History of the Canaan Dog

​The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed dating back to Biblical times, originating in Israel. They were common in the region until the dispersion of the Israelites by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The dogs managed to avoid extinction by seeking refuge in the Negev Desert. Most turned undomesticated and feral while some were kept by the Bedouins.

In 1935 Dr. Rudolphina Menzel was asked to recruit dogs for army service, specifically in mine detection. She recognized four types of local pariahs; a heavy livestock guardian, curly tailed dingo-type, sighthound, and collie-type. She used the collies as a basis for the breed and created a careful re-domestication process. Her breeding program eventually established the Canaan Dog we know today.