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The Full Canaan Dog Description

The Canaan Dog possesses extremely keen senses of hearing and smell, and he can detect approaching intruders from a considerable distance, becoming instantly alert. He is an intelligent, trainable breed whose tracking ability is excellent. When raised with children and other pets, he becomes a devoted family companion and natural watchdog. He is aloof with strangers, inquisitive, loyal, and loving with his family. Because of the strong "denning" instinct of their recent semi-wild past, the Canaan Dog is naturally clean and easily housebroken. He does not require an excessive amount of exercise.

Did you know?

The Canaan Dog is described as alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with his family.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Medium sized, well balanced, strong and square. Marked distinction between sexes.

Characteristics

Agile, alert and highly intelligent.

Temperament

Confident and vigilant. Aloof with strangers. Steady and loyal to owners.

Head and Skull

Skull Well proportioned, wedge shaped of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened between ears. Stop shallow but defined. Length from muzzle to stop approximately equal to length from stop to occiput. Nose black. Lips tight and well pigmented.

Eyes

Dark, almond shaped and obliquely set with black rims.

Ears

Medium sized, erect and set low with broad base and rounded tip.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws, level bite acceptable.

Neck

Muscular, well arched, of medium length without throatiness.

Forequarters

Well laid muscular shoulder, elbows close to body. Medium boned. When viewed from the front forelegs straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body

Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up.

Hindquarters

Powerful, broad muscular thighs, hocks well let down. Legs straight when viewed from behind.

Feet

Strong, round and cat like with hard pads.

Tail

Set high, thick brush carried curled over back when trotting or excited.

Gait/Movement

Energetic and natural trot.

Coat

Outer coat dense, harsh and straight of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse according to season.

Colour

Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted, with or without a symmetrical black mask. White markings permitted on all colours. Grey, brindle, black and tan or tricolour undesirable.

Size

Height 50-60 cms (20-24 ins).
Weight 18-25 kgs (40-55 lbs).