The Canaan Dog
I saw this beutiful dog on the Dog show last night, and thought I would suggest it.Pictures: Canaan Dog Photos
History: The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed resembling the wild dog type which has survived in Israel through at least 4,000 years of history.
Appearance: The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized, well-balanced, strong and square dog, with a wedge-shaped head; erect, low-set ears; and straight, harsh, dense coat of short-to-medium length. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 1:1. The tail is bushy, set on high, and is carried curled over the back when the dog is alert or excited. This breed is presented in a completely natural condition with no trimming. Moderation and balance must always be considered when evaluating this breed.
Characteristics: The Canaan Dog gives the impression of elegance, but is sufficiently substantial to stand up to jackals, hyenas, and wolves.
Coat: The Canaan Dog has a double coat. The outer coat consists of straight, dense, harsh-textured short-to-medium length hair. The undercoat is close-fining, dense, profuse, and downy in texture. The neck is well-furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron. The buttocks are lightly feathered and the tail is well-furred. Correct coat is essential to survival in the desert so an incorrect coat, including the absence of undercoat, is a serious fault.
Color: Canaan Dogs may be solid color or spotted. There are two color patterns. Pattern 1) Predominantly white with mask and with or without additional patches of color (large body patches are desirable). Pattern 2) Solid colored with or without white trim. Color may range from black through all shades of brown - sandy to red or liver. Shadings of black on a solid brown or tan dog are frequently seen. The trim on a solid colored dog may include chest, undercarriage, feet and lower part of leg and tip of tail. In all color patterns self-ticking may be present. Disqualifications--a) Gray and/or brindle. b) All white.
Acceptable colors include any shade between cream and red-brown, including sand, gold, or red; white; or black. Dogs may be masked or not, but if masked, the mask must be symmetrical. Black mask and white markings are permitted on all colors. Black shading on red or sand-colored dogs is acceptable.