Masculine Canaan Dog - JK Maccabee Northern WarriorMasculine Canaan Dog - JK Maccabee Northern Warrior

General Appearance

Proportion  A medium sized, well-balanced, strong and "square" dog resembling the wild dog type.  A strong distinction between the sexes, with the females maintaining a feminine quality.

Feminine Canaan Dog - Midsummer MackenzieFeminine Canaan Dog - Midsummer Mackenzie

Substance   Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung.  Belly well tucked up.  Moderate angulation.  Balance is essential. Tail is curled high over the back when alert or excited. Feet are strong, round and catlike with hard pads.

Blunt Wedge-Shaped Head with Low Erect EarsBlunt Wedge-Shaped Head with Low Erect Ears

Head  Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears.  Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Ears erect, relatively short and broad, slightly
rounded at the tip and set low. Eyes dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential. Mouth full dentition with scissors or level bite. Neck muscular and as noble as possible.

Symmetrical Mask - Sufat Sheleg "Cash"Symmetrical Mask - Sufat Sheleg "Cash"

Colour   Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted with or without mask.  If masked, mask must be symmetrical.  Black mask permitted on all colours.  White markings are permitted on all colours. 

Grey and/or brindle, black/tan, or tri-colour are considered unacceptable.

Expressive Almond Shaped Eyes with Black RimsExpressive Almond Shaped Eyes with Black Rims

Gait   Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility and stamina. Correct movement is essential.

Canaan Female Puppy - CybelleCanaan Female Puppy - Cybelle

Weight/Height    20-24 inches in height; weight 45-55 lbs. Females can range from 19-23 inches; weight 35 to 45 lbs. He is without extremes and should be well proportioned.This was a dog that was nature’s design: built to race like the wind and consume a frugal diet. Keeping him lean and agile will make him more comfortable and healthy.

Faults All faults in body structure that constitute a deviation from the norm of a well built "square" dog; anything that would detract from his potential for survival as a desert animal.