The Canaan Dog is the national breed of Israel and dates back to Biblical times. They were the guardians and herding dogs of the ancient Israelites, watching over their camps and flocks. In more recent times, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel recruited 400 of the best dogs to be trained as mine detectors during Israel’s War of Independence and WWII and they proved to be more reliable than mechanical detectors. The first four Canaan dogs were imported to the United States in 1965 by Ursula Berkowitz as foundation stock. They are versatile, trainable breed that is docile and affectionate with their family but territorial and reserved around strangers. The Canaan Dog is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise but their short coats require little care beyond the occasional brushing and bathing.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
