Buying or Adopting a Canaan Dog

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Canaan Dog the right breed for you?

Canaan Dog Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Canaan Dog?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No dogs of the same sex in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Canaan Dog stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Canaan Dogs are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Canaan Dog to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Canaan Dog, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Canaan Dog?

Canaan Dogs are very uncommon in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Canaan Dogs rank 181st. It's very hard to find this breed.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Canaan Dog available from a Dog Rescue group that specializes in the breed. But you'll certainly be on a waiting list.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Canaan Dog found in a shelter. There are of lots of dogs who look something like Canaans, but they're simply shepherd-type mixes.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
The only real source of a Canaan Dog is a show breeder, who breeds Canaans to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. But you'll certainly go onto a waiting list.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Canaan Dog puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Canaan Dog ends up with cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Canaan Dog in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Canaan Dog Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Canaan Dog puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Canaan Dog puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?