Canaan Dog

A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes.

[Not specified. Classified by the F.C.I. under Asian Spitz and related breeds.]

Alert, quick to react, distrustful of strangers, strongly defensive but not naturally aggressive. Vigilant, not only against man but other animals as well. Extraordinarily devoted and amenable to training.

Well proportioned, blunt wedge shape of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened. Some width allowed in powerful male heads. Stop shallow but defined. Muzzle sturdy, of moderate length and breadth. Jaws should be strong. Lips tight. Nose black.

Dark brown, slightly slanted, almond shaped. Dark rims essential.

Erect, relatively short and broad, slightly rounded at the tip and set low.

Full dentition with scissor or level bite.

Muscular, of medium length.

Limbs [fore and hind] of moderate angulations. Balance is essential.

Forelegs - Perfectly straight.
Shoulders - oblique and muscular.
Elbows - Close to the body.

Square.
Withers , Well developed.
Back , Level.
Loins , Muscular.
Chest , Deep and of moderate breadth. Ribs well sprung.
Belly - Well tucked up.

Limbs [fore and hind] of moderate angulations. Balance is essential. Hindquarters powerful.
Buttocks , Strong, lightly feathered.
Stifles , Well bent.
Hocks , Well let down.

Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.

Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.

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

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

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: "Boston Terrier" patterns are common. Grey, brindle, black-and-tan or tricolour are unacceptable. Desert colours , sand, gold, red, cream , are most typical of the breed.

Height at withers: 50 , 60 cm. [20 - 23 & 1/2;]
Males can be considerably larger than females.
Weight: 18 , 25 kg [40 , 55 lbs.]

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.