Canaan Dog

The ancestors of the modern Canaan Dog originated in the Biblical land of Canaan. Known as Kelev Kanani, meaning Canaan Dog, they were herding and flock guardian dogs for the ancient Israelites. When the Romans invaded and destroyed early Israel, the Canaan Dog was abandoned to a wild existence. Some remained semi-domesticated, tending Bedouin sheep and guarding tribal children. Others became sentry dogs for the Druze religious sect on Mount Carmel. None ever forgot their place in the families of men. In the 1930s the breed was re-domesticated and rediscovered as a family companion dog.