The goal of the ICDCA is to support and preserve the natural qualities of the breed as found in their homeland of Israel. In Israel, as well as in the rest of the world, Canaan Dogs are bred and judged according to the FCI standard. This standard originated with the founders of the breed in Israel and we feel it is important for the future of the breed to uphold it. The ICDCA follows the UKC standard which is closely based on the FCI standard, and was developed in consultation with Israeli experts on the breed. The AKC standard has diverged from the FCI standard, especially in the areas of size, tail set, coat and color.
General Appearance
A medium sized, well balanced, strong and square dog resembling the
wild dog type. Strong distinction between the sexes.
Head
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.
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, of medium length.
Body
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.
Forequarters
The shoulder should be oblique and muscular, elbows close to the body.
Forelegs perfectly straight.
Hindquarters
Powerful, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down. Strong buttocks,
lightly feathered.
Feet
Strong, round and catlike with hard pads.
Tail
Set high, thick brush carried curled over the back.
Coat
Outer coat dense, harsh and straight, of short to medium length. Undercoat
close and profuse.
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: "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.
Weight and size
Height 50 - 60 cm. (20 - 24 in.), males may be considerably larger
than females.
Weight 18 - 25 kg. (40 - 55 lb.)
Gait
Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility
and stamina. Correct movement is essential.
Character
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.
Faults
All deviations from the standard of the breed. All faults in body structure
which constitute a deviation from the norm of a well built dog; anything
that would detract from his potential for survival as a desert animal.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicules fully descended into the scrotum.