The
Federation Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.) Standard
28th November 1985
STANDARD OF THE ISRAEL CANAAN DOG
Israeli Breed
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 testicles fully
descended into the scrotum.
