Gait:
Quick, light and energetic trot. Should demonstrate marked agility
and stamina. Correct movement is essential.
One
of the most distinctive characteristics of the Canaan is his effortless,
ground-covering trot. Contrary to many other breeds, where it
is difficult to find good movers, with the Canaans
it has been rare to find a dog that didnt move well. Correct
movement is, of course, a result of correct structure, and in
the Canaan, correct functional movement has been essential to
his survival.
The
typical Canaan gait is a short, quick, light and agile trot, moving
towards single tracking as the speed increases. His movement should
always appear powerful, agile, and effortless, with good reach
and drive, and perfect balance between front and hind movement.
His topline should remain completely steady and level when moving.
There should never be an impression of heaviness, sluggishness,
or effort. The Canaan does not move in a long loping stride; his
gait is short and quick and he looks able to change directions
instantly, to leap effortlessly over or on any obstacles in his
path, and to keep going for hours without tiring.
A
long bodied dog will be lacking in the effortlessly and smooth
movement, often appearing to be disunited with front and hind
legs moving out of synch with each other. Lack of correct balance
in angulation may cause gait faults such as pacing or overreaching.
From the front and the rear, the movement of legs is parallel
and straight forward, moving in under the center of gravity of
the dog as the speed increases. Crossing, paddling, loose elbows,
cowhocks, narrow movement are highly undesirable.
Correct
gait is essential to this breed, and all faults resulting in poor
movement should be penalized.
Excellent
movement from the front

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Excellent
movement from the side

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Another
example of correct movement

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At
a fully extended run, this dog shows the typical power and
grace of correct Canaan movement, and excellent reach and
drive with a strong level topline.

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This
bitch, very moderately angulated, is side winding while
moving and her topline shows a rise over the croup
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