Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix

The Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Canaan Dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Canaan Dog is known for being cautious, intelligent, and devoted. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Canaan Dog or the Pyrenean Shepherd? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix puppies for sale.

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Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Canaan Dog History

The Canaan Dog was recognized as purebred by the AKC in 1997, and she holds the title of National Dog of Israel. She originated in the Middle East and has lived there for many thousands of years. During Biblical times, she served as a herder and guard dog for nomadic peoples. Although purebred, the Canaan Dog also belongs to a canine subset called Pariah Dogs. More than just a stray, a pariah dog is genetically unique. They are free-ranging and sometimes feral dogs that exist by following human encampments, usually in developing countries, and living on anything left behind.

For some years, experts have sought to capture, recognize, register and breed these beautiful outsiders, before interbreeding with purebred and other mixed-breed dogs causes their extinction.

Fun fact: Archaeologists in Israel unearthed some 700 specimens of a dog very likely to be the Canaan of today. They speculate that the dogs were held sacred by their people.

Fast-forward to the early 1930s, in what was then Palestine. A Jewish defense organization, the Haganah, approached canine authority Dr. Rudolphina Menzel with a request to develop a dog that could both guard settlements and serve in battle. Dr. Menzel immediately thought of the strong, intelligent ferals she had seen across the desert, and she began to gather up both adults and puppies and introduce them to a more domestic existence. She knew that because these dogs had survived as ferals, they would be smart, strong, fast, and supremely intelligent.
Dr. Menzel was right. The Canaan Dog proved not only highly intelligent but also easy to train. In addition to serving the military and acting as guard dogs, Canaan dogs became herders, messengers, and service dogs for the Red Cross. During World War II, the dogs were used as mine detectors, outperforming the traditional methods used to locate and neutralize mines.

Dr. Menzel established a kennel where she collected and trained about 400 Canaan Dogs, then selectively bred them. The lines she established are examples of the Canaan Dog of today.
Later in her life, while working with the Institute for Orientation and Mobility of the Blind in the Middle East, Dr. Menzel again called on her Canaan Dogs to serve as guides for blind children. In addition, Canaan Dogs assisted as police dogs and in search-and-rescue operations. Dr. Menzel’s successors continue to search the desert for examples of the ancient dog that can contribute to the gene pool.

The Canaan Dog was recognized by the Palestine Kennel Club in the 1940s; by the Israel Kennel Club in 1953; by the Kennel Club of London in 1971; and by the American Kennel Club in 1997.

Pyrenean Shepherd History

The Pyrenean Shepherd, which is also known as the Pyrenees Sheepdog. This dog is French and came from the French Pyrenees. Like most herding breeds in that region it was used by shepherds as a flock guardian helping to protect the flock from predators as well as thieves. It is still used by shepherds in that region today. It is a small to medium size breed that is extremely active. Like most herding breeds it is incredibly intelligent. Its coat helps protect it from extreme weather.

Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

Canaan Dog
Height: 19 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Pyrenean Shepherd
Height: 15 - 21 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 30 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 17 years

Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Personality

The Canaan Dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Canaan Dog mixed with the Pyrenean Shepherd might be prone to hypothyroidism, corneal dystrophy, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Canaan Dog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in