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A recent web article aimed at responsible dog ownership dedicated a piece to the drawbacks of owning Canaan Dogs. The scribe views the breed as intelligent, agile and healthy ... but not for everyone. Well that's not so bad is it? In fact, one need only think about jobs, lovers or other life decisions to likely come to the same conclusion: not for everyone.

Ch Pleasant Hill Magnum of Samara aka Magnum is the country's #1 Canaan Dog in breed for 2006 & 2007.

BREED NOTES: Height: 20 to 24 inches for dogs and 19-23 inches for bitches Average Weight: 45 - 55 pounds for dogs and bitches 35 - 45 Temperament: Unique. Alert, aloof and responsive. They are intelligent, loyal and devoted to their family. Devoid of needing to be fussed over and content to lie quietly in the corner, aware of your movements and ready to join you if something interesting is taking place. Member of the AKC Herding Group: August 12, 1997 First Entered in Westminster Kennel Club: 1998 Member of the Herding Group Distinctive Character: Their underlying innate intelligence reflects self-preservation abilities not dog trick performances. They do things that have purpose. Canaan Dogs think for themselves. Toss a ball to a Canaan Dog and he will have to make a split second decision as to the purpose of the activity. Repeat the exercise adding the command, "Fetch" and the dog will look back as it to say, "I did that already." He is not being difficult, he's simply determined that there's no real purpose to the activity. AKC registered as: Canaan Dog - "Dog" is registered as part of the breed name - it's not a typo as Ellie Brecher of the Miami Herald would point out.

Rosman has raised and successfully exhibited Rhodesian Ridgebacks under the Samara Kennel hallmark. Recently, she added Canaan Dogs to her much admired flock. Her impressive resume includes: background in molecular genetics, current President of the Dog Fanciers Club, American Kennel Club delegate for the Canaan Dog Club of America which makes her the steward and lead publicist for Canaan Dogs.


Canaan Dogs are incredibly smart and capable of surviving under the most extreme conditions. The breed, unlike many others, has retained its innate ancestral traits. Those that study canine evolution look to the breed with astonishment. They marvel at the fact that this pooch closely resembles - in species and behavior - the original dog. It's the cave man canine equivalent that provides a rare opportunity to study and learn from something within its most natural state. Canaan Dog aficionados appreciate the breed as a resource, guide and gift to science and breed development.


Jimmy Moses is legendary in the world of show dogs. He has been highly successful with German Shepherds and co-authored the book The German Shepherd Today. He doesn't need to show a particular dog but he must want to. Ch Pleasant Hill Magnum of Samara aka Magnum, owned by Pamela Rosman, is just such a dog.

The fact that Magnum is a Canaan Dog presents a unique opportunity. Like other Canaan Dogs, he's described as "reactive aloof". However, when provided with proper guidance, he turns out a performance that leaves others awestruck. This is Magnum, a remarkable Canaan Dog that retains his form on all levels. Between handler and dog is a bond that's based on trust. Magnum understands what is being asked of him. He responds by giving it his all. Currently he is setting Canaan Dog standards as well as records. Magnum was born on August 17, 2004. He achieved his AKC championship status on May 6, 2005 from the puppy class at eight months of age, having competed for his title in just a handful of dog shows where he was awarded Best of Breed over top winning specials (champions). Jimmy's feeling is that Magnum's impressive abilities will be reflected in the next generation sired by him. These Canaan Dogs will maintain their primitive sense of survival but do so in a more outgoing fashion.

Respected AKC Judge Mrs. Lee Canalizo with Lenny Brown and Ch Pleasant Hill Magnum of Samara - Photo by Ashbey

In an unprecedented moment during the 2006 Kentuckiana Cluster Dog Show Circuit in Louisville, Jimmy Moses' assistant Lenny Brown, full of pride and in appreciation of Magnum's showing, bent down and kissed the dog's muzzle. This may have appeared to be a natural reaction, but nevertheless a first for all to witness with a Canaan Dog. It was a compulsive reaction that only could have occurred with trust. There was a moment when ringside dog pet lovers recognized what Pamela Rosman has known for awhile: The Canaan Dog may not be for everyone, but for a dog lover that seeks a different breed - one with determination, will and an independent mind - this could prove to be the right companion.

The appeal of the Canaan Dog is that it is a reminder that life is in a constant state of delicate balance. No other breed toes the line in such a way. It's a symbol of courage, strength and hope. It's not easy to survive in the world and their existence proves that harsh conditions and challenging circumstances can be overcome. This is a breed that can transverse from the wild to living comfortably in your home. Canaan Dogs prefer not to be fussed over. Instead, they take in their surroundings and modulate their behavior based on their sense of security. They will need an owner that understands pack hierarchy and assumes the role of the leader. This truly is not a breed for just anybody. This is a dog that is meant for someone who is curious, alert, compassionate and intrigued by life itself.