Kanan Dog (Detailed Introduction)

　　The Kanan dog is an ancient breed originating in the Middle East, serving as a sheepdog and flock guardian. Loyal and affectionate, it especially loves its own family. Its appearance is aloof, but after interaction, it can also become a close companion.
　　1. Appearance
　　Male Kanan dogs have a shoulder height of about 20~24 inches; females have a shoulder height of about 19~23 inches. The ideal Kanan dog shoulder height should be in the middle of this range. Disqualifications: males under 19 inches or over 25 inches; females under 18 inches or over 24 inches. The shoulder height (distance from withers to the ground) and body length (distance from withers to the base of the tail) of the Kanan dog are equal, presenting a square proportion. The Kanan dog has a medium build; males usually weigh between 45~55 pounds; females typically weigh between 35~45 pounds. Males show a distinctly strong physique but not coarse; females appear graceful but not overly delicate.
　　The Kanan dog's head is relatively long, exceeding its corresponding width and depth. Viewed from above, it is wedge-shaped; from the side, slightly rounded with a slight taper at the stop. The forehead width is moderate, but the ear position is low, making the part through the ears wide and low. The low position of the ears forms an alert expression, with a slight shallow furrow between the eyes. The Kanan dog's expression: alert, watchful, curious, dignified.
　　The Kanan dog's eyes are dark black and almond-shaped, slightly slanted; the eyes of dogs with liver-colored spots are various shades of hazel (light brown). The eye ring color is black (for dogs with liver-colored spotted coats, the eye ring color is various shades of hazel, coordinated with the coat color). Defect: Lack of pigmentation in the eye rings. The Kanan dog's ears stand upright, are medium-sized, moderately low in position, wide at the base, gradually thinning, with slightly rounded tips. When excited, the ears slightly turn forward. Drawing a straight line from the inner corner of the ear to the tip of the nose passes just through the inner eye corner; a straight line from the ear tip to the nose tip passes through the outer eye corner. Ear movements influence the dog's expression and clearly express its emotions. Important defect: Adult dogs with non-erect ears.
　　The Kanan dog's muzzle tapers at the tip, forming a wedge-shaped head. The length equals or slightly exceeds the length of the skull (distance from occipital bone to stop). Whiskers may be trimmed or retained. The nose leather is black or various shades of liver color (coordinated with coat color). Lips are tight and well pigmented. Scissor bite.
　　The Kanan dog's neck is beautifully arched, proportionate to the head and body, with no excess throat skin. The topline is straight with a slightly arched loin. The body is solid, showing athleticism, agility, and neatness. The chest is moderately wide and deep, extending to the elbow, with well-expanded ribs. The loin is moderately tucked up. Short, with well-developed loin muscles. The Kanan dog's tail is set slightly high; when excited, it may curl over the back, curling only one loop. When extended, the tail reaches the hock. Defect: Tail hanging to either side of the back. The Kanan dog's shoulder blades are moderately sloping. The front limbs are straight; from the side, the pasterns are flexible and slightly slanting. The paws are cat feet with hard pads, pigmentation coordinated with nose leather and eye rings. Toenails are hard and solid, pigmentation coordinated with nose leather, eye rings, and coat.
　　The Kanan dog's hindquarters have moderate angulation, balanced with the front. Viewed from behind, very straight. Thigh muscles are very developed, of moderate width. The hock is set low. Dewclaws must be removed. Paw pads and toenails are the same as the front limbs. The Kanan dog's double coat has a straight, coarse outer coat lying flat, with a slight mane. The mane is more obvious in males. The outer coat length is about 0.5~1.5 inches, with slightly shorter hair on the body, legs, and head. The undercoat is straight, short, and soft, lying flat, and its density varies with the climate. The tail’s feathering gradually thickens from the base toward the tip, becoming less dense at the tail tip. Defects: Overlong coat covering clear outline; trimmed coat altering the natural shape.
　　2. Personality Traits
　　The Kanan dog is alert, smart, devoted and obedient to family members. Reserved and avoidant of strangers. Has a strong territorial sense, reacts positively to service to companions, and is naturally protective. Very vocal and stubborn. Easy to train. Defects: Shyness or attempts to dominate humans.
　　3. Puppy Feeding
　　The puppy stage is the main growth period in a dog’s life, with rapid body growth, so the dog food must provide sufficient nutrition. After weaning, due to the sudden change in living conditions, puppies often become restless and prone to illness, so nutritious, tasty, and easily digestible food should be chosen. Puppies under 3 months should be fed at least 3-4 times daily. Frequent small meals can be used. This method keeps puppies slightly hungry, preventing boredom and picky eating. From 4-6 months old, puppies increase food intake and gain weight quickly, requiring more feed, at least 3 times daily. After 6 months, feeding twice daily is sufficient.
　　In summary, the Kanan dog is a loyal guardian, containing tenderness for the family beneath its aloofness.