HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let us all raise our glasses to a brighter future for the Canaan Dog in the UK and around the world!
The last few years have not been good for the breed, and I find it sad to see the breed in decline here in the UK. Our Dogs did a Canaan Dog feature in last weeks paper, and it was disappointing to see just one breeder advertising. A few years ago there were 4/5 breeders, now there are just 2. In the show ring a few affixes used to be seen, and entries hit over 20 exhibits at time, now there is just 1 affix seen. A decline is seen in many other breeds too, but with a breed that is so numerically small, any decline could be disastrous. “Politics” can be a problem with most breeds, and ours is no exception. I understand that there are still untruths flying about, which is not good. Being such a small breed it has caused great harm and been instrumental in its decline.
In Israel, Myrna has had a tough couple of years. Their eviction case by the Israel Government Lands Authority continues and they are still on tenderhooks awaiting some sort of decision. This has been a costly experience for Myrna and her family, both in money and stress. Last year brought trouble with snakes, when Lilo (Israel Lux.Ch. Lilo me Shaar Hagai), who is 12 years old, was in a very critical state from a snake bite, happily she managed to survive, but only after very expensive intensive care. Myrna’s ill luck continued when Janey (Bat Yarden me Dibaan Jeyni) was poisoned and sadly didn’t make it, leaving behind a litter of one week old puppies. Thankfully the puppies are now 4 months old and all are doing fine. This was an important litter for the gene pool, as they were completely desert blood lines.
On the brighter side, Myrna tells me that they have a new puppy from the desert, Dardar, who is growing up very well. Myrna said she has had a few nice litters and is hoping that some of the new owners will enter some of the shows.
Finally, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten” (Anthony Robbins), so folks, let’s do something different, let’s raise our glasses, look on the brighter side of life and all work for the good of the breed!
Jill Terry