DogMatchUp

Canaan Dog vs Pekingese

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Canaan Dog
Medium

Canaan Dog

Herding Group

Pekingese
Toy

Pekingese

Toy Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Canaan Dog Medium
Pekingese Toy

Lifespan

Canaan Dog 12-15 years
Pekingese 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Canaan Dog 3/5
Pekingese 2/5

Grooming Needs

Canaan Dog 3/5
Pekingese 4/5

Breed Overview

Canaan Dog Overview

Canaan Dogs possess a medium-sized, square-built frame with distinctive upright ears and a wedge-shaped head. Their double coat features a straight, harsh outer layer in colors ranging from black to cream, often with white markings. Alert and watchful, these ancient herding dogs combine natural agility with a dignified bearing, showcasing their desert-adapted heritage through efficient movement and keen environmental awareness.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Confident, Alert, Vigilant

Pekingese Overview

Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Canaan Dogs are more energetic than Pekingeses, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Canaan Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Pekingeses.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Canaan Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pekingeses.
  • Trainability: Pekingeses may be slightly easier to train due to their Pekingese's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Pekingeses adapt better to apartment living, while Canaan Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Canaan Dog and Pekingese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Canaan Dog Pekingese
Size Medium Toy
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Toy Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Canaan Dog Pekingese
Height
19-24 inches
48-61 cm
6-9 inches
15-23 cm
Weight
35-55 lbs
16-25 kg
14-14 lbs
6-6 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Frequent Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Canaan Dog Pekingese
Temperament Confident, Alert, Vigilant Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner
Energy Level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
2/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Canaan Dog Pekingese
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
4/5

Temperament & Personality

Canaan Dog Temperament

Confident Alert Vigilant

The Canaan Dog is known for being confident, alert, vigilant, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.

Pekingese Temperament

Affectionate Loyal Regal in Manner

The Pekingese is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Canaan Dog and Pekingese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Canaan Dog
3/5
Pekingese
3/5

Good with Children

Canaan Dog
3/5
Pekingese
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Canaan Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Pekingese

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Canaan Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Pekingese

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Canaan Dog

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Pekingese

Low High

Rating: 2/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Canaan Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Pekingese

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Canaan Dog

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Pekingese

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Canaan Dog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Canaan Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Canaan Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Pekingese Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

Pekingeses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.

Health & Lifespan

Canaan Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies

Pekingese Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Heart murmurs
  • Eye problems
  • Spinal disc issues

Pros & Cons

Canaan Dog

Pros

  • Highly adaptable
  • Excellent watchdog
  • Low grooming needs
  • Hardy constitution

Cons

  • Strong prey drive
  • Can be aloof
  • Independent nature
  • Territorial barking

Pekingese

Pros

  • Excellent apartment dogs
  • Loyal and devoted
  • Low exercise needs
  • Independent nature

Cons

  • Stubborn and challenging to train
  • Regular grooming required
  • Heat sensitive
  • Can be aloof with strangers

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Canaan Dog and Pekingese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.