Home • About Us • Our Dogs • News • Available • Policies • Photo Gallery • Canaan Info • Links

About Us

Our love for the Canaan Dog first began in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  Under the name, Harei Selah Canaan Dogs, we progressed from Fanciers, to Handlers, and then to Breeders. A later move to Southern Minnesota prompted a name change to Midsummer Canaan Dogs, and inspired us cultivate more fully what we had begun in Colorado. With the naturalness and versatility of the Canaan Dog in mind, we refined our natural rearing philosophy and implimented more performance oriented activities in our dogs' routine. We informally consider this the lesson of the Canaan Dog.

Our initial quest was to find the best canine companion for our two young sons. We spent six months researching potential breeds.  Eventually we pared the list down to our ideal: the Canaan Dog.  Resources highlighted many desirable qualities: independence, natural watch dog instincts, and relatively good health. We especially held an appreciation for his ability to keep himself and his area relatively clean, and his coat, which shed minimally and required little grooming.  The Canaan Dog, known for his intelligence, suitability with children, and loyalty, certainly fit our needs.

On the flip side, we learned about the many challenges owners face.  The digging, barking, and escapism tendencies are notorious Canaan Dog traits. We scrutinized their need for proper training and socialization (Canaan Dogs are not always ideal for novice canine owners). Despite all the cautionary tales, we were convinced early on that the Canaan Dog was the breed for us, and have been fortunate to place our puppies in like-minded homes. Bringing up the happiest healthiest Canaan Dog is top priority! 

We Are Up To The Challenge Of Properly Rearing A Canaan Dog, Are You?

While our Canaan Dogs are first and foremost part of our family, we do spend a considerable amount of time and expense in training, performing with, and showing them. Success in the show ring is great, but we are most proud of our dogs' versatility. The Canaan Dog has the ability to excel in so many different areas, why don't you give it a try? Our Canaan Dogs work particularly well in obedience, herding, and field therapy (Therapy Dog), but we refuse to stop there. Help us create a community that works towards adding new activities to our dogs' repertoires; why not give agility, tracking, or rally a go? And don't forget the first and most important part of any Canaan Dog's training regime, start with the Socialization Game.

The proper care and well-being of our Canaan Dogs and puppies provides the foundation for our program. We follow a natural rearing or holistic philosophy that includes feeding a raw food diet and maintaining a very conservative vaccination schedule. Through diet and natural healthcare methods, we strive to prevent chronic disease.

Before you contact us for a puppy, consider the possibility of taking a natural approach to bringing up your dog. Look into the use of titers combined with minimal vaccine use, and investigate the raw food diet for your Canaan Dog, The "Raw Deal" -a look at raw feeding.

We extend gratitude and thanks to our collegues and puppy homes who promote, practice, and refine the natural rearing philosophy with an eye towards cultivating versatility. Without your diligent and thoughtful choices for a more well-rounded canine, our desert companions would not be as happy and healthy as they are today.