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Canaan Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Canaan Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank175
Reviews3
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Canaan Dog dog profile picture
OriginMiddle East Lebanon - Israel flagMiddle East Lebanon - Israel
Other Names
What other names does the Canaan Dog have?
Canaanite Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Canaan Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Canaan Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Canaan Dog get?

What is the average size of a Canaan Dog?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Canaan Dog weigh? How much should a Canaan Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Canaan Dog? How much does a full-grown Canaan Dog weight?
35-55 pounds (16-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Canaan Dog?
45 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Canaan Dog? Canaan Dog height:
19-24 inches (48-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Canaan Dog?
21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Canaan Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Canaan Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Canaan Dog in the United States? How much money is a Canaan Dog?

Where to buy a Canaan Dog with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Canaan Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Canaan Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Canaan Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Canaan Dog? How many Canaan Dog are there in the world?
Frequent: The Canaan Dog is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Canaan Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Canaan Dog? Is the Canaan Dog breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Canaan Dog obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Canaan Dog ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Canaan Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Canaan Dog?
Canaan Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Canaan Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Canaan Dog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Canaan Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Canaan Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Canaan Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Canaan Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Canaan Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Canaan Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AlertQuickDevotedVigilantCautious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Canaan Dog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Canaan Dog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Canaan Dog a good family dog?
Average: Canaan Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Canaanite Dog need? Canaan Dog social needs:
Canaan Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Canaan Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Canaan Dog roam?
Canaan Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Canaan Dog have high prey drive?
Canaan Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Canaan Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Canaan Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Canaan Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Canaanite Dog bark?
Average: The Canaan Dog barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Canaan Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Canaan Dog in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Canaan Dog breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Canaan Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Canaan Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Canaan Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Canaan Dog alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Canaan Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Canaan Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Canaan Dog? How much bite force does a Canaan Dog have? How strong is a Canaan Dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Canaan Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Canaan Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Canaan Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Canaan Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Canaan Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Canaan Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Canaan Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Canaan Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Canaan Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Canaan Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Canaanite Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Canaan Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Canaan Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Canaan Dog do?
Canaan Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Canaan Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Canaan Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Canaan Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Canaan Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Canaan Dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Canaan Dog breed? Most common health risks of Canaan Dog:
Hip Dysplasia Luxating PatellaHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EpilepsyElbow DysplasiaDegenerative MyelopathyCryptorchidismOsteochondrosis DissecansLymphosarcoma
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Canaan Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Canaan Dog see the vet?
Average
The Canaan Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Canaan Dog dogs live? How old can a Canaan Dog be? What is the age limit of the Canaan Dog? How many years can the oldest Canaan Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Canaan Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Canaan Dog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Canaan Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Canaan Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Canaan Dog have? What is the activity level of the Canaan Dog?
Canaan Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Canaan Dog need? How much exercise do Canaan Dog dogs require per day?

Do Canaan Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Canaan Dog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Canaan Dog breed need?
Canaan Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Canaan Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Canaan Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Canaan Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Canaan Dog? How much food should I feed my Canaan Dog?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Canaan Dog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Canaan Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Canaan Dog weight regularly.

Canaan Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Canaan Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Canaan Dog coats?
BlackTan Red Cream White Golden Liver
Grooming
How to groom the Canaan Dog and how often? How often should I take my Canaan Dog to the groomer?
Effortless: The Canaan Dog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Canaan Dog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Canaan Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Canaanite Dog? Do Canaan Dog dogs shed a lot?
Canaan Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Canaan Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Canaan Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Canaan Dog every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Canaan Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Canaan Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Canaan Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Canaan Dog drool?
The Canaan Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Canaan Dog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Canaan Dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Canaan Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Canaan Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Canaan Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Canaan Dog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Canaan Dog temperament with other people:
Canaan Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Canaan Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Canaan Dog temperament with children:
Canaan Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Canaan Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Canaan Dog breed live with a cat?
Canaan Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Canaan Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Canaan Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Canaan Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Canaan Dog is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Canaan Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Canaan Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Canaan Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Canaan Dog dogs good office canines? Do Canaan Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Canaan Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Canaan Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Canaanite Dog temperament with senior people? Are Canaan Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Canaan Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Canaan Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Canaan Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Canaan Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Canaan Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Canaan Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Canaan Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Canaan Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Canaan Dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Canaan Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Canaan Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Canaan Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Canaan Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Canaan Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Canaan Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Canaan Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Canaan Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Canaan Dog have? How many puppies can a Canaan Dog give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Canaan Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Canaan Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Canaan Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Canaan Dog breed?
American Kennel ClubCanadian Kennel ClubFederation Cynologique InternationaleContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel Club

Canaan Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Canaan Dog breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Canaan Dog requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Canaan Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Canaan Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Canaan Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Canaan Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Canaan Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Canaan Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Canaan Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Canaan Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Cat Friendly: Canaan Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Canaan Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Canaan Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Canaan Dog History

The Canaan Dog is considered to be one of the most ancient dog breeds, for the reason being that it has barely changed since Biblical times. The breed is thought to have been working with sheep-herders as long as 4000 years ago around the Middle East. During the advance of the Roman Empire, the Canaan Dog was relegated to pariah status and only returned to the domestic lifestyle in recent times.

Ancient Hebrews in the Canaan region, mostly Israel, Greece, Lebanon, and Jordan, are the main characters of the passages from the Bible dating back to 3000 B.C., describing the use of sheep-herding dogs, known as the Keef Kanani. Wall paintings were also discovered in the middle of the 19th century, in an Egyptian tomb at Beni Hassan, from 2000 B.C., portraying a man waking two animals on leads, one is clearly a mongoose, and the other is believed to be the early Canaan Dog. After the arrival of the Roman conquerors to the region, most of the native farmers were displaced, just like their dogs. Later many surviving Canaan retreat to the arid wastes of the Israeli desert. The Canaan Dog managed to survive around that same area for many centuries. However, even though, the Bedouins captured and domesticated, and used as herders or guards the breed’s specimens sometimes, the majority of the dogs had little to no contact with humans throughout these centuries.

During the early 1930s, the Israeli military made a contract with Dr. Rudolphina Menzel, an Austrian professor of animal and comparative psychology at the University of Tel Aviv, for developing a breed that would be suitable for use by the troops in the desert’s harsh environment. Originally, Dr. Menzel wanted to cross-breed multiple existing breeds, in order to create a new one, but she was surprised by the vigor of the feral dogs she had seen around the country, consequently, she decided to try and capture several specimens of these indigenous dogs. After several months of trying, she managed to capture a male specimen, later named Dugma, who became the base of her breeding program. In spite of the initial difficulties with the dog, after being captured, and regularly trained and socialized, Dr. Menzel managed to tame the dog to the point of being able to lead him on a leash out in the public. From that point on, Dr. Menzel knew that this breed is worth saving and further perfecting. By 1934, she had enough specimens incapacity, to start the breeding process, and not much later, the Canaan Dog was reborn as a domesticated breed.

Later, as the bloodline got more and more refined, people started to train the dogs for sentry work, land mine detection, and message delivery, furthermore, they were active members of the Middle East Forces during World War II. In 1948, the breed gained recognition from the Palestine Kennel Club, and later in 1992, the UKC (United Kennel Club) also accepted the breed, this was followed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1997. Nowadays, the Canaan Dog is considered to be an extremely intelligent breed, with a great instinct for hunting and guarding both people and territory. Moreover, thanks to their past, the breed is accustomed to huge open spaces, and it is also very adaptable to any situation. The Canaan Dog is not the most popular breed of all time, but it is believed to be a great family companion, who is great with children.

Rate The Canaan Dog Breed

Canaan Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Doggo

    Feb 9, 2024, 8:48:28 AM:

    Not correct. They are extremely intelligent dogs ! And like any other dog, if socialized well they do amazing with other dogs in the home. They are amazing watchdogs, it comes naturally to them - it's what they do.

  • Moon

    Oct 5, 2020, 12:56:23 PM:

  • Bigi

    Aug 10, 2020, 11:42:55 AM:

    Very misleading article. Canaani were used as service dogs in Israel, as well as for finding mines in the army. And they are really intelligent, just not so obedient. Oh, and they’re excellent watchdogs.