Aidi

The Aidi, which originates from Morocco in North Africa, is an expert at protecting herds of sheep and other livestock from jackals and other predators. It is also used on hunting trips due to its excellent sense of smell. Affectionate, playful, and protective all describe this breed of dog. Socialized Aidi dogs are compatible with kids and other pets in a family.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an Aidi

Evolution and Origins

While the exact origins of the Aidi are under dispute, many believe it was first present in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. This is reflected in other names for this breed: Atlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Chien de l’Atlas, and Chien de montagne de l’Atlas. It’s also called the Berber Dog, after the nomadic Berber population of the region.

Others feel that the Aidi originally came from the Eastern Mediterranean coast and was brought to other countries by the Phoenicians, who developed and traded the dogs.

Used as a guard dog for the people living in mountainous areas and their herds of livestock, this breed is thought to have never been used as a traditional flock herding dog. The most alert and aggressive dogs were positioned around the camps as watchdogs at night to defend against predators and strangers. They were also used to hunt animals and frequently paired with the Sloughi sighthound, which would chase down the prey after the Aidi had tracked it by scent.

The fuzzy, thick coat of an Aidi makes it easy to believe this dog is closely related to the Great Pyrenees breed. Others think the Aidi was developed by crossbreeding the Spanish Mastiff and Portuguese Mastiff. It remains common and popular in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, and is rarely seen outside of these countries.

Size and Weight

This breed of dog is medium in size with a coat of long, thick hair. Male and female Aidi dogs grow to be about the same size as adults: a height of 24 inches from head to toe and a weight of 55 pounds. An eight-week-old puppy weighs nine to ten pounds. Aidis reach adulthood at around 18 months.

Common Health Issues

The Aidi is prone to a few health issues. One of them is hip dysplasia, a condition that is especially common in dogs bred for guarding and herding animals, including German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, Saint Bernards, and Neapolitan Mastiffs. A dog with hip dysplasia has a hip joint that doesn’t fit together properly. The treatments include weight management, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Elbow dysplasia is another health issue of this active breed of dog. This is a hereditary malformation of the dog’s elbow. Some cases of elbow dysplasia are mild, while others are severe and can cause a lot of pain when the dog walks, trots, or runs. Therapy, medication, and surgery are all treatments.

This breed can have an eye health issue known as cataracts. Cataracts can affect older dogs and appear as cloudiness in the eyes. Severe cataracts can result in vision loss. Surgery can be a remedy for this issue, but many dogs live with cataracts for years.

Temperament and Behavior

The cheerful personality and relaxed behavior of Aidi dogs are just a couple of the reasons why they are a good choice for families with kids.

One of the main facts to remember about this dog is its need for physical activity every day. Since most families won’t use this dog in its traditional, active role, it needs to find physical and mental stimulation in other places. Taking daily walks, jogs, or runs and playing games with this dog all play an important part in maintaining its health. Having another dog or two in the family is another good way to make sure this breed gets exercise running and playing each day.

One of this dog’s most positive traits is its protective nature. This canine wants to guard its family and household just as well as it guards a herd of livestock.

How to Take Care of an Aidi

Diet, grooming, training, and health considerations are all factors to study before taking in any new pet. A puppy and an adult dog need different types of care to keep them in excellent condition. Consider the unique factors involved in caring for each one.

The Best Dog Food for Aidi Dogs

The health of an adult Aidi and a puppy can benefit from the right diet. Look at the unique elements of each one’s daily intake of food.

Aidi puppy food: Lamb, chicken, and brown rice in a puppy’s diet are great sources of lean protein. These elements nourish the puppy’s muscles, cartilage, tissue, and joints. Protein is essential for a growing pup with a tendency to develop hip dysplasia. Carbohydrates are another must-have in this puppy’s diet. Carbohydrates supply it with energy for its vigorous activity. Its bones, teeth, and claws can grow healthily with the addition of calcium to its diet. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the immune system fight respiratory issues and other ailments. Don’t forget the fiber in a puppy’s diet. This element gives it the ability to maintain good digestion.

Aidi adult dog food: To maintain the health of the muscles and joints of this active breed, it needs lean protein in its dog bowl. Fat is necessary to fuel daily walking, running, and exploring. Vitamin A and taurine help ward off cataracts in this breed. Dog food that contains carrots provides Vitamin A. Spinach in its dog food provides Vitamin C (among many other nutrients) that helps this breed’s immune system function at its best.

Because hip and elbow dysplasia are concerns for the active Aidi, be sure to feed this breed a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.

Maintenance and Grooming

The coat of this dog is designed to withstand the many types of weather it encounters while herding livestock. So, a family that takes an Aidi into its household is bringing in a breed with an easy grooming routine. Brushing its coat once every seven days is adequate for keeping it looking its best. A pin brush or boar’s bristle hairbrush is good for weekly grooming. Make sure to choose a pin brush with plastic coverings on the ends of its bristles. This is so it doesn’t scratch the dog’s skin.

An Aidi is known to seasonally shed hair. Generally, it sheds a minimal amount except when the seasons change. Then, the shedding (temporarily) increases. When the shedding of this pup increases, a slicker brush can be useful in removing that extra hair.

Avoid bathing this dog more than a few times each year unless necessary. Why? Because this washes away natural oils that nourish its coat and make its colors shine.

Training

A quick mind is one of this dog’s best characteristics. Consequently, training an Aidi to sit, stay, heel, etc., is an easy undertaking. One of those facts the owner of an Aidi would tell you is that these dogs are sensitive. This is why it is important to use words of encouragement and a lot of praise when it absorbs an obedience lesson.

Exercise

For this breed, regular exercise is necessary for both its physical and mental health. It can also lengthen its lifespan. A family should set aside at least 30 minutes and closer to 60 minutes of daily activity for this pet to get all the physical and mental stimulation it requires.

Games of fetch, chase, and tug of war are all favorite activities of this dog. Visiting the dog park, running in a field, and walking off the leash in the woods are all activities that fulfill this dog’s need for exercise.

These dogs aren’t a good option for people who live in apartments, small homes, or other places with very little space.

Puppies

Puppies of this breed need a large yard or other safe enclosed areas to start developing their muscles and getting the exercise they need.

Aidi and Children

Aidi dogs are compatible with families who have kids. Young kids should certainly be shown how to treat this pup (or any pup) with respect and kindness.

Dogs Similar to an Aidi

Dogs similar to the Aidi breed are the Great Pyrenees, the Australian Shepherd, and the Belgian Shepherd.

• Great Pyrenees: Both of these canines have a sweet, relaxed temperament. But this dog is bigger in weight and height.
• Australian Shepherd: This dog is similar in height and weight to an Aidi. However, its coat is found in fewer colors than an Aidi.
• Belgian Shepherd: These dogs are about the same in height and weight. They also share the same lifespan and have a lot of coat colors in common.