The origin of the Atlas Shepherd Dog and its purpose, exterior standard, character, health, advice on care, training, interesting facts. Aidi puppy cost. The Atlas Shepherd Dog Aidi is a breed little known to European and American dog lovers, which lives mainly in the mountainous regions of North Africa in Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia. Despite its low popularity, the animal is very much in demand among local residents - Berbers, who have been inhabiting these territories for a long time. Aidi dogs are deservedly considered among the Berbers the best watchmen and the most vigilant guards of all dogs existing in the highlands.
The history of the origin of the Atlas Shepherd
Aidi (Aidi) - an old aboriginal dog of North Africa, an animal with a huge history of coexistence with humans, dating back several millennia. There are more than a dozen names alone (now known) in this shepherd. Some of them are: Atlas Sheepdog, Atlas Mountain Hound, Moroccan Aidi, Kabule Sheepdog, Shawia Dog, Chien de l 'Atlas), Mountain Dog of the Atlas Mountains (Chien de Montagne de l'Atlas), Berber Dog (Dog of the Berbers). Almost all the names of the Aidi are somehow connected with the geographical names of its habitats or the names of the tribes that have long been using these dogs.
Since the Aidi is a very ancient breed, researchers still have the most vague ideas about the real history of its emergence on the African continent. Currently, there are two main hypotheses for the appearance of these shaggy helpers of nomads, having diametrically opposite geographic directions. One of the hypotheses suggests that the Moroccan aidis are the descendants of ancient dogs that came from the Iberian Peninsula together with the Sarmatian-Alanian tribes of barbarians, who swept through Europe with fire and sword, and then left for Africa. According to another hypothesis, the Atlas Shepherd Dogs are the descendants of the Numidian dogs that came to the territory of modern Morocco together with the Berber conquerors from Ancient Numidia.
Whatever it was, and whatever the current researchers say, but the official version, which is also supported by the International Cynological Federation (FCI), says that the Atlas Sheepdog was bred by the method of "folk selection" (that is, without any system) in the north of Morocco in the region where the Atlas Mountains are located (hence the main breed name). The main occupation of this dog was the protection of homes, property and livestock, the protection of domestic animals from the attacks of intruders and dangerous predators: wolves, jackals, hyenas, Atlas bears and even Barbary lions (now completely extinct). However, these activities remain relevant to this day - the Berbers inhabiting the mountainous and remote regions of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya are not inclined to change their centuries-old way of life.
It should be noted that the Berber dog was never a herding dog in the full sense of the word, it was never used by nomads to graze sheep and goats. Its main function was and remains - protection. However, in 1963, the first standard for this animal was published, where the Atlas Mountains dog was mistakenly called the "Sheepdog". Later (in 1969) this error in the standard was corrected, but remained in the memory of people, introducing confusion to the already large number of names that exist for this dog (and to this day, Aidi is called a shepherd dog, not really delving into the essence of this term).
In 1963 the Aidi was entered into the Studbook of the Moroccan Kennel Club. In 1969, the dog breed from the Atlas Mountains was recognized by France, officially registering it with the French Cynological Union. Now the variety is finally recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under the name “Atlas Montain Dog (Aidi)” and is assigned to the subgroup “Mountain Dogs”. The last change to the international standard was made in 2003.
Further development of the breed has not yet reached the proper level even in countries with the historically largest population of Aidi dogs. In Morocco, there is only one structure engaged in the breeding of these dogs - the Atlas Dog Club (Aidi) at the Hasan II Agronomical and Veterinary Institute in Rabat.
Purpose and use of AIDI
The Atlas Sheepdog is used to this day by nomadic and sedentary mountain tribes as a guard and guard dog. It guards the homes and camps of nomads, protects livestock from attacks by predators.
Being a little-known and not numerous breed, the Aidi rarely takes part in exhibitions and championships, and is also almost uncommon as a companion dog or a pet.
Quite recently, in France, they began to use these rather calm-tempered shepherds as guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired.
External standard of the Atlas Sheepdog
Aidi is a beautiful, well-built animal, with developed muscles and strong bones (but without excessive weight), agile, dexterous and strong, with a decisive and persistent character. Aidis resemble a large Pyrenean dog with their article and exterior (especially the white ones). The sizes of individuals are quite impressive. Height at the withers reaches 62 centimeters, and body weight is at least 30 kg.
- Head The Atlas Sheepdog is rather large, but proportional to the body, with a slightly elongated skull (resembles a bear's head in shape). The skull is flat and wide, with a pronounced occipital protuberance and a medial groove. The stop (transition from the forehead to the muzzle) is not distinct, smooth. The muzzle is elongated, cone-shaped, in length equal to 5/6 of the total length of the skull. The lips are dense, rather tucked up, there may be small flecks. The color of the lips is dark (black or brown, depending on the color of the coat). The bridge of the nose is of medium width, straight. Its lobe is rather large with wide open nostrils. The color of the nose depends on the color of the fur (usually black or brown). The jaws are strong. The teeth are white, even, with a dense, straight bite.
- Eyes nice oval shape, medium set. Eye color is dark regardless of coat color. The look is expressive, attentive, mobile, seeking. The eyelids are dry, dense with a clear dark color (in light-colored dogs, they give the impression of being traced in black pencil).
- Ears medium wide and oblique set, medium size, triangular (rounded tips), hanging on cartilage. In a calm state, they are slightly laid back, in an agitated state, they are turned forward. In some parts of Morocco, ears are cropped.
- Neck aidi muscular, powerful, rather dry, without dewlap.
- Torso strong, slightly elongated, without unnecessary weight, well-muscled, perfectly balanced, with a strong bone structure. The chest is developed, very deep and moderately wide. The back is of medium length, broad and muscular. The back line has a slightly recessed profile, due to the slightly raised loin. The withers are pronounced. The croup is short, slightly sloping. The belly is moderately tucked up.
- Tail Set on fairly low, long, slightly curved or saber-shaped, but without bending over the back even when aroused. The tail of the aidi is richly covered with long hair (which is a sign of the purity of the breed). Sometimes local tribes dock the tail of the dog to a very short state.
- Limbs even, parallel. The hip bones are very pronounced. The limbs are strong, very muscular, but not heavy. Feet are round, compact, with firm pads and strong nails. The color of the claws depends on the color of the animal.
- Wool long, dense, with a thick undercoat. The guard hair is thick, reaching 6 centimeters in length on the trunk. Shorter hair on ears and muzzle. Around the neck, the fur forms a “mane-collar” (which visually distinguishes males). The hair on the tail and buttocks of the dog is the longest.
- Color Atlas Shepherd Dogs are very different and largely depends on their habitat. The following colors are recognized as the international standard: white, fawn (from the color of washed sand to dark reddish), sand, red (all possible shades), blurred (for all colors), tan, brindle, bicolor: white with black spots, white with fawn spots and tricolor. There are also some special requirements related to the location and size of the spots on the head, neck and muzzle of the dog.
Aidi's character
Atlas Sheepdogs differ from many other guard-watchdogs in a more balanced and not too aggressive character. At the same time, Berber Aidis are surprisingly sensitive, alert and attentive dogs, always suspicious of strangers. They easily tolerate heat and cold, have excellent health, strong immunity, and are unpretentious in food and care. They are strong, agile and hardy. All these qualities make them excellent guardians and almost ideal human helpers in difficult conditions remote from civilization areas. A kind of dog, comparable in endurance and ability to survive with a nomadic camel.
When performing guard functions, these dogs are very responsible. As a rule, Berbers will use up to 4 dogs to guard the herd at a time. Each of the dogs in this quartet patrols one of the four sides of the perimeter. When a predator is found or attacked, the whole pack acts together, decisively attacking the "stranger" with the whole pack at once. Berbers often practice joint participation in the protection (and sometimes in hunting) of two breeds at once: the Atlas Shepherd Dogs and the Saluki Greyhounds.
Aidi are very loyal, devoted to one master. It is to him that they show all their love and affection. They behave in a neutral and respectful manner with the rest of the family, but obey only their master unquestioningly. They are on good terms with "their" dogs, but they are intolerant and aggressive towards "strangers". In an attack on even a larger animal, the Atlas Shepherd Dogs are fearless and aggressive. We are always ready to protect property from encroachment even at the cost of our own life. Yes, and in general, these shepherd dogs do not tolerate inaction. They need a constant field of activity where they can show all their talents in full force. If no one has to be protected and protected, then a smart and active animal itself begins to realize its purpose, choosing an object or territory for protection. Which surprises the owners a lot.
The Moroccan Aidi is distinguished by its independent and freedom-loving character. These dogs have never been kept on a chain or in an aviary, and therefore absolutely do not recognize a leash (which, of course, greatly complicates the life of the city owner of this dog).
Atlas Sheepdog Breed Health
Aidi are dogs with excellent health, a well-balanced psyche and very resistant immunity to infections. Hundreds of years of staying in the difficult conditions of the mountainous desert area, the almost complete absence of any veterinary medicine, perfectly tempered these dogs, selecting only the most viable individuals in a natural way. Therefore, no hereditary genetic diseases for the "Moroccan" were noted.
The life expectancy of a working "atlas" in natural conditions of life in the mountains of North Africa is fixed within 12-13 years.
Aidi dog grooming tips
The Moroccan Aidi is such a rare breed that it is difficult to give any advice on its maintenance. And it is difficult to imagine that the tribes living in the mountains of North Africa are so worried about the fur coat of their dogs that is not combed out in time. As, however, and about their diet. They already have enough work and cares …
But it seems that if you ever happen to acquire such an unusual and rare pet, it is unlikely that it will require any super specialized maintenance or special complex care. Standard rules, developed long ago by specialists in the care of dogs of this type, for example, for a large Pyrenean dog, a Caucasian shepherd dog or a Turkmen wolfhound, are quite suitable for him.
Features of training aidi
Aidi Sheepdogs are very self-confident animals, prone to independence and a certain dominance. Therefore, it is recommended to accustom them to the dominant role of a person from a very young age. At the same time, the method of gradual training "from simple to complex" and the obligatory reward of the animal for success, gives a much greater effect in the upbringing of a reliable and unquestioningly obedient dog.
Nevertheless, the Atlas Sheepdog is a difficult dog to educate, requiring significant cynological experience, and therefore it is poorly suited as a "first dog" for novice dog breeders. In this case, in order to achieve a positive result in the upbringing and socialization of the pet, it is necessary to seek help from an experienced dog handler.
Interesting facts about the Atlas Shepherd
If someone thinks that the life of the Aidi shepherd dog in the Atlas Mountains all these centuries has been, on the whole, comfortable, he is deeply mistaken. The hounds of the tribes of Bereber and Kabil not so rarely had to engage in battles with very difficult opponents - predators that were found on mountain ridges and in the foothill lowlands. Until recently, the most dangerous of them were the Atlas bear (an African species of brown bear) and the famous Barbary lion (one of the largest lions on the planet).
Neither a bear nor a Barbary lion can be found in the African mountains today (the last lion living at large was shot in 1922, and the Atlas bears were exterminated even earlier - at the end of the 19th century). And the most serious predators that Aidi shepherds have to face today are the wolf and the hyena. However, sometimes you can bark to your heart's content on a magote (tailless monkey-macaque), jumping over the rocks and always striving to steal something from a person's property. But, is it really worth getting involved with which monkey? But there was once a time! The lion himself did not disdain to fight the heroic dog-aidi.
Price when buying an atlas shepherd puppy
In Russia, the Atlas dog is still practically unknown. And those few connoisseurs, in the slightest degree familiar with the breed, prefer the much larger Central Asian Alabaevs or "Caucasians" to it, believing that they are much better adapted for the harsh Russian climate. Yes, and it is much easier to get an Alabai or "Caucasian" puppy in Russia. Well, for some reason, some dog lovers are not inspired by the Aidi exterior, which more resembles (in their opinion) a large mongrel mongrel, and not a purebred wolfhound.
It should be noted that now, even in the Moroccan or Algerian expanses, it is difficult to find a purebred "atlas" worthy of an exhibition. The largest habitat for these unique watchdogs is still in the Atlas Mountains, beyond the reach of the average tourist. Therefore, if you really want to pick up a purebred puppy with champion prospects, it is best to contact the French Kennel Club. There, this breed is well known, and French breeders of dogs are no less interested in Moroccan distribution in the world. And although the cost of a promising Aidi puppy brought to France (and sometimes of French blood) is not cheap and can be from 1000 euros or more, but you dreamed of just such a dog?
For more information about the Atlas Shepherd Dogs, see here:
