AÏDI — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
Breed Registries:	— United Kennel Club - Guardian Dog Group - Effective 1 January 2008 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) ** - Standard No. 247 — American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) — Working Group
Note: The AÏdi is not presently recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the American Kennel Club (AKC) or its Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Program. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Atlas Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club July 1, 2006 and was moved to the Guardian Dog Group effective January 1, 2008. ** — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 83 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Height:	52 - 62 cm
Origin:	Morocco
The Atlas Mountain Dog is presently found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco where he lives with the semi-nomadic populations of the regions. His role is to defend his master's tent and belongings as well as to protect the flocks from predators. The breed is very hardy, powerful and agile. Very faithful, affectionate and friendly with his family members, the Aïdi inherently guards with a remarkable protective instinct. He is fearless, always alert and ready to fulfill his role as guardian with what is said to be an instinctive knowledge of the seriousness of any approaching danger. His coat is harsh and dense, protecting him from both the heat and cold as well as against the fights he may have with predators. The coat comes in various shades of fawn, brown, or black and may be spotted with white. The lips and nose are always black or brown depending on the coat colour. TOP Health Issues: If you are considering the adoption of a Atlas Mountain Dog puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. This should include, among others, hip x-rays to exclude hip dysplasia and eyes should be checked to see that they are normal and PRA clear. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) Additional Health Resources: Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues. Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs TOP Breed Standards: Official UKC Breed Standard FCI Breed Standard No. 247 / 05. 05. 2003 / GB TOP Grooming: Grooming — See the Grooming section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs for details. TOP Training Resources: Training — For information on training your Atlas Mountain Dog, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: Clubs, Sports and Activities — Information on various dog sports and activities as well as non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (For Atlas Mountain Dog breed specific clubs, please see the Breed Clubs section.) Working Dogs — Information on the working dog, including Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, SAR Dogs, and much more. Plus lists of organizations from across Canada.