Aidi - Dog Breed Profile

The Aidi is a breed of dog well known for its looks and guarding ability.
Also known as the Atlas Mountain Dog or Atlas Dog, the Aidi is a rare breed throughout the world, whilst being common in its homeland of Morocco.
The breed has been much discussed and some confusion still exists regarding the breed's origins, and the original purpose of the breed.
Some say the breed was created and bred as a herding type dog, but most living working Aidis in their homelands work in a different manner to European sheepdogs, and are more likely used as protectors of their humans and possessions - which can include livestock - from predators.

The Aidi was once thought to be a herding dog and was given the name 'Atlas Mountain Dog' and considered a variant of sheepdog. This classification of the breed was later considered to be false, and the breed's name changed. The classification of the purposes of the breed was also altered from a variant of herding dog to a variant of guarding/companion type breed.

Aidis are large, molossus type dogs with thick, long hair which acts as a protection from the weather. While being of mollossus type the Aidi is relatively lighter and finer in build to other, more sturdy breeds (for example the heavier Great Pyrenees).

In its country of origin the Aidi may have its tail docked and ears cropped, however this is not done as frequently as it used to be. Without the influence of docking or cropping, the Aidi has a naturally long, brush tail, and semi-prick ears which are relatively low set on the side of the head. The head is broad and solid, ending elegantly with a tapering muzzle, giving the appearance of a collie-type dog, instead of a mastiff type.
The Aidi can sometimes be mistaken for a herding type breed based on appearance alone.

Aidis likely come in a huge variety of colours, and can range from solids, Irish White patterns, Piebald and Extreme Piebald patterns. Full white is also possible.
Colours:
include Blacks, agouti patterns such as sable, tan points, brindle and masks, and dogs also come in chocolate and very likely blue forms of dilution. Recessive red and variations of this colour may also be possible.

Aidi showing colouration of extreme piebald patterning - as well as Fawn with Black Sable.The dog also possibly carries a mask, which is hidden by the white, but is evident by the sabling/darkness on the ears.

This Aidi displays the beautiful, full and curled tail seen in the breed.

This Aidi expresses a very small amount of wite patterning, indicating it is likely Ssi (Solid carrying Irish white). The dog also appears to be expressing recessive red (in cream colouration) and shows the liklihood of recessive red being a common colour within the breed.

This dog expresses a beautiful, clear Irish white pattern along with its colouration. The coloured body is a darkened red/fawn with Black Sable, and includes an extended mask (down to the end of the muzzle on one side).

A lovely solid coloured Aidi, showing solid Black. This colouration has faded in the sunlight and appears slightly brown, but is not. This dog also expresses the smallest amount of White and is a carrier (likely Irish) of a white pattern.

This Aidi is a beautiful example of the breed, as well as colouration. This dog expresses Extreme piebald/possibly piebald patterning and very likely recessive red (to cream) coloured markings.

A chocolate (solid) coloured Aidi, showing a beautiful, elegant dilute. This variation of chocolate is particularly lighter than some and is exceptionally stunning. This dog also carries and incompletely expresses some form (likely Irish) of white patterning.

Above left: Another, slightly darker chocolate coloured Aidi. This Aidi also incompletely expresses white patterning (note the paws and chest). The distinct diluted, green and yellow eyes of chocolate coloured dogs are evident. Above right: This Aidi expresses a form of agouti patterning - and is likely an extended tanpoint patterning. This dog also expresses chocolate dilute colouration.

This Aidi shows the common colouration pattern of brindle on a fawn coat. This dog is sable agouti, and also expresses a mask. The brindling is very light, but still significant.

A Sable with Piebald white dog. As Agouti sable is dominant when the K locus is not dominant (and not expressing solid black), sable is one of the most common colours to be seen within the breed. Many of these sable dogs express fawn sable, and most sabled dogs express a mask. Brindling is also common among sabled dogs. 

A recessive red (expressing as fawn) dog, showing black pigment, and small amounts of white, indicating incomplete irish expression. This dog indicates the breed comes in recessive red as no sabling is evident.