Aidi
Breed Description

The Aidi is known by several names that reflect its geographical origins and historical use in North Africa. The breed is frequently called the Atlas Mountain Dog, directly referencing the Atlas Mountains of Morocco where it has lived and worked for centuries. This name is particularly common in English-speaking countries and helps identify the breed's homeland for those unfamiliar with the Aidi designation.

Another widely used name is Atlas Shepherd Dog, though this designation is technically a misnomer. When the Fédération Cynologique Internationale first published the breed standard in 1963, they incorrectly labeled the breed as the Atlas Sheepdog. However, the Aidi has never functioned as a sheepdog in the traditional European sense of herding and moving livestock. Instead, these dogs served as livestock guardians, protecting flocks from predators rather than directing their movement. This error was officially corrected in 1969, but the shepherd dog name persists in some circles.

The name Chien de l'Atlas and Chien de montagne de l'Atlas are French designations for the breed, translating to Dog of the Atlas and Mountain Dog of the Atlas respectively. These French names reflect Morocco's historical connection to France and the Francophone influence in North African dog breed documentation. The breed is also sometimes called the Berber Dog, named after the Berber people who have lived in the Atlas Mountains for millennia and who developed and utilized these dogs.

In Morocco and among breed purists, the name Aidi is most commonly used and preferred. The word Aidi comes from the Berber language and simply means dog, highlighting the breed's deep integration into Berber culture and daily life. This straightforward naming reflects the practical relationship between the Berber people and their working dogs, where the animals were valued tools and companions rather than objects of formal breeding programs.

The Aidi's recognition by major international kennel organizations reflects its status as a legitimate landrace breed from North Africa, though its presence remains strongest in its homeland. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale was the first major organization to officially recognize the Aidi, publishing its breed standard as number 247 in 1963. The breed is classified in FCI Group 2, Section 2, which includes Molossoid breeds and Mountain dogs, specifically categorized with Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.

The initial FCI recognition incorrectly identified the breed as the Atlas Sheepdog, a mistake that persisted until 1969 when the standard was corrected to reflect the breed's true function as a livestock guardian rather than a herding dog. Morocco holds the breed standard under FCI rules, which is appropriate given that the country has the largest population of Aidis and the longest documented history with the breed. The FCI standard describes the ideal Aidi in terms of structure, coat, temperament, and working ability.

In recent years, breed clubs have formed in Morocco to preserve and protect the Aidi's purity and working characteristics. These organizations work to maintain the breed's traditional qualities while facing challenges from modernization and changing lifestyles in Morocco that reduce the need for traditional livestock guardians. The clubs promote responsible breeding, educate owners about proper care and training, and organize events that test the dogs' natural abilities.

Outside of Europe and Morocco, recognition of the Aidi remains limited. The United Kennel Club in the United States has recognized the breed, providing a registry and breed standard for American fanciers. However, the American Kennel Club has not granted recognition to the Aidi, though individual dogs may be registered with the AKC's Foundation Stock Service if they meet specific requirements. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom similarly does not recognize the breed, reflecting its rarity outside its native region.

The limited international recognition stems partly from the breed's rarity and partly from its specialized nature as a working guardian dog. Aidis remain uncommon outside Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, with only dedicated enthusiasts maintaining breeding programs in Europe and North America. These small populations make achieving full recognition from major kennel clubs challenging, as organizations typically require substantial breeding populations and multi-generational documentation before granting full recognition.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not currently recognized; some dogs may be registered with Foundation Stock Service"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized by the United Kennel Club"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Fully recognized as breed standard #247, Group 2, Section 2"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not currently recognized by The Kennel Club (UK)"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Not currently recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club"

The Aidi is a medium-sized dog built for strength, endurance, and protection, with a physique adapted to the harsh mountain environment of the Atlas region. Males typically stand between 20 and 24 inches at the withers, with females being slightly smaller. The breed weighs approximately 50 to 55 pounds, though some individuals may be heavier. Their build is lean yet muscular, providing the power needed for confronting predators while maintaining the agility to navigate rocky mountain terrain.

The head is one of the Aidi's most distinctive features, often described as bear-like in its proportions and strength. The skull is broad and proportionate to the body, with a moderate stop leading to a tapered muzzle. The muzzle is neither too long nor too short, maintaining good proportion with the skull. The nose is typically black or brown, usually matching or complementing the coat color. The jaws are strong with a complete dentition and tight lips that help protect against weather and injury.

The eyes are medium-sized with a dark color and dark eye rims, regardless of coat color. The expression is alert, intelligent, and somewhat watchful, reflecting the breed's guardian nature. The gaze conveys both confidence and wariness, assessing situations and people with the discriminating eye of a protective dog. The eyes should never appear soft or overly friendly, as this would not reflect proper guardian temperament.

The ears are medium-sized and semi-erect, tipping forward slightly. In some regions of Morocco, traditional practices included ear cropping and tail docking, though these practices are now discouraged or banned in many countries and by modern breed standards. Natural ears are preferred and add to the breed's alert expression. The ears are highly mobile, moving to capture sounds and contributing to the dog's excellent awareness of its surroundings.

The Aidi's coat is its most striking feature and essential for survival in the Atlas Mountains where temperatures can be extreme. The breed possesses a thick double coat consisting of a coarse, protective outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. The outer guard hairs are weather-resistant, shedding rain and snow effectively. The undercoat provides insulation against both cold and heat. The coat is heavier around the neck and shoulders, creating a protective mane that is particularly pronounced in males.

Coat colors are varied and include white, black, pale red, tawny, black and white, and various combinations. The diversity in coloration reflects the breed's natural development without intensive selection for specific appearance traits. All colors are equally acceptable within breed standards, as color variation provided camouflage options for different terrains and lighting conditions in their working environment.

The tail is long and bushy with a heavy plume, typically carried in a curve that may reach behind the dog when in motion. The tail serves as a balance aid when navigating difficult terrain and provides additional protection against harsh weather. The body is slightly longer than tall, creating a rectangular outline that provides both power and endurance. The chest is deep and moderately broad with well-sprung ribs, providing excellent lung capacity for sustained work at altitude.

The Aidi's history stretches back centuries into the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, though precise origins remain shrouded in the mists of time like many landrace breeds. Most researchers believe the breed developed organically in the Atlas Mountain region spanning modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Some scholars trace potential ancestry to dogs brought to North Africa by the Phoenicians between 1550 BC and 300 BC, an ancient Mediterranean civilization known for developing and trading dog breeds along with other goods.

Other experts suggest the Aidi may have originated with the indigenous Berber peoples of the Atlas Mountains themselves, developing in isolation as these populations adapted to the challenging mountain environment. Genetic studies hint at possible relationships with other mountain guardian breeds and even pariah-type dogs that populated regions around the Mediterranean. Regardless of distant origins, the breed's development was shaped by the specific needs of Berber tribes and the harsh realities of mountain life.

The Berber people, who have inhabited the Atlas Mountains and surrounding regions for thousands of years, relied on the Aidi as an essential part of their survival strategy. In this rugged landscape where jackals, wildcats, and other predators threatened valuable livestock, the Berber tribes needed dogs capable of protecting flocks of sheep and goats without requiring constant human supervision. The Aidi evolved to meet these demands, developing courage, independence, and the physical attributes necessary for mountain guardian work.

Historically, the Aidi's role extended beyond livestock protection. When Berber nomadic tribes set up camps, they strategically positioned their most alert and aggressive Aidis around the camp perimeter at night, creating a living alarm system and defensive barrier against both animal predators and human threats. The dogs' keen senses and willingness to confront danger made them invaluable for protecting families, possessions, and livestock in the isolated mountain regions.

Unlike many European breeds, the Aidi never received the same cultural veneration afforded to sighthounds like the Sloughi, which were considered noble and prestigious among North African peoples. The Aidi was a working dog, valued for its practical contributions rather than symbolic status. This utilitarian relationship shaped the breed's development, with selection based purely on working ability rather than appearance or prestige. Dogs that effectively protected livestock and property were bred; those that failed were not.

An interesting aspect of Aidi history is the breed's traditional partnership with the Sloughi, a sleek North African sighthound. Moroccan hunters discovered that pairing these two breeds created an effective hunting team. The Aidi's excellent scenting ability would locate and track prey, while the Sloughi's superior speed and sight would chase down and catch the quarry. This complementary partnership showcased the Aidi's versatility beyond guardian work and demonstrated the practical cooperation between different dog types.

The breed remained relatively unknown outside North Africa until the 20th century. When the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1963, it brought international attention to this ancient guardian. However, the initial misidentification as a sheepdog created confusion about the breed's true nature that took years to correct. This misunderstanding reflected European unfamiliarity with guardian breeds that operated independently rather than under close direction.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the Aidi faced challenges as modernization reached the Atlas Mountains. Traditional nomadic lifestyles declined, and the need for livestock guardians diminished as people moved to urban areas and adopted contemporary agricultural practices. The breed's population declined, and concerns about genetic diversity and breed purity emerged. In response, dedicated breed clubs formed in Morocco to preserve the Aidi, promote responsible breeding, and maintain the dogs' working characteristics.

In recent decades, the Aidi has begun to gain recognition as a companion dog in addition to its traditional working roles. People in Moroccan cities and towns have discovered that with proper exercise and training, Aidis can adapt to urban environments while maintaining their loyal, protective nature. This adaptation has helped ensure the breed's survival while raising new questions about maintaining working ability in dogs bred primarily for companionship.

Today, the Aidi remains most common in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, with small populations established by dedicated enthusiasts in Europe and North America. While no longer as essential for survival as in centuries past, the breed continues to work as a guardian in rural areas while also serving as a living connection to North African heritage and the enduring relationship between the Berber people and their dogs.

The Aidi's temperament reflects centuries of development as an independent livestock guardian, creating a dog with strong protective instincts, keen intelligence, and deep loyalty to its family. This is not a breed for everyone, as the characteristics that make Aidis excellent guardians also require experienced, committed ownership and proper management. Understanding the Aidi temperament is essential for anyone considering this breed.

Protective instinct sits at the core of the Aidi personality. These dogs were bred to defend livestock and property against significant threats including jackals, wildcats, and human intruders. This protective nature remains strong in modern Aidis, manifesting as territorial behavior, wariness toward strangers, and quick reaction to perceived threats. Unlike breeds that bark warnings but defer to human judgment, Aidis were selected to assess situations independently and take action without waiting for commands. This independent decision-making is fundamental to guardian breeds.

With their families, Aidis display remarkable loyalty and devotion. They form strong bonds with the people they consider part of their pack and will unhesitatingly place themselves between their family and danger. This loyalty manifests differently than in companion breeds. Aidis show affection through their protective presence and constant vigilance rather than overtly demonstrative behavior. They prefer to keep their family in sight, maintaining watch over their territory and loved ones.

Intelligence is a hallmark of the breed, though it manifests as working intelligence rather than obedience intelligence. Aidis excel at reading situations, detecting unusual circumstances, and solving problems related to their guardian role. They remember people, places, and past experiences with remarkable clarity, using this information to inform future decisions. This cleverness means they can be challenging to train, as they question commands that don't align with their assessment of the situation.

The independent nature inherent in guardian breeds means Aidis are not naturally biddable or eager to please in the manner of herding or retrieving breeds. They were developed to work at a distance from handlers, making autonomous decisions about when and how to confront threats. This independence requires owners who can establish leadership through respect and consistency rather than force. Aidis respond poorly to harsh corrections, which damage the trust necessary for the human-dog relationship.

Toward strangers, Aidis typically display wariness and reserve. They assess new people carefully, maintaining distance until they determine that the stranger poses no threat to their family or territory. This cautious approach served them well when protecting remote camps and pastures. In modern contexts, this wariness requires socialization and training to help Aidis distinguish between genuine threats and normal social interactions like neighbors walking by or delivery personnel approaching the home.

When properly socialized from puppyhood, many Aidis can learn to accept strangers in appropriate contexts, though they never become indiscriminately friendly. The breed maintains a natural suspicion that cannot and should not be completely trained away, as it represents their core guardian instinct. The goal is to develop discernment so the dog can differentiate between welcome visitors and actual threats.

The Aidi's suitability for family life depends heavily on the family's lifestyle, experience with dogs, and living environment. This breed thrives in rural or semi-rural settings where they have space to patrol and fulfill their natural guardian instincts. Families considering an Aidi must realistically assess whether they can provide the appropriate environment and management this breed requires. Urban apartment living is generally unsuitable for Aidis, as they need considerable space and may struggle with the confined quarters and constant stimulation of city life.

The ideal home for an Aidi includes a large, securely fenced yard where the dog can patrol and survey its territory. The fencing must be sturdy and tall, as guardian breeds take their territorial responsibilities seriously and will attempt to expand their patrol area if barriers are inadequate. The property should provide areas where the dog can obtain different vantage points to observe surroundings, as vigilance is central to the breed's nature. Families living on acreage, farms, or in spacious suburban settings with appropriate fencing make the best matches for this breed.

Regarding children, the Aidi's compatibility varies considerably based on individual temperament, socialization, and the specific circumstances. Aidis raised with children from puppyhood can develop patient, protective relationships with family kids, often appointing themselves as guardians of the children. However, their natural wariness means they may react negatively to visiting children or rough play that appears aggressive. Young children's unpredictable movements and high-pitched vocalizations can be challenging for guardian breeds to interpret correctly.

Families with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs generally have more success with Aidis than those with toddlers or young children. The breed's size and strength mean even well-intentioned interactions could result in accidental injury to small children. Supervision should always be maintained when children and Aidis interact, and children must be taught never to disturb the dog while eating, sleeping, or resting in its designated space.

Multi-pet households present additional challenges for Aidi ownership. While these dogs protected livestock in their working roles, their relationship with other household pets can be complex. Aidis may or may not extend their protective instincts to other family pets, depending on individual temperament and early experiences. Introducing an Aidi to a home with existing pets requires careful management and should ideally occur during puppyhood when socialization is most effective.

Other dogs in the household can be particularly problematic, as Aidis can display same-sex aggression and territorial behavior toward canine housemates. Multiple Aidis or an Aidi living with other large dogs requires extremely careful management, extensive socialization, and often separate management strategies to prevent conflicts. The breed's guardian nature means they may view other dogs as competitors for resources or territory rather than playmates.

Family members must commit to being actively involved in the Aidi's training, socialization, and daily life. This is not a dog that can be relegated to the backyard with minimal interaction. Aidis need structure, leadership, and engagement with their family to thrive. They require family members who understand guardian breed temperament and can provide consistent rules and expectations. The breed does poorly with inconsistent handling or multiple family members giving conflicting commands.

Prospective Aidi owners should have previous experience with dogs, preferably with guardian breeds or other independent working dogs. First-time dog owners or families seeking a typical family pet should consider more suitable breeds. The Aidi requires knowledgeable handling, confident leadership, and realistic expectations about guardian breed behavior and needs.

Training an Aidi requires understanding guardian breed psychology and adapting methods to work with rather than against the breed's natural instincts. These are not Golden Retrievers eager to please their owners with quick obedience. Aidis were bred to think independently, assess situations without human input, and take action based on their judgment. This heritage creates unique training challenges that require patience, consistency, and respect for the breed's intelligence and autonomy.

Early socialization is absolutely critical for Aidis and must begin as soon as puppies reach appropriate age for safe social exposure. During the critical socialization period from approximately 3 to 16 weeks of age, Aidi puppies should be exposed to diverse people, animals, environments, sounds, and experiences in positive, controlled circumstances. This early exposure helps puppies learn to differentiate between normal occurrences and genuine threats, developing the discernment necessary for appropriate guardian behavior.

Socialization should continue throughout the first year and beyond, as Aidis can become increasingly wary with maturity if not consistently exposed to varied experiences. Puppy socialization classes provide controlled environments for meeting other dogs and people, though care must be taken to ensure positive experiences. Adult Aidis that missed critical early socialization often struggle with fearfulness, aggression, or inappropriate reactions to normal stimuli, creating serious management challenges.

Basic obedience training should begin early with Aidi puppies, focusing on building a foundation of communication and respect between dog and handler. Positive reinforcement methods using treats, praise, and play rewards work far better than correction-based training. Aidis respond poorly to harsh corrections, which damage trust and can provoke defensive aggression. The goal is teaching the dog that cooperating with the handler produces positive outcomes while building a relationship based on mutual respect.

Recall training presents particular challenges for guardian breeds like the Aidi. These dogs were bred to work at distance from handlers and maintain focus on their environment rather than their owner. While basic recall can be taught, Aidis will never have the reliable, immediate recall of breeds developed for close work with humans. They should never be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, as their independent nature and protective instincts can override training when they perceive threats or interesting stimuli.

Training must be consistent across all family members, as Aidis quickly detect and exploit inconsistencies in rules or expectations. If one family member allows behavior another forbids, the dog will learn to manipulate situations to its advantage. All household members should use the same commands, enforce the same rules, and provide the same consequences for behavior. This consistency helps the Aidi understand expectations and respect family leadership.

Exercise requirements for Aidis are substantial and non-negotiable. These dogs were developed for active work patrolling large territories over rough terrain in challenging conditions. They possess considerable stamina and energy that must be channeled appropriately. Without adequate physical and mental exercise, Aidis become frustrated, bored, and may develop destructive behaviors or aggression problems.

Daily exercise should include long walks or hikes totaling at least 60 to 90 minutes, preferably divided into multiple sessions. The breed particularly enjoys activities that allow them to patrol and survey territory, making walks in varied environments ideal. They adapt well to hiking on trails, enjoying the opportunity to navigate terrain and experience different environments. Their thick coats make them comfortable in cold weather but susceptible to overheating in hot conditions, requiring exercise timing adjustments during warm months.

Mental stimulation is equally important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Training sessions teaching new skills, puzzle toys requiring problem-solving, and activities that engage the dog's natural scenting abilities all provide valuable mental enrichment. Some Aidis enjoy dog sports like tracking or barn hunt that allow them to use their natural abilities in structured contexts. The key is providing regular challenges that engage the breed's working intelligence.

The Aidi is generally regarded as one of the healthiest dog breeds, benefiting from centuries of natural selection based on working ability and survival in challenging environments rather than appearance-based breeding. This natural development created a robust breed with strong genetic diversity and relatively few inherited health problems. The typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years is reasonable for a medium-sized working breed, though individual longevity depends on genetics, care, and environmental factors.

Despite the breed's overall hardiness, hip dysplasia represents the primary orthopedic concern in Aidis. This developmental condition occurs when the hip joint forms improperly, leading to joint instability, cartilage damage, and eventually arthritis. Hip dysplasia ranges from mild cases causing minimal discomfort to severe cases significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. The condition has both genetic and environmental components, with rapid growth, excessive exercise in young dogs, and obesity potentially contributing to development or worsening of symptoms.

Responsible breeders perform hip evaluations on breeding dogs through radiographic screening programs like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHIP to identify dysplastic dogs and avoid breeding affected animals. Prospective owners should ask breeders for hip clearances on parent dogs. While hip evaluations don't guarantee offspring won't develop the condition, they significantly reduce risk by removing severely affected dogs from breeding programs.

Elbow dysplasia, though less common than hip dysplasia in Aidis, can also occur in the breed. This condition involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis. Like hip dysplasia, elbow problems have genetic components and can be screened through radiographic evaluation. Maintaining appropriate body weight and providing appropriate exercise helps minimize stress on joints whether or not dysplasia is present.

Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, occasionally affects Aidis though it's more common in smaller breeds. This condition can be congenital or develop from injury. Mild cases may cause occasional skipping or lameness, while severe cases require surgical correction. Regular veterinary examinations can detect patellar luxation, allowing for appropriate management based on severity.

The Aidi's thick coat and mountain heritage mean they tolerate cold weather exceptionally well but can struggle in hot, humid climates. Heat sensitivity isn't a health condition per se but represents an important management consideration. During warm weather, exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day, access to shade and water must be continuous, and signs of overheating monitored carefully. The dense undercoat insulates against both cold and heat to some degree, but extreme temperatures require special attention.

Dental disease affects many dog breeds including Aidis, particularly as they age. Tartar accumulation leads to gingivitis, periodontitis, and eventual tooth loss if untreated. More seriously, bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect organs including the heart and kidneys. Regular dental care including tooth brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings as recommended by veterinarians helps prevent or minimize dental problems and their systemic consequences.

Glaucoma, increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness, occasionally occurs in aging Aidis. Regular veterinary examinations including eye evaluation can detect glaucoma early when treatment is most effective. While not extremely common in the breed, awareness of the condition helps ensure prompt veterinary attention if symptoms like redness, squinting, or vision changes appear.

Regular veterinary care is essential for maintaining Aidi health throughout the lifespan. Annual wellness examinations for young to middle-aged adults allow veterinarians to detect subtle changes and address problems early. Senior Aidis benefit from more frequent check-ups, typically every six months, along with screening blood work to monitor organ function. Vaccinations should be maintained according to veterinarian recommendations and lifestyle risk factors. Parasite prevention including heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal parasite control protects against diseases and discomfort. Weight management throughout life reduces stress on joints, maintains cardiovascular health, and supports overall longevity. Providing appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and preventive care gives Aidis the best opportunity for long, healthy lives.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Aidi's health and longevity.

The Aidi's thick double coat requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and functional, though grooming needs are moderate compared to some long-coated breeds. Understanding the purpose of the coat helps owners provide appropriate care that maintains its protective qualities while preventing problems like matting or skin issues. The weather-resistant coat contains natural oils that protect against moisture and extreme temperatures, so grooming practices should preserve these beneficial characteristics.

Weekly brushing forms the foundation of Aidi coat care, helping remove loose hair, prevent mat formation, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. A slicker brush or pin brush works well for penetrating the thick coat, while an undercoat rake helps during heavy shedding seasons. Brushing sessions provide opportunity to check for skin problems, parasites, or injuries that might hide beneath the thick coat. Many Aidis enjoy brushing once they become accustomed to the routine, though early positive introduction to grooming helps establish cooperation.

Seasonal shedding creates the most significant grooming challenge for Aidi owners. During spring and fall, the breed sheds its undercoat extensively, releasing massive amounts of soft, fluffy fur as the coat adapts to changing temperatures. During these shedding seasons, daily brushing becomes necessary to remove dead undercoat and prevent it from matting in the remaining coat. Owners should expect considerable amounts of fur during these periods and may want to brush outdoors to minimize indoor cleanup.

Year-round shedding is moderate but noticeable, requiring regular vacuuming and lint rolling to manage fur on furniture and clothing. The Aidi is definitely not a good choice for people who want a low-shedding breed or who have concerns about dog hair in their homes. The heavy coat is essential for the breed's function and comfort, so shedding is inevitable and should be accepted as part of Aidi ownership.

Bathing should be infrequent to preserve the coat's natural protective oils. Most Aidis need bathing only when visibly dirty or developing odor, typically every few months or less. Over-bathing strips beneficial oils from the coat and skin, potentially causing dryness and reducing the coat's weather-resistance. When bathing is necessary, use a dog-appropriate shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup. The thick coat requires extended drying time and thorough brushing during and after drying to prevent mat formation.

Nail care is important for maintaining the Aidi's structural soundness and comfort. Active dogs on rough terrain may wear nails naturally to some degree, but most require regular trimming every few weeks. Long nails can cause discomfort, affect gait, and increase risk of injury. Many Aidis dislike nail trimming, making early positive conditioning to the process valuable. Nail grinders offer an alternative to clippers and can help achieve smooth edges while providing better control.

Ear maintenance requires regular attention, as the semi-erect ears can accumulate dirt and moisture. Check ears weekly for signs of infection including odor, redness, or discharge. Clean with veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution when needed, though ears that appear clean and healthy don't require cleaning. Never insert anything into the ear canal, and consult a veterinarian if signs of infection appear.

Dental care maintains oral health and prevents serious problems that can affect overall wellbeing. Daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste provides optimal dental care, though even several times weekly brushing offers significant benefits. Start dental care routines early to acclimate dogs to the process. Dental chews and appropriate chew toys supplement brushing but don't replace it. Regular veterinary dental examinations and professional cleanings as recommended help prevent serious dental disease.

If you're looking to adopt a Aidi, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Aidis waiting for their forever homes.