Finnish Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

Aidi dog is also known as Berber dog. It originates from Marocco, where it has been kept to protect people from wild animals, strangers, and predators. It is considered that this breed has been utilized by the Barber tribe that is why it has a name Barber dog. Aidi has recently been protected by a club to keep its purity of the breed.

The “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

Aidi dog originate country is Morocco. A weight of the Aidi dog is 23-25kg while the height is 53-61cm. Female dogs are a little smaller than average males. Lifespan variates from 10-12 years, but it depends on every individual. Litter Size of Aidi is 5-8 puppies. Other Names for Aïdi are Atlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Berber Dog, Chien de l'Atlas, Chien de Montagne de l'Atlas, Kabyle Dog.

The Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

Aidi is an active dog who loves spending time outside in large space. They are not recommended for people who live in the apartments. They are very protective dogs, so they will be a perfect guard dog for large houses.

They are amazing with children. Aidi is a very gentle to small kids, and they tend to bond very quickly. It is very important to socialize them on time because they tend to be aggressive towards other animals and people if not properly trained. The best way to socialize them is to spend time with other pets since the early age.

Training of the Aidi

Training of the Aidi might be tricky because it requires constancy and patience. It is also very important to be a firm but without any aggression towards a dog. Awarding and positive training is a must with this breed.

One of the most important things is that Aidi needs to spend a lot of time being active. They need a lot of space to be comfortable even though they do not need a lot of running.

They are very smart dogs who come from a history of guarding dogs, so proper socialization is a must. Aidi is not recommendable for the first time owners. They need a lot of practice and training to be a perfectly good pet.

Children friendliness

Very child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

Aidi is considered to be a very tough breed. They are very healthy dogs. But, since every highly active breed, Aidi can develop hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. Then again, with regular vet checks and good, healthy diet, including proper daily activity, Aidi is a very healthy breed.

Typically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

• Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
• Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
• Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
• Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

Feeding the breed

Feeding Aidi dog depends on the activity and size of each individual. Overall, for a medium-sized dog with average activity 2-2.5 cups of high-quality food would be enough, but if your dog is a very active dog, you should give him extra food. They love eating, so giving your dog healthy fruit and vegetables would be a very nice treat and addition to dry food. Olive oil is also very good for your dog’s coat and digestive system.

Feeding the puppy

Puppies need to have more meals per day, so dividing 3-4 cups of food into 3-5 meals per day should be a good amount of food for your puppy. Also, regular intake of vitamins and minerals would do a lot of benefits for the health of your dog.

Grooming Aida

Aida is a very easy dog for grooming. They have a coat that really needs a little extra attention. Few brushing on a monthly basis with an occasional bathing couple of times a year would be enough to have a perfectly groomed dog. They don’t shed a lot, so little extra brushing during the shed period is all you need.

Feeding the puppy

Don’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.