Atlas Mountain Dog - Aidi
The Atlas Mountain Dog is a North African dog breed mostly used as a livestock guardian, protecting herds of sheep and goats. In its native Morocco, this dog works with a Sloughi. Aidi locate the prey, and the Slough chases it. Its other names are Aïdi, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Berber Dog, Chien de l'Atlas, and Chien de Montagne de l'Atlas, and a popular nickname is Kabyle Dog.
This active dog will need a proper amount of daily activities. Early socialization is a must with this dog to ensure he develops into a well-mannered dog. Aidi is aloof from strangers, and without early and correct socialization you can have a lot of problems with this dog. They are not suited for apartment living.
Height:
20–24 in (52–62 cm)
Weight:
50-55 lb (23-26 kg)
Origin:
Morocco
Life Expectancy:
10-12 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Aidi has a tick weather-resistant coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Brushing two times a week should be enough to keep this dog looking good and to reduce the amount of hair. Twice a year during shedding season, these dogs will blow their coat and will shed massively. At this period, Aidii will need daily brushing.
Aidi coat colors
- Fawn – from washed sand to deep red
- Brown- from beige to burned bread
- Black
Dogs’ coats have natural, protective oils that can be washed off if washed too often. They will also need other basic care; brush their teeth at least three times a week. Check their ears for signs of infection and redness, bathe them only when needed, and trim their nails if they don’t wear them down naturally.
Exercise
Aidi dogs are medium active and will need a daily dose of activities to be happy. They need a lot of space to roam around, and because of that, they are not fitted for apartment living. They were bred to work all day, so these dogs need a lot of daily exercise. These dogs need an active lifestyle to be happy. They love to be outside and be part of the action, whether running and chasing balls, playing, or jumping.
If you are considering getting an Aidi, ensure you have enough free time and energy to spend it outside playing and training your Atlas Mountain Dog. If your schedule can’t allow that, consider getting some less active breed.
Aidi training
These are very independent dogs that are not suited for first-time owners. While training them, you must be firm and consistent for your dog to listen to you. However, you should never use harsh training methods.
Like any other dog breed, the Aidi should start the socialization process immediately. Dogs that are not well socialized are prone to behavioral problems and might react badly to situations they are not familiar with.
There are many ways you can socialize your Atlas Mountain Dog, and the most important thing to do is to get your dog familiar with the different situations they can find themselves in. Take your dog to parks where they can meet other dogs and people.
Atlas Mountain Dog and children
Early socialization and proper training can teach them to behave even when children are around. If you train and socialize your dog well, your children will get a great playing partner with plenty of energy. Atlas Mountain Dogs can play for hours upon hours without getting tired or bored. Your children will also get a guard dog that is naturally suspicious of strangers, and you can be sure that they will warn you about any potential dangers approaching your kids.
Children should never be left alone with any dog, no matter what breed it might be. You should make sure that your children understand how to approach dogs of this breed and understand how to interact and play with them properly.
Aidi and other pets
Aidi dogs do best in the house where they are only pets. If you are bringing your dog to a house where there are other dogs and animals, you should introduce them slowly, and here is where the right socialization will play its part.
Health problems
The Atlas Mountain Dog is generally considered a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health issues and concerns like any other dog breed. These dogs have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
When getting any breed, the breeder must show you the health tests they have done for their breeding dogs. Dogs must be adequately tested because taking a chance and hoping that the puppy’s parents are healthy is a risk no one should ever take. Only healthy dogs should be bred because that is the only way to ensure that bloodlines remain healthy and without problems. Health problems associated with this breed are;
- Hip dysplasia - Genetic problem affecting hips resulting from an improperly formed hip joint.
- Patellar luxation
Atlas Mountain Dog Breeders
When getting a dog, the most important thing is to get it from a responsible and reputable Atlas Mountain Dog breeder. These dogs are energetic and protective; getting a poorly bred dog can have catastrophic results. Responsible breeders will breed dogs that don’t only look good but have great characters as well. You must find a good Aidi breeder to help you learn about this breed and make an informed choice about getting a dog with these characteristics.
If you are unsure whether this is the breed for you, check out this FREE GUIDE that will help you decide which dog breed is right for you.
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
Aidi dogs worked and lived in the Altas Mountains in North Africa, where they were used for protection. People choose the most aggressive and alert dogs to secure the camps at night. These dogs have been used for protection services since the beginning, but today, they can fill the role of a family dog if you provide them with enough activities.
Share