Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
Other names: Berger de l’Atlas, Atlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Berber Dog
The Aidi is a breed of dog from North Africa. Up until recently it was rarely seen out of its native lands, but its popularity elsewhere in the world is on the rise. It is used as a herder and a guardian of livestock and as such has an incredibly protective streak. An outstanding watchdog it may be, but this dog is also known to be a loving and sensitive companion.
Key facts about the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
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Origins and history
Among North African farmers (sedentary and nomadic) Aidis have been a popular choice of herding dog for centuries. It is still used today in its original role, and in Morocco the Aidi is favoured for use as a guard dog. Due to their being increasingly sought after as companion dogs, Aidis are slowly spreading into other parts of the world.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 2 : Molossian type
Physical characteristics of the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 24 in
Male : Between 20 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 77 lb
Male : Between 55 and 77 lb
Coat colour
This dog’s coat is seen of white, black and tawny colours or a mixture of all of them.
Type of coat
A thick, harsh, and abundant, medium-length coat covers the dog. The fur on the face and ears is thinner than on the rest of the body. Males tend to grow a mane around their neck of especially thick fur.
Eye colour
Dark amber to golden brown.
Description
The Aidi has a muscular appearance. Its muzzle is shortish and conical. The ears are medium length and carried half-dropped and away from the cheeks. The top line slopes gently towards the croup. The tail is carried low when the dog is inactive and more jauntily when it is in motion.
Good to know
The Aidi is best known for its ability to guard livestock. It is a supreme watchdog and although it is edgy at the best of times it is fearless and will not back down from confrontations. It is also a sensitive breed of dog. The prospective owner of an Aidi must be mindful of this dog’s complicated character.
Temperament
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Affectionate
An affectionate dog is the Aidi but it is also sensitive and easily unnerved. This breed of dog requires its owner to be patient and loving.
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Playful
A dog that likes to play and to interact but also one that startles easily. The Aidi does not enjoy rough play and will not appreciate being teased.
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Calm
This is a nervous dog. Among its family it will be calm and relaxed, but in a changing environment or unfamiliar territory it will be very much on edge.
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Intelligent
An intelligent dog, the Aidi will easily get bored. It requires almost constant attention and interaction.
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Hunter
The Aidi is a herding dog rather than a hunter. It is not likely to exhibit predatory behaviour.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
Aidis tend to be very wary of new people and take some time to warm to a visitor in their home. They may even adopt some sort of defensive behaviour.
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Independent
The Aidi is very dependent on its owner. It needs to feel safe in order to stay relaxed and well-behaved. This dog prefers to shadow its owner.
Behaviour of the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
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Tolerates solitude
The Aidi tends to follow its owner from room to room when indoors. It is a dog that hates (and fears) solitude.
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Easy to train / obedience
A firmness and confidence are needed of a trainer for this dog. The Aidi is easily distracted and easily bored. If subjected to harsh training the dog is likely to become painfully shy and withdrawn.
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Barking
Because this dog is always alert and has a strong instinct to protect it tends to bark at anything it thinks is threatening the household.
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Destructive
If it is not properly looked after the Aidi can cause extensive damage inside the house.
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Greedy / Gluttony
The Aidi is not known to be a glutton. Its stomach is sensitive to changes of diet and of frequency of feeding.
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Guard dog
The Aidi is an excellent watchdog. Its bark is backed up by fearless defensive behaviour.
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First dog
The Aidi could be considered as a first dog, but its training and integration with the family and other people are essential duties to avoid behavioural problems in the future.
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Is the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) in a flat
A well-fenced garden is an insufficient provision for this dog, and a flat is too small and confined a space in which to keep such a highly-strung animal.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
The Aidi needs a great deal of exercise in order to stay healthy and calm (10 to 12 miles of walking or running a week are recommended).
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Travelling / easy to transport
An Aidi will not enjoy travel. Anything that disrupts its routine and carefully planned day will cause the dog to be nervous and silly.
Compatibility
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Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) and cats
This dog is not suited to a household where a non-canine pet already resides.
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Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) and dogs
Generally speaking, other dogs are not the friend of the Aidi. This dog is very territorial and will not appreciate sharing space with another canine.
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Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) and children
On the whole this breed is good with older children, but its dislike of boisterous play and teasing makes it an unsuitable playmate of young children.
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Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi) and the elderly
Because it is a dog that requires a lot of exercise the Aidi is not a good choice for people of senior years.
Price
A dog of this breed could cost around £400 to purchase. Cost of care is between £80 to £110 per month.
Grooming
The Aidi needs at least twice-weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush. Bath this dog only when necessary and use a mild dog shampoo.
Shedding
This dog sheds a moderate amount of fur.
Nutrition of the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
You should feed this dog a dog food formulated to support the health of an active dog.
Health of the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
Life expectancy
Overall the Aidi is a healthy breed of dog. Its average life expectancy is 12 to 13 years.
Strong / robust
This dog is robust, fearless and headstrong. It heals very quickly from injury.
Withstand heat
The Aidi is incredibly tolerant of the heat. However, you must still make sure there is plenty of fresh water on hand for this dog.
Withstand cold
The Aidi does not tolerate cold and wet weather particularly well.
Tendency to put on weight
If an Aidi is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will become obese.
Common illnesses
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems