Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Aidi
| Other Names | Atlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Chien de l'Atlas, Chien de Montagne de l'Atlas, Atlas Sheepdog, Atlas Mountain Hound, Atlas-Schäferhund |
| Nicknames | Kabyle Dog, Berber |
| Country of Origin | Morocco |
| Weight | 50 - 55 pounds (23 - 25 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 52–62 cm (20–24 in) |
| Coat | Thick, medium-length, harsh and dense with a mane on the neck and throat. |
| Colour | Black, brown, brindle, cream or cream sable, or red or red sable, all with or without black mask or any amount of white. |
| Litter Size | 5 to 8 puppies. |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 years. |
| Origin & History | The Aidi (Berber dog in Morocco)is recognized as coming from North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Morocco, probably originating in the Sahara). A courageous dog, the Aidi lived and worked in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Libya, and Algeria protecting his owner and property from wildcats, other predators, and strangers. This breed has also been called the Berber, after the Berber tribes who utilized it, and bears some resemblance to the Pariah dog who is believed to share its ancestry. As a protector of the desert nomad tribes, the most alert and aggressive dogs were staked around the perimeter of the camp at night. The Aidi has not been highly regarded by the tribes historically, as are most dogs other than the Sloughi and other breeds regarded as noble. However, Moroccans have recently formed a club to protect the purity of the breed which has contributed so much in so many roles, as protector, hunter, police dog, and pet. Although the Aidi has been used primarily as a working dog, he has become more common as a house dog in the country. This breed also makes a good urban pet if he is given tasks and exercise enough to keep him satisfied and happy. In color and flock guard work they share many characteristics of many mountain dog breeds. |
| Personality | The Aidi is energetic and highly protective and is a powerful dog that is also agile, alert, and ready for action. As it is a sensitive breed, the dog needs to be given appropriate training from a very young age. It needs to be exposed to as many social conditions as possible so that it makes an ideal family pet. It makes a very good guard and watchdog, however, is not a breed for everyone. It needs an owner who knows how to remain alpha, and it needs a job to do, preferably as a flock guard. As a sensitive breed, the dog should receive kind yet firm training. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no breed specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | The coat is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Feeding | The active Aidi needs a balanced. high-quality diet to stay healthy. |
| Exercise | The Aidi should be taken for long daily walks and several sessions of active play are ideal. |
