A sturdy, athletic mountain dog with a dense, fairly coarse coat around 6 cm long. The hair forms a ruff on the neck, especially in males, and is longer on the back of the thighs and on the bushy tail, which helps it cope with both mountain cold and heat.12
Coloursfawn (sand to deep red)brown (beige to dark toast)blackbrindlewith or without white markings12
Personality what they are like
Loyal, loving and easygoing with its own family, but always on watch. It is a born guardian that reacts in proportion to what it sees and stays attentive to its surroundings.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic working dog that needs plenty of exercise and a job or activity to stay content; with enough of both it can adapt to town life.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The weather-resistant coat benefits from regular brushing, especially through the ruff, thighs and tail.1
Home where they are happiest
Suits homes with outdoor space where it can patrol and move, and owners who can give it daily activity.2
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its household and likes having people and property to look after.1
The story where it all began
The Aidi has lived in the Atlas Mountains and North African highlands for as long as records go back, guarding the camps, flocks and belongings of Berber herders against predators. Its first standard in 1963 called it the Atlas Sheepdog, even though it has always been a guardian rather than a herder. A breed club in Morocco now works to preserve it.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Despite once being named the Atlas Sheepdog, the Aidi guards livestock rather than herding it.2
2
In Morocco it has traditionally been teamed with the fast Sloughi on hunts, the Aidi finding game by scent and the Sloughi running it down.2
3
Its thick coat lets it handle both icy mountain nights and hot days.2
The breed name 'Aidi' comes from the Berber language, referring to the dog's role as a protector and companion to the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.2
I started my day by circling the yard, checking every corner. All clear. Then I sat by the gate and watched the road. A neighbor's sheep wandered too close, so I stood up and gave a low woof. They turned back. My human brought me a bowl of water and scratched my ears. I wagged my tail, then lay down in the shade. In the afternoon, I trotted alongside my human on a walk, sniffing the wind. At home, I curled up near the door, ready to guard through the night. It was a good, quiet day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Recognised as the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aïdi), standard no. 247, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, mountain type; standard dated 25.03.2003, country of origin Morocco.1
UKC
Recognised by the United Kennel Club (per Wikipedia).2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Aidi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Aidi tip
Choose high-protein, highly digestible treats to support the Aidi’s active mountain-dog lifestyle, and offer them in small pieces to help keep the waist trim and the teeth clean. Because this breed can be prone to food sensitivities, introduce any new treat slowly and watch for reactions.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Aidi, and at what times?
Feed your adult Aidi at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Regular meal times help their digestion, and free feeding is not recommended. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should an Aidi eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced, high-quality dog food suits an Aidi. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always keep human foods like these away from your dog.4
How often should I bathe an Aidi?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Aidi gets very dirty or has skin issues.5Pet Wiki plan
How often does an Aidi need brushing?
Brush your Aidi weekly, as Furry Diary's plan suggests, paying extra attention to the ruff, thighs and tail. This keeps the weather-resistant coat healthy and reduces shedding.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Aidi's nails, and how often?
Trim your Aidi's nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.5Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an Aidi need?
Your Aidi needs daily exercise and a job or activity to stay content. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play. With enough activity, it can adapt to town life.2Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Aidi's teeth and ears?
Brush your Aidi's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Aidi live?
The lifespan of an Aidi varies. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for your dog.
Is an Aidi good with children and other pets?
The Aidi is loyal and loving with its own family and is a natural guardian. Its reaction to children and other pets depends on early socialization and training. Consult a good breeder for advice.12
Can an Aidi be left alone?
The Aidi bonds closely with its household and may not enjoy long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or trainer for guidance.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Sloughi
Kangal Shepherd Dog
Pyrenean Mountain Dog