Aïdi

Temperament:

Protective, Focused, Energetic
Size: Medium
Height: 51-64 cm
Weight: 25 kg
Lifespan: 10-11 years
Coat: Medium Hair
Colors: Fawn, Brindle, Brown, Black
FCI Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs

The Aïdi is a rather unknown dog breed from the mountains of Morocco. It is also known as the Atlas Mountain Dog or Atlas Sheepdog and, as its name might suggest, is mostly used as a herding and guard dog. It feels very comfortable in close family circles and takes its role as a guard dog seriously.

Aïdi
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Characteristics

The North African Aïdi is recognized by the FCI and belongs to Group 2.

Its colors are varied and range from light to dark fawn, which can also be brindle, to various shades of brown and black, which can also be piebald.

While the Aïdi is often reserved or even disinterested towards strangers, he shows even more affection and love towards his family.

He needs a lot of social contact and attention, wants to be kept busy and challenged, wants freedom and to live out his innate independence.

He feels particularly at home outside in the garden and loves to fetch; he would not be happy as an indoor dog. Due to his high intelligence, agility is also a useful leisure activity.

In addition to plenty of activity, Aïdi needs above all a patient, calm and experienced dog who will guide him consistently.

In the event of danger, the robust herding dog reacts quickly and fearlessly, but keeps a cool head and always keeps a watchful eye on its surroundings.

Even extreme weather conditions don't bother him, his thick, warm fur protects him from the cold, heat, wind and rain.

Although the Aïdi can be very affectionate towards its humans, it is not a classic family dog. Its relationship with children in particular varies greatly and can depend on the dog's character and upbringing.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

In contrast to many highly bred dogs, the Atlas Mountain Dog is very strong and relatively undemanding in its choice of food. There are also no known typical hereditary diseases, so that the choice of food can be made dependent on the dog's taste.

Of course, it is important to ensure a high meat content and few additives in the food.

Treats are also available in all variations, the healthy option here is freeze-dried meat. But even healthy snacks should only be fed in moderation, for example during training.

Health & Care

The Aïdi is very easy to care for and uncomplicated. Although its short, dense coat needs to be brushed from time to time, it absorbs little to no dirt and water and therefore keeps itself clean.

As it is hardly prone to illness, its owner does not need any special care and can roam the world in any weather without worrying.

Suitable accessories

A suitable lead harness is important for Aïdi: if a lead is compulsory, a very long lead should be used so that the active dog can still explore its surroundings freely and independently.

He will also enjoy agility toys that not only keep him physically but also mentally occupied and challenged.

A frisbee or a ball can be a good purchase, but a stick from the forest will also do. It is important that the object can be thrown far and is easy for the dog to carry.

Aïdi dog history picture

Origin & History

Centuries ago, the Aïdi was used as a herding dog in the mountains of North Africa and was prized for its great alertness and reliability. Especially in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, to which it owes its name, it was and still is kept as a guard dog.

Unfortunately, its exact origin is not known, but it is thought to be related to the European mountain dogs. The Aïdi breed has developed through natural adaptation and change without human intervention.

In contrast to the herding dog in Europe, the Aïdi was not used to protect and guard herds of cattle, but rather guarded the belongings of shepherds and nomads in the mountains and protected them from predators.

His name is Berber and simply means "dog".