Aidi

Aidi Breed description: Character & Co

Dogs/Active

The Aïdi is a beautiful mountain dog from Morocco.

The origin of the Aïdi

The Aïdi originates from the Atlas Mountains. Other names are Atlas Mountain Dog or Atlas Sheepdog. He is the traditional herding and guard dog of the North African Berber tribes and other nomadic peoples of the Atlas Mountains.

The breeding selection always aimed at a fearless and very independent nature. The mountainous regions are a rugged land and required a tough dog. But this dog is not only practical, but also extremely beautiful. The Berbers have always bred particularly attractive utility animals, whether dogs or horses. When naming them, they kept it simple, "Aïdi" translated simply means "dog".

There are only very few Aïdi breeders who breed this dog outside North Africa.

The breed characteristics of the Aïdi

The Aïdi is a large, strong and yet elegant dog. He belongs to the Mollosoids and has great similarities with other European mountain dogs like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog or the Maremma Abruzzo Sheepdog. Aïdis are nevertheless somewhat slimmer, more elegant and more sporty in the general appearance.

Besides the greyhound Sloughi, it is the only officially recognized dog breed from Morocco. The FCI lists him since 1963 under the standard no. 247, group 2 and section 2: Molossoide

  • fearless and strong herding and guard dog
  • belongs to the Molossoids
  • rather rare in our country
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Alternate Name Atlas Shepherd Dog
Origin Morocco
Life expectancy 12 - 14 years
Care requirements -
Activity level high
FCI group Molossian type
AKC group not recognised
KC group not recognised
News/Active

The typical character traits of the Aïdi

He is a nature boy, who nevertheless likes to join and subordinate himself to humans. However, such independent characters need a secure leadership. Without a task, space and rules, it simply does not know what to do. These dogs have always worked and accompanied the Berbers on their moves.

If you want to keep such an animal in a city apartment or a small house, it will most likely not be happy with it. If you keep sheep or do other farming, you might find an impressive and reliable companion in this great guard dog.

  • natural and independent
  • needs solid leadership and a task
  • absolutely reliable in his work and for his master
Morocco

Breed-typical diseases of the Aïdi

The Aïdi has remained a primitive dog and has so far been spared from breed diseases. If it degenerates into an unemployed prosperity dog, it can be affected by degenerative diseases of the joints and the organism.

Breeding, acquisition and keeping

Mountain dogs are beautiful and robust animals. Nevertheless, in very few cases they are suitable for keeping as a leisure companion or walking dog. Atlas Shepherd puppies are very rarely offered in Central Europe. Accordingly, young dogs can be expensive, if you have found one. An Aidi costs about 1000Euro.

Hintergrund
Aidi dog breed

The breeding selection of the Berber never foresaw a certain colour. So today this dog exists in many colors and drawings. It can be white with markings and mask, brown, brindle or almost black.

The coat is fine, dense and medium to long. In winter, it forms a dense wool that provides the perfect weather protection.

For a Molosser, the Aïdi is almost graceful. Nevertheless, he is very solidly built, with a muscular torso, strong legs and broad paws. The medium long tail has a slight curve, is well coated and hangs down half high when standing.

  1. in white, black, brown, brindle and multicoloured.
  2. Coat is medium long to long
  3. graceful and nevertheless strong physique

Size, weight and life expectancy of the Atlas Sheepdog

  • shoulder height males and females 52 to 62 cm
  • weight males and females 22 to 26 kg
  • Life expectancy 12 years and more
Fur length medium
Fur flat coated
Ear shape Tilt-ear
Tail fanned out
Anatomy rugged, strong
Size ♀ 52 - 62 cm
Weight ♀ 22 - 26 kg
Size ♂ 52 - 62 cm
Weight ♂ 22 - 26 kg
Suitable For -

Colors

Sources and relevant links

FCI-Rassestandard

Accessed on 08.05.2023

VDH

Accessed on 08.05.2023

Eva-Maria Krämer (2017). Der KOSMOS-Hundeführer. Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-Gmbh & Company KG.

Roland Berger (2022). Herdenschutzhunde. XinXii.

Other large dogs

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