Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)

The Atlas Mountain Dog (also known as Aidi, or Aïdi) has existed for four or five millenia in the mountains of North Africa where he was used to guard flocks and property against jackals, bears, wolves and other predators. Always alert and ready for action, Aidi was especially valued for his independent thinking, loyalty to his duty and a remarkable ability to detect the presence of snakes. Faithful, affectionate, docile and very protective of his family, Aidi is somewhat aloof with strangers, but is never aggressive.

This breed is a classic flock guard, although a bit smaller and with less coat due to his semi-arid environment.
The Atlas dogs have a very keen sense of smell, able to track even in the sands of the Sahara and join in the caravan's hunts. They are paired with a Sloughi, the Atlas dog finding the game by scent, then the Sloughi slipped for the chase. This desert dog has an amazing ability to leap from one brittle rock to another brittle rock and race at an impressive speed over shifting ground. Confident and alert, the Aidi makes an outstanding watchdog.

The current standard supplied by the Maroccan Kennel Association describes the thick, harsh coat and heavy plume of the tail as a sign of purity of the breed. In some regions, the ears are cropped and the tail is docked, but the natural condition is the only one recommended by the standard. With the formation of the Atlas Mountain dog club of Marocco (Le Club du Chien de l'Atlas) the Aidi's future seems pretty secure.

Photo courtesy of Les Chiens des montagnes de l'Atlas

Atlas Mountain Dog Breed Outline