Aidi or Chien de l’Atlas or Atlas Sheepdog or Atlas Shepherd Dog or Atlas Mountain Hound is a Moroccan dog breed used as a livestock guardian, protecting herds of sheep and goats. It also possesses hunting capabilities and good scenting ability. In its native Morocco it is often paired in hunting with the Sloughi, which chases down prey that the Aidi has located by scent.

The Aidi is recognized as coming from Morocco, where it was used to defend its owner and property from wild animals. It probably originated in the Sahara. The dog has never worked as a sheepdog even though the 1963 standard was published under the name Atlas Sheepdog; this was corrected in 1969.

The Aidi is lean and muscular. It has a heavy plumed tail and medium-sized ears that are tipped forward. Its jaws are strong with tight black or brown lips. The eyes are medium with a dark color and dark rims. The Aidi has a tapered muzzle with a black or brown nose that usually matches the coat. The coat of the Aidi is course, thick and weather resistant. Coat colors include black, white, black and white, tawny and pale red.

Energetic and highly protective, the Aidi is a flock guard, used to protect herds of sheep and goats. It also makes a good hunting and scent dog, which is typical of a mountain dog. It is powerful, agile, alert and ready for action. 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.

The Aidi is energetic and highly protective and is said to make an outstanding watchdog.

It is a powerful dog that is also agile, alert, and ready for action. As a sensitive breed, the dog should receive kind yet firm training.

Aidi are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a minimum of a 1/4 acre and at least a 5′ tall fence. They should live in a semi-rural or rural setting. This breed is quiet and clean in the house.

Aidi dog breed video

 

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