Aidi

50-55 lbs
20-24"
Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Sheepdog, Berber, Chien de l’Atlas, Chien de Montagne de l'Atlas, Kabyle Dog, Atlas-Schäferhund, Ouled Nail, Shawia
One of the world's first professionally bred dogs, the Aidi is a kind-hearted working breed with a long standing history in Northern Africa, where it originated as a hunting and guarding dog. Although they are common to Morocco, they are actually quite rare to find in other countries and haven't spread to the extent many other breeds have. Despite the often hot, dry climate of its origin, the Aidi possesses a surprisingly heavy coat that is both long and thick to protect it from both weather extremes and predators, somewhat resembling a sheepdog. They are generally known to be loyal, energetic, and alert dogs that take their watchdog duties very seriously, so early training and socialization is important if they are to happily co-exist with other people and dogs, as they can grow quite protective of their families. But that's not to say they aren't friendly either. Aidis are an affectionate and playful breed as well, and due to their high level of intelligence, are usually easy to train, making them both great companions and utility dogs. They are known to be a bit sensitive, however, so training that centers around positive reinforcement is more successful than one that employs punishments. Because of their history and energy level, Aidis generally do far better in a home with space to run and roam and an active family who engages them on a regular basis.
purpose Purpose
Hunting, Guardian, Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Great Pyrenees, Native Dogs like the Pariah

Aidi Health

Average Size
Male Aidi size stats
Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 50-55 lbs
Female Aidi size stats
Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 50-55 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Aidi Breed History

While the Aidi is largely connected to Morocco because of its large population there, it is believed that the breed actually originated from the Eastern Mediterranean coast, eventually coming further west with the Phoenicians, an ancient civilization that existed between 1550 BC and 300 BC, who both developed dog breeds and traded them. Others believe they may have originated in the Atlas Mountains themselves, a stretch that covers modern day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, as a descendent of the Great Pyrenees, but a possibility also remains that they spread due to their ties to the nomadic Berber tribes that inhabited much of Northern Africa, or even some combination of those scenarios. Regardless of origins, they have existed in the region for centuries, largely used to protect their families and family herds from jackals and other predators. In more recent times, such as in Morocco, they've been paired up with the Sloughi, a trim, athletic sighthound, as the Aidi's nose is known to be as good as the Sloughi's sight and speed, making a dynamic duo of hunting dogs. However, as they've continued to spread, they've also developed a reputation as a great companion dog, as their high intelligence, affectionate nature, and loyalty have made them popular choices for family pets in the region.

Aidi Breed Appearance

The Aidi is a medium-sized dog, standing between 20 to 24 inches tall and around 50 to 55 pounds, with a thick, double coat to protect them from both extreme weather and predators. Their head is nearly bear-like with a tapered muzzle and a pronounced, protective mane from their ears down their neck. They have folded/half cocked ears that are often obscured a bit by their longer hair and dark, long eyes similar to a human. They are well-proportioned, being quite muscular in their chest and legs under their thick coats, and when trimmed down, show a surprisingly athletic figure. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including black, white, tawny, brown, pale red, and brindle and grows longest around their hindquarters and tail, giving them a bushy look overall.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Aidi eyes
Brown
amber Aidi eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Aidi nose
Black
brown Aidi nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Aidi coat
Black
white Aidi coat
White
brown Aidi coat
Brown
red Aidi coat
Red
fawn Aidi coat
Fawn
brindle Aidi coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Aidi wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Aidi Breed Maintenance

Despite having a long, thick coat, the Aidi is not terribly difficult to maintain. They shed only a moderate amount and usually see seasonal peaks, so brushing them twice a week with a good pin brush is a sufficient average to keep from matting and tangling, as well as brushing out excess hair. In high shedding seasons, it should be bumped up to around once a day to keep them happy and comfortable. Since their coat is weather protective, they need baths only occasionally as they need to maintain a healthy level of natural oils that can be washed away if bathed too frequently. Because of their size and food consumption, owners should brush their teeth twice a week and keep their nails to an appropriate length to prevent cracking and breaking. Although their upkeep is not particularly difficult, many take these dogs to professional groomers to keep their coats in proper shape, cleanliness, and length. As they are one of the healthiest breeds in the world, they take only minimal monitoring in that regard.
Brushes for Aidi
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Aidi requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Aidi Temperament

Aidis are known to be quite affectionate and equally loyal, which is largely why they've transitioned into being companion dogs as much as they are protectors and herders, if not more so. They are highly intelligent and take well to training, but tend to be sensitive in comparison to other breeds, so they need a good amount of attention and lots of positive reinforcement as opposed to a punishment-based training/treatment. They are exceptionally protective and have been known to go to great lengths to keep their families safe, which also tends to make them leery of other dogs, animals, and strangers, so proper training and socialization early on is key to their co-existence with others. They are relatively high energy dogs with a love for purpose so they ideally do best with active families, big yards, and those who are willing to give them things to do, or at least frequent interaction to keep them entertained, as well as an alpha who consistently maintains authority. If left unattended for long periods, especially in small spaces, they tend to get bored and frustrated and can become destructive or loud, especially since they are highly alert, so mental and physical stimulation are paramount to a happy, healthy life for both owner and dog.

Aidi Activity Requirements

Bred to be working dogs in vast expanses, this breed needs a good amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so owners either need a large space for them to run or be active themselves. 10 to 12 miles of walking or running a week along with 45 minutes of additional activity/playtime per day should suffice. Because of their working mentality, they need a fair amount of mental stimulation to stay entertained, so games that get them to problem solve, fetching where they can burn energy and hone in on a target, and giving them actual tasks through training can go a long way in maintaining happiness and positive behavior.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Aidi Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $2.50
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $50.00
food bag monthly cost

Aidi Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Aidi size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 37.5 lbs
Female Aidi size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 37.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Aidi size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Aidi size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Aidi size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 52.5 lbs
Female Aidi size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 52.5 lbs

Aidi Owner Experiences

Juniper
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Obedience classes
Tug-of-war
Swim
Run
Fetch
Go to Park
Playdate
we found her in a central dog shelter.they said that someone needs to take the little puppy and we agree to adpt the little puppy and raise it as one of our family members
3 years, 2 months ago
Phoebe
5 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
talking
Zooming
I believe that our rescue is aa Aidi/German Shepherd mix. Being in Tunisia, we just call them Kelb Arabi, or Arab dogs, (there are many feral and abandoned dogs around,) but they tend to have bushy up tails. Phoebe loves taking walks and is always nose to the ground. She also has the flopping ears and bear like face, but with German Shepherd markings. She is quite friendly to people, unless she feels threatened. She is also a bit barky at home protecting her turf. If she smells a dog outside on the street, we definitely know about it. She is a lovely dog.
5 years ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd