At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives about 25 kg; the FCI standard does not set a weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick, half-long weatherproof coat
A sturdy, athletic mountain dog with a dense, fairly coarse coat around 6 cm long. The hair forms a ruff on the neck, especially in males, and is longer on the back of the thighs and on the bushy tail, which helps it cope with both mountain cold and heat.12
Personality what they are like
Loyal, loving and easygoing with its own family, but always on watch. It is a born guardian that reacts in proportion to what it sees and stays attentive to its surroundings.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic working dog that needs plenty of exercise and a job or activity to stay content; with enough of both it can adapt to town life.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The weather-resistant coat benefits from regular brushing, especially through the ruff, thighs and tail.1
Home where they are happiest
Suits homes with outdoor space where it can patrol and move, and owners who can give it daily activity.2
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its household and likes having people and property to look after.1
The story where it all began
The Aidi has lived in the Atlas Mountains and North African highlands for as long as records go back, guarding the camps, flocks and belongings of Berber herders against predators. Its first standard in 1963 called it the Atlas Sheepdog, even though it has always been a guardian rather than a herder. A breed club in Morocco now works to preserve it.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite once being named the Atlas Sheepdog, the Aidi guards livestock rather than herding it.2
- 2
In Morocco it has traditionally been teamed with the fast Sloughi on hunts, the Aidi finding game by scent and the Sloughi running it down.2
- 3
Its thick coat lets it handle both icy mountain nights and hot days.2
- 4
Aidis have also worked as police dogs.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Recognised as the Atlas Mountain Dog (Aïdi), standard no. 247, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, mountain type; standard dated 25.03.2003, country of origin Morocco.1
- UKC
- Recognised by the United Kennel Club (per Wikipedia).2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Aidi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 247 Atlas Mountain Dog (Aïdi) fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Aidi en.wikipedia.orgused for names, weight, UKC recognition, uses, fun facts (secondary)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.