Aidi
The Aidi (Atlas Mountain Dog) is North Africa's traditional livestock guardian — the working dog of the Berber people of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Morocco
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
20–25 kg (44–55 lbs)
Height
53–62 cm (21–24 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food appropriate for an active mountain guardian breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Aidi (Atlas Mountain Dog) is North Africa's traditional livestock guardian — the working dog of the Berber people of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria. Used to protect flocks and encampments from jackals, wolves, and leopards in the Atlas mountain terrain, the Aidi is energetic, alert, and protective. It often works in partnership with the Sloughi — the Aidi guards and alerts while the Sloughi pursues and catches, a natural division of labour between the two Moroccan breeds. The Aidi is one of the few livestock guardians from Africa recognised by the FCI.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, well-muscled, athletic dog with a dense, rough semi-long double coat providing insulation against Atlas mountain temperatures. Any colour. The bushy tail curls over the back when alert. The coat forms a slight mane around the neck.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Alert, energetic, and protective — the Aidi is a natural guardian that is active and vocal. Loyal to its family and flock. Energetic outdoors. Reserved with strangers.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
5/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-5°C to 38°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
guarding, territorial aggression, barking, aloofness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Large, secure property preferred — the guardian instinct needs space to express naturally.
Nutrition Notes
North African mountain guardian — very healthy primitive breed. Extremely hardy. Few dietary restrictions. Suits hot AND cold climates.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia (low rates). Eye problems in some lines. Very few other documented issues — Atlas Mountains natural selection. Traditionally paired with Sloughi (Aidi guards while Sloughi hunts). Morocco/North Africa's guardian. Excellent for Indian climate (handles extreme heat AND cold). 10-12 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1000 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally healthy due to natural development in mountain conditions. Hip dysplasia can occur. No documented breed-specific hereditary conditions.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Excellent for Indian climate (Saharan/mountain adaptation). Pairs with Sloughi. India: rare but climate-perfect.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Aidi and the Sloughi are traditionally paired together in Morocco — the Aidi's role is to detect, alert, and confront threats, while the Sloughi's role is to run down and catch prey. The two breeds complement each other perfectly and have been worked together by Berber hunters for centuries.
