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Life expectancy: 10 - 11 years
Weight: 23 - 25 kg
Height at withers: 51- 64 cm
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The Aidi, or Atlas Sheepdog, is originally from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This dog was mainly used to protect sheep and goats. With its hunting skills and keen sense of smell, it was also a top mountain dog in its region.
History
The Aidi comes from North Africa, and specifically from the Sahara. This breed originated to work in the Atlas mountains of Libya, Morocco and Algeria, where it protected its owners from predators. They are also called Berber or Chien de l'Atlas. In 1963, their breed standard was published and they temporarily named him Atlas Sheepdog, although he never actually served as a herding dog. That mistake was corrected in 1969. Originally a hunter and protector, today the Aidi is also a great house dog, as long as it gets enough exercise.
Character of the Aidi
The Aidi is agile and alert, which makes sense given his history as a cattle breeder. He has strong protective instincts and can be a bit reserved towards strangers. It is important to start socialisation and training early to ensure he gets along well with other dogs and people.
He is an excellent watchdog, but can also make a great pet. With the right upbringing, the Aidi is very affectionate and loyal. He is smart and responds well to training, but can be sensitive, so use only positive reinforcement and avoid punishment.
Health
Aidis are naturally protective and playful. They are immensely loyal and love attention. With the right upbringing, the Aidi will become an indispensable member of the family. Moreover, this is one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world, with no known congenital health problems.
Care
The Aidi has a weather-resistant double coat, with a thick, dense undercoat and a coarse longer topcoat. Regular brushing is a must if you want to keep him indoors. This helps to disperse the natural oils, improving the coat's weather resistance and health. In warmer climates, they shed year-round, so be prepared for some extra cleaning. Only wash your Aidi two or three times a year to keep the coat healthy and weatherproof.
So, are you considering an Aidi? With his loyal and protective nature, and if cared for properly, he will be a fantastic addition to your family!
We have come to the end of this article. We hope we have helped you. If you have any comments or questions about this article, we would love to hear from you!
