Atlas Dog

Atlas Mountain Dogs have lived in the mountains of Algeria, Libya and Morocco for more than 5,000 years. They were used for many different purposes including hunting, guarding their owners' homes, and protecting flocks of goats and sheep from such predators as wildcats and wolves. They were often paired with Sloughi dogs to hunt various types of game. The Atlas Mountain Dog would track the prey's scent, and the Sloughi would then chase and kill the game. Although these dogs make excellent guard and hunting dogs, today they are used primarily as companions and household pets.

The Atlas Mountain Dog is a large breed that can weigh anywhere from 50 to 55 pounds fully grown. They have a luxurious, thick double coat that can come in several colors including red, black or fawn with white markings. Their tails are heavily plumed and carried high. Their ears tip forward and are tiny and triangular-shaped.

Personality

This is a highly energetic dog that loves to run and explore, which makes it a great candidate for such sports as flyball, agility and tracking. They are also extremely gentle and loyal companions to their human family members. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your household, you will have a friend for life. The Atlas Mountain Dog is a canine with many talents. Not only do these dogs make great hunting dogs and guard dogs, but they make fantastic athletes and household pets as well. When you have an Atlas Mountain Dog in your home, you can be sure that no two days will ever be the same again.

Breed Characteristics

Atlas Dog Build Information

The Atlas Mountain Dog is a large breed that can weigh anywhere from 50 to 55 pounds fully grown. They have a luxurious, thick double coat that can come in several colors including red, black or fawn with white markings. Their tails are heavily plumed and carried high. Their ears tip forward and are tiny and triangular-shaped.

Behaviour and Personality

This is a highly energetic dog that loves to run and explore, which makes it a great candidate for such sports as flyball, agility and tracking. They are also extremely gentle and loyal companions to their human family members. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your household, you will have a friend for life. The Atlas Mountain Dog is a canine with many talents. Not only do these dogs make great hunting dogs and guard dogs, but they make fantastic athletes and household pets as well. When you have an Atlas Mountain Dog in your home, you can be sure that no two days will ever be the same again.

Appearance

Since the Atlas Mountain Dog's coat is so thick, you will want to brush its hair at least once a day to prevent mats. A bath once or twice a month should be fine unless your pet becomes especially dirty. If you choose, you can trim your dog's hair to make it easier to groom. Finally, be sure to check its ears regularly for excess wax accumulation and trim its nails when necessary.

Atlas Dog Common Health Conditions

Although there have been no reports of any health issues associated with the Atlas Mountain Dog, due to their size and lineage, they may be prone to such problems as hip dysplasia and bloat.

Atlas Dog Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Atlas Mountain Dog gets its name from the Atlas Mountains of Algeria, Libya and Morocco. Atlas Mountain Dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association and the Federation Cynologique Internationale. This is a breed that is extremely sensitive and can become upset quite easily. These dogs can live as long as 13 years if they receive proper care and regular veterinary checkups. The Atlas Mountain Dog was developed in South Africa and was originally used to protect goats and sheep. These dogs are known by a variety of names including the Atlas Mountain Dog, Chien de Atlas, Atlas Shepherd Dog, Aidi, Chien de Montagne de Atlas, Atlas Mountain Hound and Atlas Sheepdog.