The Atlas Mountain Dog is part of group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossoids and Swiss mountain and cattle dogs. Group 2 includes 3 sections. The main link between the breeds of this group is that for the majority, they were used for guarding, defense or protection (people, goods or herds); However, there are exceptions with dogs that are companion breeds (affenpinscher, miniature pinscher). These are dogs that generally have a powerful, muscular and deterrent physique accompanied by a strong temperament.

The Atlas Mountain Dog is a breed that has existed for centuries in the mountains and plateaus of North Africa. It is currently found in large numbers in the mountains of Morocco, where it is used by the semi-nomadic populations of mountainous regions as a guard dog. Note that despite its name "Shepherd of the Atlas", its basic function has never been to guard flocks.

The Atlas Mountain Dog is a robust dog with a muscular body. The back is broad and the chest is well descended with well-arched ribs. Its head, conical in shape, is broad and well proportioned to the body. The muzzle is, like the head, conical and ends with a black or brown nose in harmony with the coat. The eyes are of medium size, dark shade. The ears, of medium length, are slightly rounded at the tips. The tail is long, set in the extension of the line of the rump and carried low. The hair is thick, quite rough, half-long and very variable in color. The height at the withers is 52 to 62 cm for a weight between 28 and 32 kg.

The Atlas Mountain Dog is a dog with solid health. Its very bushy coat gives it good protection against heat and cold. At present, no congenital diseases have been found in the Atlas Shepherd. Its life expectancy is, on average, between 10 and 12 years. The Atlas Mountain Dog experiences two molts per year during which it loses a lot of hair. Curling will therefore be necessary to remove dead hair during these moulting periods. As an outdoor dog, its ears and eyes should be inspected regularly to detect possible debris and thus avoid infections.

Affectionate towards its master, the Atlas Mountain Dog is much more suspicious of strangers. His instinct for guarding and protection is, in fact, very developed. It is therefore strongly recommended to socialize the dog from an early age in order to avoid any hostile behavior towards visitors. It is a fairly independent dog with a benign character. He sometimes dares to take the initiative himself. Living in an apartment is not recommended. He is a dog who needs space and fresh air to be happy and will therefore need a master who can offer him daily activities allowing him to exercise physically and mentally. He is a sociable dog, who gets along well with other animals, provided you channel your guarding and protective instinct which could prove problematic.