Aki-Poo

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Aki-Poo

Weight
45-120 lb
Height
18-25 inches
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
Not Applicable
Best Suited For
active families with older children and other pets, those living in houses with large yards, those looking for a watchdog.
Temperament
affectionate, intelligent, loyal, protective
Comparable Breeds
Poodle, Akita
ADVERTISEMENT

Aki-Poo Basics

The Aki-Poo is a wonderful, protective family dog who brings together the intelligent and eager-to-please personality of the Poodle with the guarding instincts of the Akita for a pooch that does well with older children and other animals when properly socialized. His innate instinct to guard makes him a great potential watchdog.

The Aki-Poo brings together the eager-to-please the Poodle and the protective the Akita.

Origin

Because he is considered a Designer Dog, it’s likely the Aki-Poo originated in the 1980s when demand for smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler variations of some of the more popular breeds saw breeders mixing bloodlines.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

Because he is not a purebred dog, the Aki-Poo does not qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are members in good standing; the Akita joined their “working” group in 1972 while the Poodle became a member of the “non-sporting” group almost a century earlier – in 1887.

Food / Diet

The Aki-Poo is a larger, active dog who will require a top-quality nutrient-rich kibble specifically designed for his size, age and activity levels. Because this dog comes from two breeds that are prone to bloat, care should be taken to not allow this dog to overeat. Exercise should also be scheduled for at least 1 hour after eating (or prior to feeding). Joint issues are also a problem with this dog’s parent breeds so controlled feeding to avoid weight gain and obesity are important. Meals served 2 to 3 times a day are ideal.

The highly intelligent Aki-Poo is a great family dog.

Training

With the intelligence and eager-to-please disposition of the Poodle, the Aki-Poo picks up commands quickly and easily. His Akita DNA delivers a dog with strong hunting and herding instincts so obedience training could include interactive games such as fetch where he can be rewarded for doing what comes naturally. Because the Aki-Poo is known to be a protective breed, early socialization is important to ensure he gets along with other animals and children. As with most dogs, a rewards-based approach with lots of verbal praise and treats will go a long way in getting the results you are seeking.

Weight

Your Aki-Poo can range in weight between 45 and 120 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

The highly intelligent Aki-Poo is a great family dog however possesses the DNA of a very protective breed which means he needs early socialization to ensure he fits in well with children and other pets. Devoted to his human pack, he is known to be playful, affectionate, loyal and willing to bark as he sees fit – so a great potential watch dog.

Common Health Problems

It’s common for mixed-breed or Designer Dogs to be exempt from the health issues that may occur in their pure-bred parents however it’s crucial new pet owners familiarize themselves with what their pooch may inherit. For the Aki-Poo, both parent breeds are prone to joint issues while the Akita is extremely sensitive to medications and tranquilizing drugs used in anesthesia – making any form of surgery a complex procedure. Both parent breeds can also be prone to bloat.

Life Expectancy

The Aki-Poo will typically live for between 12 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Aki-Poo is an energetic boy who will be content with a couple of ½ hour walks daily versus a long marathon trek. The Akita side of this dog makes him a natural herder / hunter so mental stimulation and a physical outlet for his energy is important to keep him happy and healthy. Visits to a dog park or backyard games of fetch, where he can run, jump and play are a great way to augment his daily walks.

The Aki-Poo is a protective dog that is known to be playful and affectionate.

Recognized Clubs

The Aki-Poo is known by many other names including Akipoo, Akita-Poodle, Akita-Poo, Akidoodle, Akitadoodle and Pookita and is a member of the Dog Registry of American, Inc. (DRA).

Coat

Whether your Aki-Poo’s coat is curly like the Poodle or straight like the Akita, you can bet it’s going to be thick and dense. That said, this dog is considered only a moderate shedder and regular brushing 2 to 3 times a week should keep the hair in check. Grooming will be required including trimming his coat to ensure it always looks its best. If this dog has inherited the floppy ears of the poodle, inspection and cleaning should become part of his brushing ritual to ensure they stay clean and not prone to infections.

Puppies

The Aki-Poo puppy is going to grow into a large dog so best to begin his obedience and socialization early on. Because he can be prone to bloat later in life, his feeding schedule should be established while he is still young and include 2 to 3 meals daily versus free feeding. Joint issues he may one day inherit from his parent breeds mean that care should be taken when teaching this pup to walk. Over-exertion of tiny limbs can result in problems later in life.

Photo credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.com; Okssi/Shutterstock.com

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Pawsitively Purrrfect Presents for Cat Moms

There are a multitude of fashionable ways to let everyone know you''re a crazy cat mom. Here''s our list of must-have gifts to let your inner kitty run free.

Severe Macaw

Severe Macaw is a long-lived pet bird that has a wonderful personality- this fun-loving, cuddly bird will be the center of attention and a family favorite.

Best Dog Car Seats and Booster Seats

Dog car seats and booster seats keep small and medium size dogs safe and comfy when driving in a car. Check out our selection of best car seats for dogs!

Moorish Idol

The Moorish idol is closely related to surgeonfish. These fish are characterized by their vertically compressed, disk-like bodies and bold colorations.

Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs?

Not every squeaky toy is created equal, and some may pose risks to your canine companion. Before selecting a squeaky toy, it''s crucial to consider several safety factors.

What Dog Breed Is Right For Me?

There are many dog breeds - with pure breeds and designer cross breeds, the options are seemingly endless. Ask yourself: ""What dog breed is right for me?""

Beef and Rice Stir Fry Dog Food Recipe

When I want to eat healthy, I whip up a stir fry. After prep and cook time, it takes about 20 minutes, from counter to table. So that got me to thinking&hell…

Tails From A Pet Sitter: Puppy, It’s Cold Outside

Pet Sitting Pro Rachel Leavy shares her experiences and has some tips on what to expect from your “watchdog” this holiday season While most peopl…

Musk Lorikeet

Owing to their adorable looks, lovely temperament, and ease of care, Musk Lorikeet is a popular choice for singles and apartment dwellers.

Kick Puppy Pads to the Curb With Piddle Place

Sick of icy-cold pee breaks? Tired of taking the elevator to ""take care of business? Check out Piddle Place, an odor-free alternative pet relief system.

Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don''t have any birds for it to sniff out - it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training.

Adoptable Dog of the Week-Max

Our Adoptable Dog of the week is Max, a 4 years old American Pit Bull Terrier mix from Cooperstown, NY. He is neutered and up to date on his vaccines.

Bracco Italiano

Also known as the Italian Pointer, the Bracco Italiano is an athletic gun dog. With their strong muscles and long ears, these dogs are the pride of Italy.

Jersey Wooly Rabbit

The Jersey Wooly rabbit is known as the ""No-Kick Bunny"" because they are gentle and even-tempered. They are great pets for many types of households.

Netflix Employee Cats Can’t Even With Stranger Things’ ‘That Mom

Netflix has released a Stranger Things reaction video of employees'' cats watching Dustin''s family cat get eaten by a demogorgon.