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
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
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
