Aki-poo
The Aki-poo is a unique new crossbreed that’s still relatively unknown. A mix between the headstrong Akita and the regal Poodle, this newer cross is sure to keep turning heads for years to come.Â
The Aki-poo’s parent breeds are both beloved for many reasons. Interestingly, Akitas got their start protecting royalty in feudal Japan. Because of their history, this breed will stay by your side as a protector. Today, this defensive and passionate breed is used as a guard dog or simply as a family companion. Keep in mind that this breed is highly energetic. They are also fairly stubborn and will do as they please without proper training.
The Poodle originated as a duck-retrieving dog, but their high intelligence lent them to a variety of other ‘careers.’ You may know them as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. The Aki-poo can be a crossbreed between any size Poodle — Standard, Mini or Toy. This information reflects the most common crossbreed between the Akita and Standard Poodle. This breed mix is incredibly intelligent. Still, they require an experienced dog parent due to their energy levels.
The Aki-poo’s status as a crossbreed means that they’re unlikely to be found up for adoption. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. It’s important to keep in mind that given how uncommon the Aki-poo is, they might not be recognized by shelters and may simply be listed as a mix.
Akita and Poodle Pictures
Aki-poo Highlights
- The Aki-poo is sometimes demanding, but devoted and loyal to their families.
- The Aki-poo should focus on training from a young age, as Akitas contribute some possessive tendencies. However, the Poodle contributes great intelligence and trainability, so an experienced dog parent shouldn’t have too many problems.
- Aki-poos are loyal and intelligent, but not for beginner dog parents. They can be strong-willed and have issues with guarding. Particularly those that take after Akitas, this breed mix can be aggressive with strangers or other dogs. Poodles are additionally known to be strong-willed at times, so this breed mix needs a firm dog parent who isn’t afraid to bring in a professional dog trainer for help if needed.
Aki-poo History
The Aki-poo is a mixed breed, so they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Akita originated in Japan, originally used as a hunting dog capable of taking down formidable prey such as wild boar. They were first brought to the US as a gift to Helen Keller, who owned the first two Akitas in America. In modern times, they are prized as a high-drive guard dog and companion. The Standard Poodle originated as a duck-retrieving breed, while the Miniature Poodle was once used to hunt truffles. The breed’s incredible intelligence has lent them to many more uses, and they can be skilled at scentwork, therapy work, or other dog occupations.
Relate: Akita Basset Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
Aki-poo Size
Dogsbreed.org share the Aki-poo is a large mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors; often white, gray, or black. Additionally, they have a thick coat contributed by both hard-to-groom parent breeds.
Aki-poo Personality
Aki-poos are often good-natured and loving, but also high energy and overprotective. It’s crucial to work on socialization from a young age for this breed. Given their Akita heritage, they may be wary of strangers or other dogs. They are also prone to guarding behavior which may manifest in nuisance barking, growling, or lunging without training. However, this breed is also highly intelligent. It’s important to work on positive reinforcement training consistently and firmly. You may need to bring in a professional trainer if you feel that you’re starting to see behavioral issues.
Aki-poo Health
While Aki-poos originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed.Â
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Addison’s Disease
Aki-poo Care
The Aki-poo needs daily exercise to feel content. Ideally, this breed should receive (at least) an hour or so walk or hike daily. Additionally, they enjoy indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war. The Aki-poo isn’t a good fit for apartment dwellers, as they crave space to roam. Additionally, if they feel understimulated, they have a knack for finding trouble to get into. They often enjoy intense activities such as agility or flyball to exercise their minds and burn off extra energy.
Aki-poo Feeding
The Aki-poo should be fed a diet consistent with that of a large-sized breed with high energy levels. Additionally, their high energy and drive may make enriching toys like puzzle feeders and filled bones great for the Aki-poo. Because all dogs are unique in their diet requirements, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best food to feed your pup.
Aki-poo Coat Color And Grooming
The Aki-poo’s coat needs regular maintenance. They typically have a thick, sometimes curly double coat. Brushing should be performed at least several times a week to reduce shedding and mats and encourage cleanliness. With white-coated dogs, tear staining may be an issue, and discharge may need to be wiped regularly. Bathing is to be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
Aki-poo Children And Other Pets
There are some factors to consider before adding the Aki-poo to your family. While this breed can be good with older children, they’re unlikely to be a good match for those with young children or plans to add to the family. They are prone to mouthiness or nipping behavior. However, respectful older children who can be consistent with the dog’s boundaries may get along just fine. This also goes for small animals and dogs. Typically, the Aki-poo is a one-pet household dog due to their Akita heritage. However, if you adopt a young Aki-poo, be sure to work with a trainer and encourage socialization so that your pup has the best shot at friendliness with others. When properly socialized and trained, it is possible for this breed to peacefully coexist with others.
Aki-poo Rescue Groups
There are no breed-specific rescues for the Aki-poo as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes of the Akita or Poodle. In particular, due to how widespread the breed is, there are many Poodle mixes waiting for forever homes. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup.
