An Aki-Poo is a cross-breed between an Akita and a Poodle. The Aki-Poo shares a similar resemblance to its parents, often carrying near-identical traits and riveting habits. Although Aki-Poo’s are a somewhat new breed – they’ve made a name for themselves, leaving enthusiastic bystanders aspiring to know more.
Despite certain challenges that you’ll face with any dog; The Aki-Poo overall is a loyal, trusting, and family-orientated dog. Their devotion to its owners and “most of the time” respectable nature can make anyone fall in love with them. Continue reading to learn more about the Aki-Poo breed.
Aki-Poo
Aki-Poo’s are considered to be “designer dogs” which simply refers to a cross-breed dog. Although both an Aki-Poo’s parents meet AKC (The American Kennel Club) standards, Aki-Poo’s do not qualify.
Despite the lack of qualification, this fails to stop the Aki-Poo from producing intriguing traits and adorable looks! Such intelligence, fierceness, and adventurous nature should not be overlooked.
Likes and dislikes of an Aki-Poo vary from dog to dog, however, his love for family and serving a purpose remains the same. If you’re hoping to use your Aki-Poo as a service dog, guard-dog, or working dog, be sure to train him while he’s a pup.
When considering purchasing an Aki-Poo, be sure to meet the requirements necessary for providing them a quality life. Such needs are:
- An owner with plenty of time
- A home with sufficient yard area
- Living in a cool climate
- Will socialize and tame them adequately
- Can nurture their physical and emotional well-being
The price of an Aki-Poo can also be expensive, depending on where you go or who you go with. Be sure to investigate different breeders, adoption services, and SPCA’s.
It may also be worthwhile to refer to Facebook Marketplace, forums, or dog shows, to discuss with other breeds any questions or concerns and to help you get a better understanding of the dog breed.
All in all, Aki-Poo’s make as a suitable pet to own, and when cared for properly they’ll become your best companion!
Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
The physical characteristics of an Aki-Poo relate in connection to his parents. He shares their medium – large-sized body mass, as well as thick coats and distinctive colors. Continue reading to dive further into an Aki-Poo’s physical characteristics.
Size of an Aki-Poo:
Aki-Poo’s are considered to be large-sized dogs, much like the Akita and Poodle. On average they’ll reach a height of 18 – 27 inches and weigh around 120 pounds once fully-matured.
Physical Appearance of an Aki-Poo:
Ears
Ears on an Aki-Poo can be shaped like a triangle whilst upright or floppy, depending on the individual canine. Their ears are considerable both heavy and sturdy, ranging in colors identical to their coat.
Coat
The color and texture of an Aki-Poo’s coat will vary, however, one thing that remains the same is his coats density and thickness. Aki-Poo’s have a short, dense, and thick coat, much like the Akita and Poodle.
Depending on the individual dog, their coat will either be rough and stiff or wiry and tough. Surprisingly, their coats rarely shed (unlike an Akita but similar to a Poodle).
Colors of the coat remain dependent on each dog – varying from beige, brown, brindle, or black.
Facial Appearance
The eyes on an Aki-Poo are generally a small almond-shaped. Eye color may vary, however, are usually dark.
Color of their noses is primarily dark-brown to black and their muzzles are full and wide.
Tail
His tail is shaggy and fluffy, which will eventually curl upwards (much like an Akita).
Body
Overall, an Aki-Poo’s body remains fit and strong. Their large body-mass appears striking and daunting, however, it remains to be nothing more than a charade.
Lifespan
As expected with most large-sized dogs, an Aki-Poo’s lifespan ranges between 12 – 16 years.
Grooming Needs
Grooming will be required with an Aki-Poo and should be implemented routinely to help your dog adapt quicker.
Create a schedule that suits your lifestyle, ensuring to cover grooming requirements such as:
- Regular brushing of his coat
- Trimming his coat
- Brushing his teeth
- Clipping of nail beds
- Bathing every-so-often
Brushing his coat, and cleaning his teeth should be done regularly. Everything else can be on a case-to-case basis.
Temperament
The temperament of an Aki-Poo embraces much of his parent’s personality, often sharing near-identical traits and instinctive habits.
Generally, an Aki-Poo is a well-behaved dog, often longing for the approval of his owners. Although stubbornness, irritability, and fortitudinous are common in this breed; A caring, patient, and stable upbringing can deter such behavior.
Some Aki-Poo’s can be affectionate and loving dogs when cared for by affectionate owners. Whereas some Aki-Poo’s are preferred to be used as guard dogs, due to their protective and loyal personality.
Akita’s are commonly used as watch-dogs and were originally bred for hunting, thus it comes as no surprise that the Aki-Poo shares the same potential.
Exercise Needs
Energetic, active, and demanding are three ways to describe an Aki-Poo’s fitness level. This dog will require an owner who can provide a regular exercise routine, allowing them to burn off their energy daily.
On average, an Aki-Poo requires a minimum of 40 minutes to spend outside for exercise. Doing so can aid in built-up energy accumulated throughout the day and prevent excessive boredom.
Lacking to meet their exercise needs can become detrimental to their health, both physically and mentally.
A dog, specifically an Aki-Poo that fails to receive regular exercise is at risk of becoming overweight and mentally drained. Mental drainage includes a build-up of aggressive behavior, or worse fatality if prolonged.
Be sure to take your Aki-Poo for regular walks, outdoor play, and allow him to run around frequently.
Working/Hunting Dogs
Did you know, both an Akita and Poodle were originally bred and used as working/hunting dogs? Therefore, an Aki-Poo has the potential to become both a working or hunting dog much like his parents.
The Akita used to hunt animals such as deer, boar, and bears – whereas the Poodle used to hunt ducks or birds. An Aki-Poo (if trained adequately), could assist hunters in chasing various types of prey!
Poodles also used to assist humans, working as guard dogs or service dogs. An Aki-Poo (if trained adequately), has the potential of becoming a working dog and helping mankind.
Health Risks
It’s commonly suggested that health problems are inherited from parents or evolving history – and unfortunately, Aki-Poo’s are no exception. Health risks for an Aki-Poo relate to common conditions as his parents, such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
Due to an Aki-Poo being of a newer cross-breed, be sure to pay close attention to signs of possible health problems and seek veterinary advice immediately.
Feeding
The feeding of an Aki-Poo consists of a healthy, balanced, and nutritional diet. Foods high in protein are always the best option, with various vegetables and treats every-so-often.
NEVER over-feed your Aki-Poo, as cross-breeds are prone to weight gain and health problems associated with obesity.
Avoid feeding your Aki-Poo foods high in fat, limiting their intake to two meals per day.
Is an Aki-Poo Protective?
Yes, Aki-Poo’s are protective dogs. Both his parents (The Akita and Poodle) share the protective instinct, thus it comes as no surprise the Aki-Poo inherited such trait.
Depending on your purpose for the dog, Aki-Poo’s can make as sensible watchdogs or protectors of your home. Conjoining such protectiveness and their utmost loyalty to his family, such traits can serve a useful purpose.
If, however, your Aki-Poo will become a domesticated household dog, consider training your canine from an early age. Specifically, if your Aki-Poo will be surrounded by children or other animals such as cats.
Training your Aki-Poo as a pup will tame their protectiveness and aid you to deal with fewer hassles in the future, especially when he’s exposed to various strangers or other animals.
How Much Does an Aki-Poo cost?
Aki-Poo’s are still fairly new breeds, therefore it’s rare to find a large quantity of them. When you do find such a breed, however, the average breeder will sell a single Aki-Poo for $450 USD onwards.
*The total price does not factor additional costs required for owning a dog.*
Is an Aki-Poo Right for Me?
So how do I find out if an Aki-Poo is the right dog for me? Simple, let me cover a basic checklist of certain factors that can dictate what owning an Aki-Poo will require:
- Do you have time to train them? Implement basic commands, correction of bad behavior?
- Can you dedicate taking your Aki-Poo for his daily exercise for at least 40 minutes per day?
- Are you a patient, non-aggressive person who can control emotions during stressful situations? (Aki-Poo’s can not handle aggressiveness from owners)
- Will you be able to afford the costs required for owning an Aki-Poo?
- Is your Aki-Poo going to be exposed to young children? If yes, are you prepared to socialize the animal and tame them every day to avoid potential danger?
- Are you willing and able to devote the majority of your spare time in progressing their development?
- Does your Aki-Poo have access to the outdoors? Will they be able to run around? Do you have high gates or safety measures implemented?
- Do you live in a cool climate? If not, are you willing to take proper precautions in protecting your dog from the heat?
If you answered YES to all answers, the Aki-Poo is the right breed of dog for you!
You not only have the time, dedication, and willingness to nurture him properly, but his environmental factors and future living standards suit the Aki-Poo’s needs, allowing a well-behaved and lovable dog to be formed over the years!
Best Climate for an Aki-Poo
Similar to his parents, Aki-Poo thrives best in cool temperatures. Aki-Poo’s do not handle heat well, in fact, their thick coats create irritation and stressful anguish for the dog.
If you live in a hot climate, be sure to take the steps necessary in protecting your dog from the heat.
Do not shave your dog’s coat, as their coat can protect them from the rays of the sun.
Instead, maintain regular trimmings and brushing of their coat.
Apply dog-balm to the soles of his paws and on his nose. This will aid in preventing or healing dry skin, due to weather conditions.
Invest in dog shoes, as scorching concrete can become painful for your dog. Otherwise, walk your dog on the grass or leave once the temperature is cooler.
The Attention an Aki-Poo Needs
Attention is something an Aki-Poo needs, specifically during his early years. Much like humans, where we thrive from recognition and acceptance from our families, an Aki-Poo shares a similar trait.
Aki-Poo’s will sometimes become reliant on their owners for regular approval, praise, and guidance. They do this to track how they’re going if they’re doing things properly and most importantly, to determine whether they’re making you happy or not.
Be sure to give your Aki-Poo plenty of physical and emotional attention, which in its due course will aid in their developing personality, behavior, and traits.
Compatibility with Kids
Compatibility with kids will be completely dependent on an Aki-Poo’s upbringing. If the owner has raised an Aki-Poo alongside children or trained their dog to behave appropriately around children, then an Aki-Poo will be compatible with kids.
Aki-Poo’s who have had zero to little interaction with children are considered completely incompatible with kids. It can be considered dangerous to expose children around Aki-Poo’s who lack such interaction.
If you wish to own an Aki-Poo who will get along with your family or children, be sure to train your Aki-Poo under watchful supervision. Training is the best thing for him, starting immediately and remaining consistent.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Much like an Aki-Poo’s compatibility with kids, the same outlook applies to other animals. If an Aki-Poo has socialized and become exposed to animals, they are more likely to be compatible with other animals. Compared to an Aki-Poo with little to no experience around animals.
Some Aki-Poo’s can be known to be territorial dogs (a trait passed down from his parents), therefore you should consider exposing and socializing your Aki-Poo heavily before leaving an Aki-Poo along with another animal.
Taking your dog to dog parks on a leash or attending puppy taming classes are great methods to socializing your dog to the presence of other animals.
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