The Aki-Poo has many names, including; Akidoodle, Pookita, and Akitapoo. Whatever name they go by, they are a mix of an Akita and a Standard Poodle. This lovable, playful pooch can resemble either parents in physicality.
They make wonderful family pets, and guard dogs, as they have the intelligence and eager to please from its poodle parent, and the great ability to guard from its Akita parent.
Aki-Poo History
The Aki-Poo is a modern breed, created sometime in the 1980s, and there is not much known about its history, other the long history of its parents. The Akita originated in Japan in the early 1700s, specifically developed to be a large, versatile hunting dog. Over the years the Akita has been ingrained into Japanese culture that extends to today. The first Akita was brought to the United States by Helen Keller, who received one as a gift.
The poodle is the national dog of France and are known as the Duck Dog, as they were developed to be a retrieving water dog. The Standard Poodle is the only non-sporting breed that is eligible for Retriever Hunting Tests by the American Kennel Club. Hunting and retrieving is how it originally got the hair cut that is so symbolic of the Standard Poodle. Hunters wanted their dogs to be able to move freely in the water, while also wanting them to keep warm, hence the shaving of the legs, neck and tail, while leaving the fur on their trunks and heads.
Aki-Poo Characteristics
Due to the parent breeds being so different from each other, there are a lot of variances when it comes to the Aki-Poo, from its size, to its fur type, to its coloring. It really depends on which parent it takes after more.
The breed can get to be as big as 28 inches and 120 pounds, many have the triangular ears found in the Akita, but it is possible that some have more floppy ears. Their bodies and muzzles tend to be stocky, more like Akita, and their coloring can be any shade that is found in either parent breed.
Aki-Poo Temperament/Personality
Just like their physical appearance, the parent breeds of the Aki-Poo have very different temperaments, and it can be difficult to predict which one the Aki-Poo will take on. Those that take after the Akita will be loyal and brave, being protective of their family. They love on their immediate family but are a little cautious around others. The Aki-Poos who take after the Standard Poodle tend to be more laid back and just love everybody.
Most Aki-Poos will get a good mixture from each parent and will be loving and loyal, and will get along with everyone in the family, including children. They are smart and adaptive, and are generally quiet, only vocalizing when they need to.
Caring for Aki-Poo
Like all dog breeds, some care is required, and in the case of the Aki-Poo, the amount will really depend on which parent it takes after. For instance, Standard Poodles do not shed, yet Akita’s do, so the care of the Aki-Poo’s coat will depend on the type of coat they have.
Aki-Poo Nutrition
Aki-Poos are large dogs with lots of energy, so they will require premium quality kibble that is formulated for their size and activity levels. Both parent breeds suffer from bloat, so this could be a common problem with Aki-Poos so it is recommended not to overfeed them, and also exercise them about an hour after eating.
Aki-Poo Grooming
Though the Standard Poodle doesn’t shed, chances are the Aki-Poo will have moderate shedding, more like its Akita parent. The amount of shedding will depend on the type of coat the Aki-Poo has. Either way, the Aki-Poo will need to be brushed regularly, if it’s coat is like an Akita, it will help lessen the shedding, and if the coat is more like that Poodle, the loose fur will need to be removed from the undercoat.
Akitas don’t need regular bathing, however Poodles do, as well as regular trimming.
Aki-Poo Activity Levels
The Aki-Poo is an energetic and active breed who benefits from regular exercise. They love to go on scenic hikes, and to also have a chance to run around off-leash. It is recommended that they get at least 30 minutes of exercise a couple of times throughout the day.
Aki-Poo Maintenance
In addition to brushing, bathing, and trimming your Aki-Poo, especially if they have a coat like their Poodle parent, Aki-Poos also need to have regular teeth cleaning and nail trimming when needed.
Aki-Poo Health
The biggest health concern with Aki-Poos is hip dysplasia. Other than that, some minor issues that you might want to look out for include, entropion, cataracts, pemphigus, sebaceous adenitis, bloat, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
With good care, the Aki-Poo has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years.
Breeds Similar to Aki-Poo
Best Dog Food for Aki-Poos
If you wish to keep your Aki-Poo’s energy levels high, Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instincts Dog Food would be the best dog food to choose from. This dog food has been planned to provide a nutrient-dense formula with a higher amount of proteins, which are necessary for your Aki-Poo’s health. The formulation of its recipe is such that it supports your Aki-Poo’s immune response and digestive system as well.
- Features natural turkey meal as its first ingredient
- Enriched with nutrients like glucosamine, which are beneficial for better maintenance of joints
- Features a rich blend of vitamins and minerals as well
Best Puppy Food for Aki-Poos
The best puppy food for Aki-Poo would be Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food, as this puppy food is cooked to have an efficient recipe that will target all dietary requirements of your Aki-Poo puppy. The makers have avoided using any fillers, artificial preservatives, and meat by-products, which can cause obesity. Overall, this meal has well-rounded nutrition that is apt for your Aki-Poo puppy’s growth.
- Enriched with fatty acids like DHA which will provide a better mental development
- The recipe is devoid of any potential food allergens.
- Gives a healthier skin and coat to your Aki-Poo puppy
Best Dog Crate for Aki-Poos
The best dog crate for ensuring your Aki-Poo’s safety in your absence would be MidWest LifeStages Single Door Dog Crate. This dog crate has been efficiently engineered to have a strong structure that does not catch rust easily. This crate’s design is such that its edges are round, so it will not cause any potential injury to your Aki-Poo.
- Comes with a divider panel which helps you organize the appropriate space to keep your Aki-Poo
- Features a rigid base pan to hold your Aki-Poo
- Comes with electro-coated wires
Best Dog Bed for Aki-Poos
The best relieving bed for your Aki-Poo would be the K&H Pet Products Feather-Top Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed. This bed is designed to provide immense orthopedic support, along with bestowing your Aki-Poo with a soft and relaxing surface to dose off. It features a baffled duck feather-top covered in an ultra-soft microfleece fabric as its resting surface that lies on top of a five-inch memory foam base.
- Features an eye-catching two-tone design
- Features a removable cover
- The cover can be washed with a normal washing machine and does not need any heat cycle for cleaning.
Best Dog Harness for Aki-Poos
The best dog harness to ensure a safe and secure walk with your Aki-Poo would be Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness. This is a veterinarian-approved harness that is thoughtfully crafted to provide a hassle-free walking experience with your Aki-Poo. This harness’s design is such that its chest and belly portion are padded with mesh that is itself a lightweight, breathable material, so your Aki-Poo stays comfortable and relaxed.
- Features a front-clip design
- Available in nine exciting colors
- Lined with a reflective material, so can be used for late-night walks as well.
Best Dog Collars for Aki-Poos
To ensure a better and more comfortable walking experience, you have to buy a harness that is loved by your Aki-Poo, and the best one in this regard would be Soft Touch Collars Leather Dog Collar. This dog collar is entirely using genuine leather, which is known for its provided comfort and durability. To ensure that the collar does not collect any hair from your Aki-Poo’s neck, the makers have used sheepskin leather to develop the interior.
- Padded for extra comfort
- Comes in various sizes
- Features sturdy brass hardware and sealed edges for a durable experience
Best Dog Muzzle for Aki-Poos
The best dog muzzle for monitoring your Aki-Poo’s behavior is the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle. This dog muzzle has been designed to efficiently do its job while providing a comforting experience to your Aki-Poo. This muzzle features a basket-like design that is crafted using a thermoplastic rubber, which is resistant to weather changes.
- Available in several sizes
- Features neoprene padded straps for greater comfort
- All sizes are adjustable.
Best Dog Toys for Aki-Poos
The best dog toy to keep your Aki-Poo engaged and interacted, and help build a better understanding with you is ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide + Seek Plush Dog Toy. This dog toy is designed using a high-quality fleece material and is a great puzzle toy that helps keep your Aki-Poo active. It also helps improve your Aki-Poo’s cognitive responses as the hidden squeakers in each of the three critters keep him stimulated.
- Can be washed in a machine
- Helps in entertaining your Aki-Poo
- Comes with three cute hedgehogs
Best Dog Brush for Aki-Poos
The best dog brush to groom your Aki-Poo is Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. This brush is designed to optimize your grooming sessions of your Aki-Poo by having stainless steel pins. The pins are quite fine and long, so they conveniently penetrate your Aki-Poo’s outer coat and help you brush him in the best way possible.
- Pins are angled to provide greater comfort.
- Features retractable pins to help you clean the brush in the most convenient way
- Has a soft rubber grip on its handle to help you hold the brush well
Best Dog Shampoo for Aki-Poos
To help you get the most out of a grooming session and provide an ideal bathing session to your Aki-Poo, the best dog shampoo would be Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo + Conditioner. This dog shampoo is formulated using cosmetic-grade ingredients, which are mainly botanical extracts. All such ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Rosemary, and Green Tea, are found in this shampoo, helping your Aki-Poo experience a soothing effect.
- Helps nourish your Aki-Poo’s skin
- Leaves your Aki-Poo with a rejuvenating smell
- Helps remove any tough dirt
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