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The Poodle Akita mix, also known as the Aki-Poo, is a unique dog breed with an elegant look, but not many people know about it. In this breed guide, we will find out all the characteristics of this mixed dog and help you decide if this is the right dog for you.
Let’s dive right in!
What is an Aki-Poo?
An Aki-Poo is a cross between a purebred Akita and a purebred Poodle. These canines combine the Akita’s natural protective instincts with the Poodle’s intelligence and eagerness to please, making them excellent potential guard dogs.
This designed dog breed is relatively new, and the exact origin of the Poodle Akita mix is hard to pinpoint. However, their parents have long histories, so we can learn more about Aki-Poo dogs by taking a closer look at the history of each parent breed.
The Poodle history:
Despite being the national dog of France, the Poodle originated in Germany. It began to develop as a retrieving water dog more than 400 years ago. The poodle has an elegant look and is one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
The Akita history:
The Akita originated in the mountains of northern Japan. It was used for hunting and fighting before being trained for police and guard work. In 1931, the Japanese government designated this breed a “natural monument.”
The first Akita was brought to America by Helen Keller in 1937 after she received a puppy as a gift during a tour of Japan.
Aki-Poo size
Generally, a full grown Akita Poodle mix stands from 15 to 28 inches and weighs between 45 to 120 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females. But remember that the size of your Aki-Poo will largely depend on their parents.
Appearance
The Poodle Akita mix will have a strong and sturdy build, small eyes, dark muzzles, erect or floppy eyes, and fluffy tails. Their coats can be curly and coarse like Poodles or dense and plush like Akitas. They can be a mix of multiple colors or solid.
Lifespan
Aki-Poo dogs have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. We all know that genes have a huge impact on their lifespan, but there are other things you can do to increase your dog’s life expectancy.
Three main factors that affect the longevity of a dog include:
- Genetic information they inherit from their parents.
- Events like illnesses, injuries, and accidents happen to them during their life.
- Their nutrition and lifestyle.
Our furry friends can live longer and be with us for many years if they receive immense love and proper care. Read on to know how to do it properly.
Poodle Akita mix personality
Poodle Akita mix dogs inherit personality traits from both the Poodle and the Akita. They can be very protective of their family like Akitas or be vocal without barking extensively like Poodles.
They are excellent guard dogs and will not hesitate to make their presence known and protect you when they sense you are in danger.
Health
The Aki Poo is predisposed to the same health issues that the Akita and the Poodle also face. Both of their parents are prone to bloat and joint problems. So it’s vital to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder who can show you the puppy’s health certification.
Also, don’t forget to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups to detect any health issues as soon as possible and ensure your dog is healthy.
Exercise
Like their parents, Aki-Poos have a lot of energy, so they need significant physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. Lack of stimulation and exercise can cause them to gain weight, feel unhappy and behave destructively.
They require at least 30 minutes of walking every day. They may also enjoy playing fetch, hiking, and swimming. The amount of exercise will change according to the dog’s age, size, health condition, and energy level.
Supervision is a must. It is recommended with all dogs to prevent injury or unexpected escape.
You should train your Akita Poodle mix from a young age to avoid developing bad habits and become a well-behaved family member.
As with most dogs, they will respond best to positive reinforcement. Rewards can be their favorite food, treats, praise, belly rubs, and so on. You should keep each training session short and fun to hold their attention.
The Aki-Poo is a great family dog, but because they have the DNA of a very protective breed like the Akita, they will need early socialization to ensure they get along with kids and other animals.
Be sure you introduce your puppy to many different people, animals, sights, noises, smells, and places in a safe manner.
Whatever your dog’s breed is, training is a must if you want to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved dog of your dreams. You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Do Akita poodles shed? How to groom them?
Maintaining the oral health of any dog is a difficult task. So you may want to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week to support their oral health.
The clicking sounds on the floor will let you know when is the right time to trim your dog’s nails. In addition, if your dog has inherited the Poodle’s floppy ears, checking and cleaning should become part of the grooming routine to avoid infection.
Related post: How Often To Clean Dog Ears (10 Simple Step Guide)
Feeding & diet
The Aki Poo dog requires a diet specifically designed for their size, age, and activity level. To give your dog all the necessary nutrients, you should serve them high-quality food. Their food must contain a good amount of protein and no artificial fillers or additives.
Because they are prone to bloat and easy to gain weight, you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out throughout the day. Meals served two times a day are ideal.
Children & other pets
Aki-Poos enjoy playing with kids and may get along with other household pets when properly introduced. But they may struggle with young kids like infants and toddlers, so families with older children will be a better fit for this breed. It will reduce the risk of injury.
Akita Poodle mix for sale
The price of Aki-Poos will be a bit pricey because of their rarity. It will depend on their parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received.
You should adopt Aki-Poo puppies from reputable breeders. You absolutely don’t want to spend tons of money on a sick or malnourished puppy, nor give money to an animal abuser.
A reputable breeder will provide you with health certification, and their dogs should be kept in the best possible environment.
Conclusion
The Poodle Akita mix is a cross between the purebred Akita and the purebred Poodle. The full grown Poodle Akita mix stands from 15 to 28 inches and weighs between 45 to 120 pounds. They inherit personality traits from both parent breeds, which is why they are excellent guard dogs.
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