Aki-Poo -- Akita Inu X Poodle

		Aki-Poo
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Japan <> France -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Akidoodle Pookita Akitapoo Akoodle

A brief presentation of the Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo is a cross between the Akita Inu and the Poodle. Dogs of this breed vary in size depending on their parents, reaching heights of 38 to 71 centimeters and weighing between 20.5 and 54.5 kilos. In general, the Aki-Poo has a strong, robust build, with ears that can be either floppy or pricked. The Aki-Poo's coat may resemble that of both parents. Hybrid dogs can inherit courage, loyalty, affection and intelligence from their parents' breeds, creating a dog with a playful, easy-going personality. The Aki-Poo is generally easy to train and can cope well with children, although, as with the Akita, it may not be at ease with very young children. A very energetic dog, the Aki-Poo will need long daily walks and outdoor activities for its physical and emotional health.

History of the Aki-Poo

Although you might not initially associate the Akita Inu with the Poodle, this cross has a lot to offer. Breeders have been creating decorative dogs for around fifty years, although the Aki-Poo is thought to have been around for only ten or twenty.

	A little of the Akita Inu
	The Akita Inu is a brave and spirited Japanese dog that has been around for centuries. They have always been renowned for their hunting skills, and have shown no fear when hunting large prey such as wild boar and deer. Rather than attack the prey, they would eliminate it, never backing down from a challenge. The Akita Inu made a name for itself in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s, and was declared a Japanese national monument at the time. This popularity was due to the story of Hachiko, a dog whose owner had died on the job, but who continued to return to the station every day in the hope of seeing him again. This demonstration of loyalty was seen as an extremely attractive quality, and a statue was even erected in the station in Hachiko's honor. During the Second World War, the breed was on the verge of extinction, with numbers so low that it had to be bred with other breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Tosa Inu. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Akita Inu and placed it in its working group.

	Standard of the Akita Inu
	A little of the Poodle
	The Poodle is the dog breed par excellence and one of a large number of specific cross-breed dogs. Indeed, they offer many remarkable personality traits and come in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The Aki-Poo usually features the Standard Poodle, rather than the other two smaller sizes. Poodles have been revered in France since the 1700s, but are known to have existed in Germany for several hundred years before that. Traditionally, the breed was used as a hunting dog, retrieving waterfowl and bringing them back to their master. Some of the breed's dogs are also said to be used to detect truffles. Over the years, Poodles have become more popular as pets and show dogs, and have also competed in various canine disciplines, often scoring very good results.

	Standard of the Poodle

Appearance of the Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo is a hybrid of the Akita Inu and the Poodle, growing from 38 to 71 centimeters in height and weighing between 20.5 and 54.5 kilos. This is a great variation for this hybrid, as its size depends on that of its parents; the Poodle parent, in particular, can vary considerably in height and weight. The Aki-Poo's coat can resemble that of the Akita Inu, which sports a short, thick, dense double coat, or that of the Poodle, whose coat tends to have a thick, rough texture. The color can be any shade that appears on an Akita Inu or Poodle. A sturdily built hybrid, the Akita-Poo's ears can be erect or floppy. This hybrid will often have a dark muzzle and small eyes, with curly, fluffy tails.

Temperament of the Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo can inherit personality traits from both the Akita Inu and the Poodle. Like the Akita Inu, the Aki-Poo can be very protective of its family, making it an excellent watchdog. The Aki-Poo can be noisy without barking profusely, like the Poodle. This hybrid combination produces dogs that are generally affectionate, loyal, lively, easy-going and playful. When properly socialized, the Aki-Poo enjoys playing with children and can get along with other pets. Like the Akita Inu, the Aki-Poo can have difficulties with young children, toddlers and infants, especially if they have not been raised together. If the Aki-Poo inherits the intelligence of its parent breeds, it will be very easy to train and eager to learn. If the Aki-Poo is not trained and is left alone for long periods, it may develop destructive behavior and separation anxiety. Like the Poodle, the Aki-Poo can enjoy retrieving and water activities. Obedience and agility training will be ideal for this energetic canine. The Aki-Poo can be noisy, but doesn't bark much.

Needs and activities of the Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo, like the Akita Inu and Poodle, has a lot of energy and needs plenty of physical activity to maintain good physical and emotional health. Daily exercise in the form of a long walk, at least 30 minutes, jogging or hiking will be important for your dog. Access to a fenced yard is useful to give him a space where he can run and play. Supervision is essential, as it is recommended for all dogs, to avoid injury or unexpected escape when interest is piqued. Your dog may also enjoy swimming, playing ball and pulling games. Opportunities to use his herding and hunting instincts will also be important to your dog.

Maintenance of the Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo will probably undergo moderate moulting and should be brushed regularly. The extent of shedding will depend on the nature of its coat: the Poodle, which doesn't shed, or the Akita Inu, which does. If the coat is more like that of a Poodle, brushing will still be necessary, as loose hairs will stick to the dog's coat until they are removed. Poodle maintenance includes clipping, brushing and shampooing (with a dog shampoo), while the Akita Inu requires regular brushing. Dogs of this breed need their teeth brushed regularly to ensure long-term dental health, and their nails trimmed if necessary. Like many other dogs, the Aki-Poo will need to be trained from an early age, eight to twelve weeks. Easy to train, basic commands will come easily to this intelligent, inquisitive hybrid. Behavioral training will help your dog avoid bad habits. Patience is essential when training your dog. You'll probably have to repeat the command several times, and negative reinforcement is not recommended. Do your best not to let your frustration show in your voice. Your dog will sense that you are becoming increasingly frustrated and may associate training with your displeasure. Regular exercise is important for your Aki-Poo's physical and emotional health.