Akitapoo
Hybrid Breed Description
The Akitapoo is a cross between the Akita and the Poodle. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Akitapoo. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Akita
The Akita presents a powerful and substantial build that commands attention with its dignified bearing. Males typically stand between 26 and 28 inches at the withers and weigh approximately 100 to 130 pounds, while females measure 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. This large breed exhibits a well-balanced, muscular frame that is only slightly longer than it is tall, creating a sturdy and imposing silhouette. The broad chest and strong neck provide a solid foundation for the breed's most distinctive feature - its large, bear-like head with small triangular ears that stand erect. The Akita's physical appearance reflects its spitz heritage and cold-weather origins. The breed features a thick double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and coarse outer guard hairs that provide excellent insulation. The coat comes in various colors including white, brindle, pinto, red, and combinations thereof, with American Akitas often displaying a characteristic black mask. Their small, dark, deeply-set triangular eyes convey intelligence and alertness, while their distinctive curled tail carried over the back completes their noble appearance. Additional physical characteristics include cat-like, well-knuckled feet with thick pads, small erect ears positioned wide on the head, and a broad muzzle that forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above. The Akita's powerful build, combined with heavy bone structure and substantial muscle mass, creates a dog designed for strength and endurance rather than speed, perfectly suited for the harsh conditions of its northern Japanese origins.
Key Characteristics
The Akita temperament embodies loyalty, independence, and dignified reserve that reflects centuries of breeding as a guardian and hunting companion. These dogs form extraordinarily strong bonds with their family members and display unwavering devotion to their inner circle, often following their owners from room to room. However, this intense loyalty comes with a naturally aloof and suspicious attitude toward strangers, making early socialization absolutely essential. Akitas were never bred to work in groups but rather to hunt alone or in pairs, which has resulted in a strong-willed, independent nature that requires confident, experienced handling. This breed possesses remarkable intelligence combined with a calm, dignified demeanor that can sometimes be mistaken for aloofness. Akitas are not typically playful in the exuberant sense but display a more reserved form of affection and engagement with their families. They have a keen sense of their surroundings and react thoughtfully rather than impulsively, though they can display sudden decisiveness when they perceive a threat. The breed is known for being quiet and reserved, barking only when there is truly something worthy of attention, which makes them excellent watchdogs. Their protective instincts are strong but should be properly channeled through training. Akitas can be dominant and territorial with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and their strong prey drive means they may not be reliable with smaller pets. They require owners who understand pack hierarchy and can establish clear leadership without harsh methods. While Akitas can be wonderful family dogs, they do best in homes without very young children and with owners experienced in handling powerful, independent breeds. Their sensitivity means they respond poorly to harsh training methods, yet their intelligence allows them to excel when trained with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques.
Akitas are generally hardy dogs but are predisposed to several genetic health conditions that potential owners should understand. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are significant concerns in this large breed, where abnormal joint development can lead to pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock through OFA or PennHIP evaluations to minimize these orthopedic issues. The breed is also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye condition that leads to blindness, typically manifesting in middle-aged to senior dogs over one to two years. Autoimmune disorders represent another major health concern for Akitas, with the breed having one of the highest incidences of autoimmune thyroiditis, affecting over 50 percent of dogs as either carriers or affected individuals. Hypothyroidism results in weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems that require lifelong hormone replacement therapy. The breed also faces risks from various immune-mediated skin conditions including sebaceous adenitis, pemphigus foliaceus, and uveodermatologic syndrome, which can cause hair loss, skin inflammation, and in severe cases, blindness. These conditions often require long-term management with immunosuppressive medications and specialized care. Other significant health issues include gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds where the stomach fills with gas and twists, requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder, affects blood clotting ability and should be screened for before surgery. Akitas also show increased susceptibility to certain cancers and may experience myasthenia gravis, causing muscle weakness. With proper screening, preventive care, and attention to early symptoms, Akitas typically live 10 to 14 years. Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and genetic testing from reputable breeders are essential for maximizing the breed's health and longevity.
Poodle
The Poodle presents an elegant, athletic build characterized by a square outline with a long, graceful neck and straight back that conveys both dignity and power. This breed comes in three size varieties: the Standard Poodle standing over 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing 45 to 70 pounds, the Miniature Poodle measuring 10 to 15 inches and weighing 12 to 20 pounds, and the Toy Poodle standing under 10 inches and weighing 5 to 7 pounds. Regardless of size, all Poodles share the same refined proportions, with a long, straight muzzle, dropped ears covered in long hair, and an overall appearance of balanced athleticism rather than delicate fragility. The breed's most distinctive feature is its dense, curly single-layer coat that grows continuously rather than shedding in the traditional sense, making Poodles popular choices for people with allergies. The tight curls create a unique texture that can be styled in various traditional clips, though the original purpose of these cuts was practical - protecting joints and vital organs in cold water while allowing freedom of movement during retrieval work. Poodles come in a wide array of solid colors including black, white, apricot, cream, brown, red, silver, blue, gray, and cafe au lait. Their eyes are typically very dark brown and oval-shaped, though dogs with brown or cafe au lait coats may have amber eyes. The Poodle's physical structure reflects its heritage as a water retriever, with a leggy appearance that allows for powerful, efficient movement. Their feet are small and oval, and the tail is customarily docked to a medium length, carried high and alert. The coat requires significant maintenance to prevent matting, as the hair continuously grows and tangles with itself rather than shedding naturally. Without regular grooming, a Poodle's coat will form cords similar to dreadlocks. The breed moves with a light, springy gait that demonstrates both grace and purpose, befitting a dog originally bred for serious retrieving work in challenging water conditions.
Key Characteristics
Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, combining exceptional cognitive abilities with an eagerness to please that makes them highly trainable and versatile companions. Their intelligence, reminiscent of their origins as water retrievers, means they excel at problem-solving and learn new commands quickly, though this same mental acuity requires consistent stimulation to prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues. Standard Poodles tend to be slightly more reserved and dignified, while Miniature and Toy varieties often display more energetic, alert personalities. All varieties, however, share a lively, active nature and a sensitivity to their environment and their owner's emotions that can make them wonderful emotional support animals. The breed forms deep, loyal bonds with their human families and thrives on companionship, often following their owners throughout the house and wanting to participate in all family activities. This devotion comes with a potential downside - Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, manifesting in excessive barking, destructive behavior, or depression. They are naturally social dogs that genuinely enjoy meeting new people, though without proper socialization, smaller varieties can become shy, standoffish, or even nippy with strangers. Poodles communicate through various vocalizations and can become nuisance barkers when bored, anxious, or under-stimulated, making them effective watchdogs despite not being particularly territorial. These sensitive dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, as harsh corrections can damage their confidence and create fearful or anxious behaviors. Their hunting heritage means they retain strong instincts and may display marking behaviors or chase smaller animals, though these tendencies can be managed through proper training. Poodles need both physical exercise and mental challenges to remain happy and well-adjusted - activities like obedience training, agility, nose work, and interactive puzzle toys are essential for their wellbeing. With appropriate outlets for their energy and intelligence, Poodles make adaptable, affectionate companions that excel in various roles from family pets to service dogs, demonstrating remarkable versatility beneath their elegant exterior.
Poodles are generally long-lived dogs, with Toy and Miniature varieties often reaching 15 to 18 years and Standards typically living 12 to 14 years, though all varieties face breed-specific health challenges. Hip dysplasia represents a significant concern, particularly in Standard Poodles, where abnormal hip joint development can cause pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Reputable breeders screen for this genetic condition through OFA or PennHIP evaluations. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited degenerative eye disease causing gradual blindness, affects all Poodle varieties and typically appears in middle age, progressing over one to two years with no effective treatment available. Sebaceous adenitis is especially problematic in Standard Poodles, with approximately 50 percent being either affected or carriers of this immune-mediated skin condition where sebaceous glands become inflamed and destroyed. This leads to dry, scaly skin, hair loss, and a dull, brittle coat that requires lifelong management with special shampoos and treatments. Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) occurs more frequently in Poodles than most breeds, with 75 percent of influencing factors being genetic. This adrenal gland disorder causes lethargy, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate veterinary attention and lifelong hormone replacement therapy once diagnosed. Standard Poodles face an elevated risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and requiring emergency surgery. Von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder affecting blood clotting, can be detected through DNA testing and requires special precautions during surgery or injury. Other health concerns include epilepsy, particularly idiopathic epilepsy in Standards appearing between 1 to 5 years of age; hypothyroidism causing weight gain and coat problems; luxating patella (dislocated kneecap) more common in smaller varieties; and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affecting toy and miniature sizes. Regular veterinary care, genetic health testing, proper nutrition, and dental hygiene are essential for maintaining Poodle health throughout their lives.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Akitapoo may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Akita and Poodle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.