"Retro's mama, a registered Standard Poodle, had just returned home from her third "picnic" with her Golden Retriever boyfriend, when it happened! I turned around and my registered Akita decided he wanted to "picnic" too. I panicked at first, but then I figured we were safe because the Poodle was surely pregnant with Goldendoodles. Sixty three days later five precious little Doodles arrived. They were all black or gold, like they were supposed to be, except one little guy. He had white tips on some of his toes and a white spot on his chest. Still in denial, I wrote that off as a Golden trait. Until, about four weeks of age, Retro's tail started curling. UH OH! Retro went to live with my boyfriend, of 32 years, who's only raised German Shepherd Dogs. The boyfriend now thinks we should make Aki-Poos on purpose. He thinks Retro is wonderful. Hence, "Retro the Wonder Dog". (Plus, the Akita in him keeps him wondering about stuff.) :) We think Akita vs. Standard Poodle is an awesome combination. The gentleness of the Poodle tones down the assertiveness in the Akita. Need I say more? The fur/hair issue, jury is still out. Would depend on which coat each pup inherited I suppose. Retro's coat does need grooming around his face like mama Poodle. He still blows his coat like an Akita but not as heavily. He's a happy go lucky guy without an aggressive bone in his body. Clown like, like his mother. Won't listen sometimes, like his father. Easily trained. Very smart. Pete thinks maybe even smarter than the GSDs. Should be healthy because of the hybrid vigor. I could go on and on and on. To sum it up, Retro is the best mistake I ever made in my life. :)"
The Aki-Poo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Akita and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
