Akita Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Akita lives 10–13 years, with a median of 11 years.
The Akita is a powerful, dignified Japanese breed originally developed in the mountainous northern regions of Japan for hunting large game including bear, elk, and boar. Revered in Japan as a symbol of loyalty, good health, and family protection — a tradition immortalized by the legendary Hachiko — the Akita is a courageous and deeply loyal companion that bonds intensely with its family while maintaining a natural wariness of strangers. This is a dominant, independent breed that requires an experienced owner who understands and respects its strong-willed nature.
10–13
years lifespan
100–130
lbs (male)
26–28
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
How Long Do Akitas Live?
Akitas have a lifespan of 10–13 years, with a median of 11 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Akita lives:
- bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- hip dysplasia
- autoimmune conditions
- hypothyroidism
- progressive retinal atrophy
Temperament
How Old Is Your Akita in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Akita Age CalculatorAkita Size & Weight
100–130 lbs
Male weight
70–100 lbs
Female weight
26–28″
Male height
24–26″
Female height
Size category: large · Group: Working
Common Akita Health Problems
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV)
A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food and then rotates, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen while compressing the large veins returning blood to the heart. Akitas are among the highest-risk breeds due to their deep, narrow chest conformation. GDV can progress from initial symptoms to death within hours without emergency surgical intervention. Even with surgery, mortality rates are significant.
Typical onset: 2–10 years
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal development of the hip joint causing a poor fit between the femoral head and the acetabulum, leading to progressive arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility. Akitas are predisposed due to their large size and rapid growth rate. The condition is polygenic and also influenced by environmental factors including nutrition, exercise, and growth rate. Bilateral involvement is common, affecting both hips.
Typical onset: 1–3 years
Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hypothyroidism)
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid gland, resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone production. Akitas have one of the highest rates of autoimmune thyroiditis among all breeds. Hypothyroidism causes widespread metabolic slowing affecting virtually every organ system. The condition is manageable with daily thyroid hormone replacement but requires lifelong medication and monitoring.
Typical onset: 2–6 years
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
An uncommon but breed-overrepresented autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin. Without sebaceous glands, the skin becomes excessively dry, the coat becomes brittle and patchy, and secondary bacterial infections are common. In Akitas, the condition tends to present with a distinctive moth-eaten coat appearance and scaling, particularly along the back and head.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
An inherited degenerative condition affecting the photoreceptor cells of the retina, leading to progressive and irreversible vision loss. In Akitas, PRA typically begins with loss of night vision as rod cells degenerate, progressing to complete blindness over months to years. The condition is painless but significantly impacts quality of life, particularly for a breed that relies on visual awareness as part of its guardian nature.
Typical onset: 3–7 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Akitas:
- OFA hip evaluation (radiographs)
- Thyroid panel (T4, free T4, TSH, thyroglobulin autoantibody)
- Ophthalmologic examination (CERF/OFA)
- Cardiac evaluation (echocardiogram)
- Sebaceous adenitis skin biopsy
- PRA DNA genetic test
Typical Veterinary Costs
Akitas are generally rated high on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Budget for preventative screenings and treatment of common breed-specific issues.
When Is a Akita Considered Senior?
Akitas are generally considered senior at around 7 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Akita’s age in human years →Akita Exercise Needs
Adult Akitas need 45–90 minutes of exercise per day. Adult Akitas need daily exercise to maintain their muscular build and mental equilibrium, but they are not hyperactive dogs. They tend toward moderate, purposeful activity rather than frantic running. Long walks, hiking, and exploring in secure areas suit their temperament well. Akitas are not typically dog park dogs due to their same-sex aggression tendencies — exercise should be individual or with known, compatible dogs only.
Cautions: always leashed or in securely fenced area; manage interactions with unfamiliar dogs; no exercise one hour before or after meals (bloat risk); avoid extreme heat — dense coat causes overheating; be aware of dog-aggression potential
Akita Diet & Nutrition
Adult Akitas typically eat 3–5 cups of high-quality large-breed adult formula or breed-appropriate raw diet per day, split into 2 meals. Feed two meals daily — never one large meal, as this dramatically increases bloat risk. Enforce rest periods before and after meals. Akitas can be finicky eaters and may go through periods of reduced appetite, which is generally normal for the breed. Many Akitas thrive on fish-based or novel protein diets, reflecting their Japanese heritage. Avoid elevated food bowls. Monitor weight carefully, as the dense coat hides gradual weight gain.
Key nutrients: lean animal protein (22-28%), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, moderate fat content (12-16%), zinc for skin and coat
Akitas present a unique weight assessment challenge due to their extremely dense double coat, which can add several apparent pounds and completely obscure body contours. Hands-on evaluation is essential — feel the ribs through the coat (you should detect them with moderate pressure), and part the coat to assess waist definition from above. Hypothyroidism, which is very common in Akitas, can cause unexplained weight gain and must be ruled out before attributing weight changes to overfeeding. Akitas are also naturally variable eaters — some days they eat enthusiastically, other days they pick. This is normal breed behavior and does not require dietary changes unless it persists for more than 2-3 days.
Akita Dental Care
Akitas generally have robust dental health with a proper scissors bite and well-spaced teeth in their large, broad jaws. They are less prone to dental disease than many breeds, but their powerful jaws and love of chewing can result in fractured teeth, particularly the large premolars and carnassial teeth. Avoid giving extremely hard chew items like antlers, bones, or hard nylon chews, as these commonly cause tooth fractures in powerful-jawed breeds. Regular brushing prevents tartar accumulation, and annual dental checks catch any issues early. Akitas may resist dental care if not habituated early — building cooperative dental handling in puppyhood is well worth the investment.
Akita Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Dense double coat with soft undercoat and harsh outer coat
Shedding
very high
Energy
moderate
Akita Trainability
Akitas are rated independent to train. They typically calm down around 30 months of age.