Akita Lifespan: How Long Do They Live & Tips to Help Them Thrive
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m always eager to help dedicated owners learn more about giving their canine companions the happiest, healthiest lives possible. If you‘re the proud owner of an Akita or considering adding one of these majestic dogs to your family, you may be wondering, "How long do Akitas live?"
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll take an evidence-based look at the Akita lifespan, factors that influence longevity, and expert tips to help your beloved Akita live their best life through every stage. As a large breed dog with a rich history, the Akita has some unique health and care considerations owners should be aware of.
By the end of this article, you‘ll be armed with all the information you need to help your fluffy friend thrive and maximize your years of joy together. Let‘s dive in!
Akita Lifespan Stats & Figures
According to a 2022 analysis by PetNewsDaily.com, the average lifespan of an Akita is 10-14 years. However, a UK Kennel Club survey found the median lifespan of Akitas to be 11 years, with some living up to 16 years.
As a large breed, Akitas have a relatively good lifespan compared to similar sized dogs. Here‘s how the Akita stacks up:
| Breed | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Akita | 10-14 years |
| Siberian Husky | 12-15 years |
| Rottweiler | 9-10 years |
| Mastiff | 6-10 years |
| St. Bernard | 8-10 years |
Source: American Kennel Club
Of course, these are just averages and some Akitas may live significantly longer or shorter lives based on a variety of factors we‘ll discuss later on. Purebred Akitas from show lines tend to have slightly shorter lifespans than working line or mixed breed Akitas.
In general, the most common causes of death in Akitas are:
- Cancer (osteosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors)
- Bloat/gastric torsion
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Musculoskeletal disorders like hip dysplasia
- Endocrine diseases like Cushing‘s or hypothyroidism
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Journal
While some of these health problems have a genetic component, many are also influenced by lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, preventative care, and living environment. With great care and a bit of luck, Akita lovers can meaningfully stack the odds in favor of a long, vibrant life for their companion.
Genetics & Breeding: Building a Foundation for Longevity
As a purebred dog developed on the Japanese island of Honshu, the Akita‘s distinctive looks and temperament are the result of generations of selective breeding. Careful breeding choices made with health and soundness in mind give individual Akitas the best chance of a long lifespan.
Reputable Akita breeders conduct extensive health testing on parent dogs before breeding to reduce the risk of inherited disorders. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends screening Akitas for:
- Hip dysplasia (radiograph evaluation)
- Elbow dysplasia (radiograph evaluation)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (DNA test)
- Sebaceous adenitis (biopsy or clinical exam)
When possible, choose an Akita puppy from health tested parents with certificates of clearances. This greatly reduces (though doesn‘t completely eliminate) the odds of your puppy inheriting painful, lifespan shortening conditions.
Breeders should also consider temperament, structure, and genetic diversity in their breeding choices. Well-bred Akitas have sound minds and bodies that set them up for an active, healthy life.
Optimizing Your Akita‘s Diet for a Long Life
As the saying goes, "you are what you eat." Nutrition is the foundation that supports your Akita‘s growth, development, and lifelong wellness. Akitas have high calorie and protein needs to fuel their active lifestyle and maintain lean muscle mass.
When choosing a dog food for your Akita, look for:
- High-quality animal protein (chicken, fish, beef, etc.) as the first ingredient
- Whole grains, fruits, and veggies for fiber and nutrients
- Healthy fats like fish oil or flaxseed for skin/coat health
- Named vitamin and mineral supplements for balanced nutrition
- Formulated for large breed dogs (especially for puppies)
Avoid dog foods with:
- Unnamed meat by-products or meals
- High levels of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Excessive carbohydrate content from grains/starches
The amount you feed your Akita is just as important as what you feed them. Akitas are prone to obesity, which shortens their lifespan by increasing the risk of joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Follow the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging and adjust portions up or down to maintain a healthy body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) your Akita‘s ribs and they should have an obvious "waist" behind their chest. Avoid free-feeding and limit treats to less than 10% of daily calories.
Exercise: Keeping Your Akita Fit for Life
Akitas were originally bred as hunting dogs in the rugged Japanese mountains, prized for their strength, endurance, and agility. Today‘s Akitas maintain their ancestors‘ athletic abilities and need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.
At a minimum, adult Akitas need at least an hour of exercise daily, preferably split between two or more activity sessions. Good exercises for Akitas include:
- Brisk walks or hikes
- Running/jogging (for short durations on soft surfaces)
- Swimming
- Playing fetch
- Tug of war
- Agility courses
- Scent work games
- Puzzle toys
Akitas are prone to joint problems, especially hip and elbow dysplasia. While puppies, avoid over-exercising your Akita and limit high impact activities. Provide a soft, supportive bed and keep your Akita lean to reduce joint strain. If your Akita seems stiff or sore after exercise, talk to your vet about joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medication.
Well-exercised Akitas are more relaxed at home and less likely to develop problem behaviors like excessive barking, digging, or chewing. Keep in mind Akitas have a high prey drive, so always walk them on leash and provide a securely fenced yard for off leash play.
Preventative Care: Your Akita‘s Lifelong Health Ally
Being proactive about your Akita‘s veterinary care is one of the most impactful ways to increase their lifespan. Many Akita health problems can be effectively managed or even prevented with a dedicated preventative care approach.
Take your Akita for a check-up at least once per year (twice per year for seniors). During wellness exams your vet will:
- Check vital signs and body condition
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Examine the teeth, eyes, ears and skin
- Assess joint range of motion
- Palpate the abdomen for any lumps or abnormalities
- Run screening bloodwork to check organ function
- Discuss nutrition, behavior, and any health concerns
Keep your Akita up to date on core vaccinations like rabies, distemper, parvo, and adenovirus. Your vet may also recommend non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme, or canine influenza based on your Akita‘s lifestyle. Administer monthly broad-spectrum flea/tick prevention and deworm your Akita as directed by your vet.
Spaying or neutering your Akita can help prevent certain cancers and other diseases, ultimately increasing expected lifespan. For females, spaying before the first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of mammary cancer and prevents life-threatening pyometra infections. In males, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces prostate problems.
If you notice any signs of illness in your Akita like lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or behavior changes, don‘t wait – contact your veterinarian right away. Prompt treatment can make all the difference for conditions like bloat, which can progress rapidly.
How Your Akita‘s Home Environment Impacts Lifespan
Providing your Akita with a safe, comfortable home environment supports their mental and physical well-being for a long, happy life. Akitas thrive in homes with plenty of space to stretch out, a securely fenced yard for playtime, and a dedicated family to call their own.
As a cold weather bred dog with a thick double coat, Akitas are sensitive to heat and humidity. Limit outdoor time on hot days and always provide fresh water and shade. Indoors, give your Akita a quiet, draft-free spot to rest with a supportive orthopedic bed, especially as they age.
Akitas can be territorial and may not tolerate other dogs in the home, especially of the same sex. Many Akitas do best as the only dog in the home or when paired with an opposite sex dog they‘ve been raised with. Proper training and socialization starting in puppyhood can improve an Akita‘s comfort with new people and animals.
While Akitas are affectionate and loyal to their families, they may be aloof or suspicious towards strangers. Teach children to interact gently and respectfully with your Akita. Always supervise playtime and give your Akita space to retreat if they seem overwhelmed.
Regular grooming with brushing and bathing keeps your Akita‘s skin and coat healthy. Overgrown nails can cause pain and posture changes, so trim them short every few weeks. Dental disease is a common problem in older dogs that can impact heart, liver and kidney function. Brush your dog‘s teeth daily or give dental chews and schedule professional cleanings as recommended by your vet.
Knowing Your Akita‘s Age & Stage
Puppy to Young Adult (Birth to 2 Years)
Akita puppies are born blind, deaf and helpless, relying on the mother dog for care. Their senses develop rapidly and they begin exploring their environment around 3-4 weeks old. Akita puppies undergo rapid bone and muscle growth, reaching 50-70% of their adult size by 8 months.
During this stage of rapid development, it‘s crucial to feed your Akita puppy a complete and balanced large breed puppy food. Resist the urge to supplement with extra calcium, protein, or vitamins unless prescribed by your veterinarian. Excess nutrients during growth can actually contribute to developmental joint disorders.
Akita puppies should stay with their mothers and littermates until at least 8 weeks old to learn bite inhibition, social skills, and impulse control. Begin positive reinforcement training and socialization as soon as your puppy comes home – well socialized puppies are more likely to grow into confident, friendly adult dogs.
Take your Akita puppy for their first vet visit within a few days of bringing them home. They‘ll get an examination, start their vaccine series, get dewormed and start flea/tick prevention. Most Akita puppies will need 3-4 vet visits between 8 and 16 weeks old to complete these preventative care steps.
Adult to Mature Adult (2 Years to 8 Years)
Akitas reach physical maturity around 2 years old, though some males may continue to fill out until age 3. Mental maturity can take a year or two beyond physical maturity. This is the "prime of life" stage when your Akita will likely have the most energy and least health concerns.
During adulthood, transition your Akita to a large breed adult maintenance food and establish a consistent feeding schedule. Continue training to keep your Akita mentally stimulated and prevent problem behaviors from developing. Provide plenty of human interaction and physical activity.
Akitas "blow" their coat twice per year in the fall and spring, shedding heavily. Brush your Akita daily during these times to remove loose fur and prevent matting. The rest of the year, brush weekly and bathe your Akita as needed.
Schedule annual vet wellness visits to monitor your Akita‘s weight, dental health, and organ function. Many Akitas will undergo their first professional dental cleaning under anesthesia during this life stage. Your vet may also recommend routine screening tests like hip and elbow x-rays, bloodwork, and eye exams depending on your dog‘s age and health status.
Senior (9 Years and Up)
Akitas are usually considered seniors around 8-10 years old. You may notice your Akita slowing down, sleeping more, or having difficulty with stairs or getting up. This is a good time to switch to a senior dog food formula and consider adding joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Monitor your senior Akita closely for signs of age-related health problems like vision or hearing loss, arthritis, dental disease, heart murmurs, or lumps and bumps. Contact your vet right away if you notice any changes in appetite, thirst, urination, or bowel movements.
Take your senior Akita for wellness check-ups every 6 months. These visits should include a physical exam, dental assessment, eye exam, and screening lab work to check organ function, hormone levels, and cell counts. Early detection and treatment of age-related diseases can significantly improve quality of life.
Make accommodations in the home to keep your senior Akita safe and comfortable. Add rugs or mats on slippery floors, provide ramps or stairs to furniture, and lift food and water bowls for easier access. Most importantly, cherish the time you have with your loyal companion. The bond between a senior Akita and their person is truly something special.
Closing Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Akita‘s Lifespan
Sharing your life with an Akita is an incredible privilege. These noble, loving dogs have so much to offer their lucky owners. While we can never predict exactly how long our canine companions will be with us, there‘s much we can do to maximize the odds of a long, healthy life.
By starting with a puppy from health-focused breeding and providing great nutrition, exercise, training, preventative care, and a loving home – you‘re giving your Akita the very best chance to be by your side for many years to come. And while the time we have together is never long enough, the joy an Akita brings to your world is truly immeasurable.
Here‘s to many beautiful memories with your best fluffy friend! Give your Akita an extra hug today and soak up the unconditional love.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. If you have specific questions about your Akita‘s health or care needs, please consult your veterinarian.
