How long do Akitas live?

The median lifespan of the Akita is 11.4 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

Is the Akita a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Akita scores 64 out of 100 (grade B), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

64/ 100

Akita Grade B

Q: What health problems do Akitas have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Akita include Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Hypothyroidism, Sebaceous adenitis, Immune-mediated disease.

Median lifespani 11.4 yr · large · 32-59 kg

⇆ Compare Akita

The Akita is a large breed with a median lifespan of 11.4 years, which places it among the shortest-lived third of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Hypothyroidism, Sebaceous adenitis. Its overall Breed Health Score is 64/100 (grade B), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

100

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Common & hereditary conditions

Hip dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy Hypothyroidism Sebaceous adenitis Immune-mediated disease

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Akita? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Иван Васючков via Pexels.