Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 10 and 12 years. A balanced diet, regular activity without excess during growth, preventive care and appropriate monitoring of risks specific to the breed promote a long and comfortable life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its powerful build, solid bone structure and dense undercoat give it good overall resistance, notably to cold and humidity. This robustness does not eliminate the need for particular vigilance regarding the joints, skin, thyroid, eyes and the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring should focus primarily on locomotion, skin condition, coat quality, thyroid function, vision and acute digestive signs. A decrease in activity, lameness, persistent itching, unusual hair loss or a suddenly swollen abdomen require veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation that can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs and controlling weight reduce the risks.
Elbow dysplasia: Developmental abnormality of the elbow responsible for forelimb lameness and early osteoarthritis.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Hereditary retinal disorder causing a gradual and irreversible loss of vision.
Hypothyroidism: Hormonal insufficiency that can cause fatigue, weight gain, skin disorders and coat deterioration.
Sebaceous adenitis: Inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands likely to cause scaling, hair loss and secondary infections.
Pemphigus: Autoimmune skin disease that can cause crusts, pustules and lesions requiring veterinary care.
Pyoderma: Bacterial skin infections promoting redness, itching, pustules and hair loss.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Life-threatening emergency in large dogs combining swelling and rotation of the stomach; restlessness, unproductive retching and a distended abdomen require immediate consultation.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double coat protects it very effectively from cold and humidity. It tolerates high heat less well: outings must then be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and no intense effort. It must never be shaved, because its undercoat contributes to thermal insulation.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed shows a tendency to gain weight, especially if its daily routine lacks activity. The ration must be weighed, treats counted and body condition checked regularly. A healthy silhouette keeps a noticeable waist and ribs that are easily palpable without being visible.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor weight and body condition each month.
- Have any persistent lameness or stiffness examined promptly.
- Inspect the skin and coat during each brushing.
- Check the eyes and ears each week.
- Know the signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
Vaccination
American Akita vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a American Akita need? Like all dogs, American Akitas should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial American Akita vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult American Akita booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your American Akita need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy American Akita
Before breeding, it is recommended to have the hips and elbows evaluated, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to discuss with the veterinarian a thyroid check-up. Choosing a breeder that is transparent about the parents' health results reduces the risk of passing on certain hereditary conditions.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
