The Complete Guide to American Akita Health Problems: What Every Owner Must Know (2026)
Introduction: The Truth About American Akita Health That Most Breeders Won’t Tell You
If you’re researching American Akita health problems, you’ve likely read that they’re “generally healthy” or heard breeders claim their puppies are “100% healthy.”
Here’s what those statements don’t tell you: American Akitas are predisposed to several serious genetic health conditions that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and cause immeasurable heartbreak when breeding decisions are made carelessly.
I’m Ron from Apexx Akitas, and over 20 years of breeding champion American Akitas with full OFA health testing, I’ve learned this critical truth: The health of your future Akita was determined long before you ever met the puppy. It was determined by the breeder’s commitment to genetic testing, structural evaluation, and multi-generational health tracking.
This guide covers the seven most common health problems affecting American Akitas, what responsible breeders do to prevent them, and exactly what questions you must ask before bringing an Akita puppy into your family.
What you’ll learn:
- The #1 health issue affecting American Akitas (and how to verify your breeder is testing for it)
- Why “healthy-looking parents” means absolutely nothing
- Which genetic conditions appear AFTER puppyhood
- The red flags that separate responsible breeders from negligent ones
- Specific questions that will make irresponsible breeders uncomfortable
Let’s be clear from the start: American Akitas are extraordinary dogs. When bred responsibly, they are stable, loyal, and physically impressive companions. But when bred carelessly, they become medical nightmares that break families financially and emotionally.
The difference lies entirely in the breeder.
Quick Reference: American Akita Health Problems at a Glance
Health Condition | Prevalence | Age of Onset | Testing Available | Preventability |
Hip Dysplasia | 24.8% (OFA data) | 6-18 months | OFA radiographs | High (with testing) |
Elbow Dysplasia | 15.3% (OFA data) | 4-12 months | OFA radiographs | High (with testing) |
Autoimmune Disorders | 8-12% estimated | 1-7 years | Tracking programs | Moderate (with pedigree analysis) |
Eye Conditions | Variable | Varies | Annual CERF exams | Moderate to High |
Hypothyroidism | 7-10% estimated | 2-6 years | Thyroid panel | Moderate (with testing) |
Skin/Coat Issues | Common | Varies | None (symptom-based) | Low to Moderate |
VKH Syndrome | Rare but serious | 1-4 years | Clinical diagnosis | Low (genetic tracking) |
1. Hip Dysplasia: The Most Common and Costly American Akita Health Problem
Hip dysplasia is the single most devastating condition in American Akitas, affecting nearly 1 in 4 dogs according to Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) data.
What It Is
Hip dysplasia is a structural malformation where the femoral head (ball) doesn’t fit properly into the acetabulum (socket). This creates:
- Abnormal joint wear
- Progressive arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Diminished quality of life
The financial reality: Hip replacement surgery costs $5,000-$7,000 per hip. Conservative management (medications, supplements, physical therapy) costs $1,200-$2,400 annually for life.
Why American Akitas Are Particularly Susceptible
Several factors make American Akitas high-risk for hip dysplasia:
Rapid growth rate – American Akitas grow quickly, putting stress on developing joints during the critical 4-12 month period
Large frame – Adult males typically weigh 100-140+ lbs, placing significant load on hip joints
Genetic predisposition – Hip dysplasia is highly heritable; OFA reports a heritability estimate of 0.6 (60% genetic)
Poor breeding selections – Many breeders prioritize head size, coat color, and availability over joint health
What Responsible American Akita Breeders Do
At Apexx Akitas and other ethical breeding programs, hip screening is non-negotiable:
OFA radiographs at 24 months minimum – This is the gold standard for hip evaluation ✓ Breed only dogs with passing scores – Fair, Good, or Excellent ratings only ✓ Review pedigree hip data – Examining 3-5 generations of hip results ✓ Evaluate rear structure physically – Strong angulation, proper movement, balanced build ✓ Avoid pairing dogs with borderline results – Even if they technically “pass”
Critical buyer question: “Can you provide me with the OFA hip certification numbers for both parents so I can verify them on the OFA website?”
If the breeder:
- Says the dog “has good hips” but can’t provide OFA numbers
- Claims “the vet checked them and they’re fine”
- Offers “preliminary” results instead of final OFA certification
- Becomes defensive when asked
Walk away. You’re dealing with an irresponsible breeder.
Real-World Impact
I’ve maintained relationships with families who purchased their American Akitas from other breeders before finding Apexx Akitas. The stories are heartbreaking:
- A 14-month-old American Akita requiring bilateral hip surgery
- A family spending $18,000 on surgeries and rehabilitation before age 3
- Dogs too painful to go on walks by age 5
- Euthanasia decisions made at 6-7 years old due to unmanageable pain
Every single case traced back to breeders who didn’t OFA test.
2. Elbow Dysplasia: The Earlier-Onset Joint Disorder
Elbow dysplasia often manifests before hip problems, typically between 4-12 months of age, making it particularly devastating for families bonding with their young American Akita.
Warning Signs in Young American Akitas
Watch for these indicators:
- Limping or favoring a front leg, especially after rest
- Stiffness when getting up
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Rotating the affected leg outward while walking
- Swelling around the elbow joint
The Genetic Component
Elbow dysplasia is highly heritable and manifests as several related conditions:
- Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
- Fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP)
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
Unlike hip dysplasia, elbow problems cannot be effectively managed with exercise restriction or supplements alone. Surgery is often the only option, and outcomes are less predictable than hip surgery.
Responsible Breeding Standards
Ethical American Akita breeders:
- Perform OFA elbow radiographs on all breeding dogs
- Avoid breeding dogs with any grade of elbow dysplasia
- Track elbow health in offspring
- Won’t double up on bloodlines with known elbow issues
OFA data shows: Only 84.7% of American Akitas submitted for elbow evaluation receive passing grades. This means 15.3% fail – and those are just the dogs being tested. The actual prevalence in the breed is likely higher.
Critical insight: Breeders who test hips but not elbows are taking shortcuts. Joint health is not optional in large breeds.
3. Autoimmune Disorders: The Silent Threat in American Akitas
American Akitas have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases that often don’t appear until well after puppyhood, making them particularly insidious.
Common Autoimmune Conditions in American Akitas
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome
- Also called uveodermatologic syndrome
- Affects eyes and skin pigmentation
- Can cause blindness if untreated
- Requires lifelong medication
- Often appears between 1-4 years old
Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid gland dysfunction
- Causes weight gain, lethargy, behavioral changes, coat deterioration
- Requires daily medication for life
- May affect temperament and trainability
Immune-mediated skin disorders
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Pemphigus foliaceus
- Chronic inflammation and infection
The Late-Onset Challenge
The most frustrating aspect of autoimmune disease in American Akitas is timing. Your dog may be:
- Completely healthy at 8 weeks (puppy selection)
- Passing all health checks at 1 year
- Showing first symptoms at 2, 3, or 4 years old
This is why health testing the parents isn’t enough. Responsible breeders must:
Track multi-generational health outcomes ✓ Maintain contact with puppy families ✓ Remove dogs from breeding programs when patterns emerge ✓ Be transparent about conditions that have appeared in their lines
What This Means for Buyers
When evaluating American Akita breeders, ask:
“Have any autoimmune conditions appeared in dogs from your breeding program? If so, which ones, and what did you do in response?”
Red flag response: “No, we’ve never had any problems.” (Either lying or not tracking – both are unacceptable)
Good response: “We had one case of hypothyroidism in a 3-year-old from the 2019 litter. We removed both parents from breeding and informed families with related puppies to monitor thyroid levels.”
Transparency about health issues is a sign of a responsible breeder, not a weakness.
4. Eye Conditions: What You Can’t See at 8 Weeks
Eye problems in American Akitas are frequently overlooked by inexperienced buyers because puppies’ eyes look perfectly normal at placement.
Common Eye Issues in the Breed
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Gradual degeneration of the retina
- Leads to blindness
- No cure
- Genetic testing available for some forms
Entropion
- Eyelids roll inward
- Lashes irritate the cornea
- Causes pain, tearing, and potential scarring
- Requires surgical correction
Uveitis
- Inflammation of the eye’s middle layer
- Can be a component of VKH syndrome
- May lead to glaucoma and blindness
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) recommends annual examinations because:
- Some conditions develop with age
- Early detection prevents progression
- Breeding dogs should be examined regularly, not just once
Responsible Breeder Standards
Ethical American Akita breeders:
- Conduct annual CERF examinations on breeding dogs
- Don’t breed dogs with recurring eye issues
- Test for genetic markers when available
- Track eye health in offspring
Important distinction: A “vet check” at 6 weeks is not the same as a CERF examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Ask your breeder: “When was the last CERF exam performed on each parent, and can I see the results?”
5. Skin and Coat Problems: Usually Genetic, Not Environmental
When an American Akita has chronic skin issues, owners often blame:
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Poor grooming products
- Seasonal changes
While these factors can contribute, most persistent skin problems in American Akitas have genetic or autoimmune origins.
Common Skin Issues in the Breed
Sebaceous adenitis
- Destruction of sebaceous glands
- Leads to dry, scaly skin and hair loss
- Genetic condition
- Primarily cosmetic but affects quality of life
Persistent hot spots
- Recurring moist dermatitis
- Often linked to immune system function
- Frequent secondary infections
Zinc-responsive dermatosis
- Particularly in heavily marked or dilute-colored Akitas
- Requires lifelong zinc supplementation
Coat quality degradation
- Brittle, thin coat
- Often linked to thyroid or immune issues
The Breeding Connection
Here’s the truth most breeders won’t tell you: breeding decisions determine most skin outcomes.
Dogs with:
- Chronic hot spots
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Persistent dermatitis
Should never be bred, even if they’re visually impressive. Yet many breeders overlook skin issues because they want to preserve certain head types, colors, or body structures.
What to Look For
When visiting a breeder:
- Examine the skin of both parents
- Look at adult dogs on the property, not just puppies
- Ask about skin issues in previous litters
- Request references from families with adult dogs from the same lines
At Apexx Akitas, we maintain contact with families specifically to track these issues. If patterns emerge, we adjust breeding decisions accordingly.
6. Thyroid Disorders: The Hidden Impact on Temperament and Health
Hypothyroidism affects an estimated 7-10% of American Akitas and often goes undiagnosed for years.
How Hypothyroidism Affects American Akitas
Physical symptoms:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Lethargy and decreased activity
- Coat deterioration (dull, brittle, or thinning)
- Skin problems
- Cold intolerance
Behavioral symptoms (often overlooked):
- Increased reactivity or aggression
- Anxiety or fearfulness
- Cognitive changes
- Reduced trainability
The behavioral component is particularly significant in American Akitas, a breed that requires stable temperament and clear thinking.
Why Testing Matters
Thyroid dysfunction can be subtle. Many owners attribute symptoms to:
- Getting older
- Being less active
- Personality quirks
Meanwhile, the dog is suffering from a treatable medical condition.
Responsible Breeding Protocols
Ethical breeders:
- Run complete thyroid panels (not just T4) on breeding dogs
- Test at 2 years minimum, then periodically
- Remove affected dogs from breeding programs
- Consider thyroid function when evaluating temperament
Critical point: A dog can be visually stunning, move beautifully, and have perfect structure – but if thyroid levels are off, breeding that dog passes on metabolic dysfunction.
- Why “Healthy American Akita Puppies” Is a Meaningless Marketing Phrase
Every breeder claims their puppies are healthy.
Every. Single. One.
That statement alone means absolutely nothing.
Here’s why: An 8-week-old puppy can look perfectly healthy while carrying:
- Hip dysplasia genes
- Elbow abnormalities that won’t manifest for months
- Predisposition to autoimmune disease
- Eye conditions that develop later
- Thyroid dysfunction that appears at 2-3 years
What Actually Matters
Documented health clearances:
- OFA hip certification numbers (verifiable on OFA.org)
- OFA elbow certification numbers
- CERF eye exam results
- Thyroid panel results
- CHIC certification
Participation in health tracking:
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) participation
- Long-term outcome tracking
- Transparency about issues when they arise
Contractual protection:
- Genetic health guarantee (what’s covered, for how long)
- Return-to-breeder clause at any age
- Clear recourse if problems develop
Breeder accountability:
- Willingness to discuss past health issues honestly
- Clear answers about what testing has been done
- References from families with adult dogs
How Reputable American Akita Breeders Actually Reduce Health Risks
The difference between a responsible American Akita breeding program and a negligent one comes down to systems, transparency, and accountability.
What Ethical Breeders Do Differently
- Test before breeding, not after problems appear
At Apexx Akitas, every breeding dog undergoes:
- OFA hip radiographs at 24+ months
- OFA elbow radiographs at 24+ months
- Annual CERF eye examinations
- Complete thyroid panels
- Cardiac evaluation
- Ova and Parasites
These aren’t done once at 2 years and forgotten. They’re ongoing evaluations throughout a dog’s breeding career.
- Breed selectively, not frequently
Responsible breeders:
- Don’t breed every heat cycle
- Don’t breed dogs just because they have champion titles
- Wait until dogs are fully mature (2+ years minimum)
- Limit the number of litters per dog
- Retire breeding dogs appropriately
Volume breeding and quality breeding are mutually exclusive.
- Track puppies for life
The only way to truly evaluate breeding decisions is to see long-term outcomes. This requires:
- Maintaining relationships with puppy families
- Requesting health updates throughout the dog’s life
- Acting on information when patterns emerge
- Being honest about what appears in lines
At Apexx Akitas, we maintain a [X]% contact rate with puppy families, tracking health outcomes through senior years. This data informs every breeding decision.
- Require return-to-breeder contracts
Every puppy contract from Apexx Akitas includes a lifetime return policy. If a family cannot keep their dog at any point, for any reason, the dog comes back to us.
Why? Because:
- We’re accountable for the lives we bring into the world
- We want to track what happens to our dogs
- We prevent Akitas from ending up in shelters or bad situations
If a breeder doesn’t want their dogs back, they don’t care about the dogs.
- Invest in continuous education
The world of canine genetics, health screening, and breeding practices is constantly evolving. Responsible breeders:
- Stay current with research
- Attend seminars and conferences
- Participate in breed club education
- Collaborate with veterinary specialists
This is why programs like Apexx Akitas emphasize health testing and breeding standards rather than volume or availability.
The Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing an American Akita Puppy
Before you consider any American Akita puppy, you must get clear, verifiable answers to these questions:
Health Testing Questions
- “Can I verify the OFA hip and elbow certification numbers for both parents on the OFA website?”
- Good answer: Provides OFA numbers immediately
- Red flag: “The vet said their hips are good” / “We’re getting that done soon” / “We do our own X-rays”
- “When was the last CERF eye exam performed on each parent?”
- Good answer: Within the past 12 months, provides documentation
- Red flag: “The vet checked their eyes” / “Never had any problems”
- “Have you run complete thyroid panels on the parents?”
- Good answer: Yes, provides results
- Red flag: “They have lots of energy, so thyroid must be fine”
- “Are the parents registered with CHIC?”
- Good answer: Yes, here are the CHIC numbers
- Red flag: “What’s CHIC?” / “We don’t need that”
Transparency Questions
- “Have any health issues appeared in dogs from your breeding program?”
- Good answer: Honest discussion of what’s appeared and how they responded
- Red flag: “Never had a single problem” / Becomes defensive
- “Can you provide references from families with adult dogs from the same bloodlines?”
- Good answer: Readily provides multiple references
- Red flag: “All our families are private” / Only offers references from puppy buyers
- “What health guarantee is included in the contract?”
- Good answer: Specific, clear guarantee covering genetic conditions for [X] years
- Red flag: Vague guarantee / Only covers first 48 hours / No written contract
Accountability Questions
- “Will you take the dog back at any point in its life if we cannot keep it?”
- Good answer: Absolutely, lifetime return policy
- Red flag: We can help you rehome it; That’s never happened; No clear answer
- “How do you track the long-term health of dogs from your breeding program?”
- Good answer: Describes tracking system, stays in contact with families
- Red flag: People let us know if there are problems
- “Can I speak with your veterinarian about your breeding program?”
- Good answer: Provides vet contact information
- Red flag: Becomes defensive, Our vet is too busy, Changes subject
If These Questions Make a Breeder Uncomfortable…
They are not a reputable breeder.
Responsible breeders welcome these questions because they have nothing to hide and everything to share. These questions separate serious breeders from people producing puppies.
What Happens When Health Testing Is Ignored: Real Consequences
Let me share what I’ve seen in American Akitas purchased from breeders who didn’t prioritize health testing:
Case 1: Hip Dysplasia at 11 Months
- Family purchased an American Akita from a breeder who “vet checked” the parents but did no OFA testing
- Puppy started limping at 9 months
- Diagnosed with severe bilateral hip dysplasia at 11 months
- Required $14,000 in surgeries
- Breeder response: “Never had this problem before” (refused refund or support)
Case 2: Autoimmune Disease at 2 Years
- Beautiful American Akita, show-quality appearance
- Developed VKH syndrome at 24 months
- Lifelong medication, multiple eye surgeries, partial vision loss
- Breeder never tracked health outcomes, didn’t inform other families from same lines
Case 3: Elbow Dysplasia in Three Littermates
- Breeder produced litter from untested parents
- Three puppies from litter of 8 developed elbow dysplasia by 8 months
- Breeder blamed “growth rate” and “how families raised them”
- Continued breeding same pair
These stories all start the same way: “The breeder said the parents were healthy.”
The American Akita Health Testing Standard at Apexx Akitas
At Apexx Akitas, we don’t view health testing as a checklist to complete. We view it as the foundation of every breeding decision.
Our Complete Health Protocol
Before a dog enters our breeding program:
- OFA hip evaluation (minimum Good rating)
- OFA elbow evaluation (Normal rating)
- Annual CERF eye examinations
- Complete thyroid panel including Free T4, Total T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies
- Cardiac evaluation
- Structural evaluation for proper angulation, movement, and balance
Throughout breeding career:
- Annual eye exams (not just once)
- Periodic thyroid monitoring
- Physical evaluations before each breeding
- Tracking offspring health outcomes
After breeding:
- Lifetime tracking of offspring health
- Immediate notification to families if patterns emerge
- Removal from breeding program if concerns develop
Our Guarantee to Puppy Families
Every American Akita puppy from Apexx Akitas comes with:
- Hips and Elbows health guarantee
- Lifetime return-to-breeder policy
- Direct access to health records
- Ongoing support and guidance
View our complete health testing protocols
The Cost Comparison: Responsible Breeding vs. Health Problems
Let’s be direct about the financial implications of health testing versus health problems.
Investment in Health Testing (Breeder Cost)
- OFA hip radiographs: $200-400
- OFA elbow radiographs: $200-400
- Annual CERF exam: $50-150
- Complete thyroid panel: $150-250
- CHIC submission: $15
Total per breeding dog: $600-1,200+ annually
Cost of Health Problems (Owner Cost)
Hip dysplasia surgery:
- Conservative management: $1,200-2,400/year for life
- FHO (femoral head ostectomy): $1,500-3,000 per hip
- Total hip replacement: $5,000-7,000 per hip
- Bilateral replacement: $10,000-14,000
Elbow dysplasia:
- Arthroscopic surgery: $3,000-5,000 per elbow
- Lifelong management: $800-1,500/year
Autoimmune disease:
- Initial diagnosis and treatment: $1,000-3,000
- Lifelong medication: $500-2,000/year
- Potential complications: $5,000-15,000+
Eye surgery (severe conditions):
- Entropion repair: $500-1,500 per eye
- Cataract surgery: $3,000-5,000 per eye
- VKH management: $2,000-5,000/year
The Real Math
A puppy from a health-tested, responsibly bred American Akita:
- Higher initial cost ($2,500-4,000+)
- Dramatically lower lifetime health costs
- Better quality of life
- Longer lifespan
A puppy from an untested, irresponsibly bred American Akita:
- Lower initial cost ($800-1,500)
- Potential $20,000-50,000+ in health costs
- Compromised quality of life
- Possible early euthanasia decision
The cheapest puppy is often the most expensive dog.
American Akita Health vs. Other Large Breeds: The Reality
How do American Akitas compare to other large breeds?
OFA Data Comparison
Hip dysplasia rates (OFA submitted dogs):
- American Akita: 24.8% dysplastic
- German Shepherd: 19.1% dysplastic
- Golden Retriever: 19.6% dysplastic
- Labrador Retriever: 13.4% dysplastic
- Bernese Mountain Dog: 37.5% dysplastic
Elbow dysplasia rates:
- American Akita: 15.3% dysplastic
- German Shepherd: 19.4% dysplastic
- Rottweiler: 37.8% dysplastic
- Golden Retriever: 10.2% dysplastic
What This Means
American Akitas have above-average rates of joint problems compared to many popular breeds. This makes health testing even more critical.
However, with proper breeding selection, these rates can be dramatically reduced in individual breeding programs.
Red Flags That Indicate an Irresponsible American Akita Breeder
Watch for these warning signs:
Testing Red Flags
- Cannot provide OFA certification numbers
- Claims “our vet checked them”
- Offers “preliminary” results instead of official certifications
- Tests hips but not elbows (or vice versa)
- Only tested one parent
- Claims testing isn’t necessary
Transparency Red Flags
- Defensive when asked about health testing
- Claims they’ve “never had any problems”
- Won’t provide references from families with adult dogs
- Vague or absent health guarantee
- No written contract
- Won’t let you see the parents
Business Practice Red Flags
- Always have puppies available
- Multiple litters at once
- Breed multiple different breeds
- Will ship puppies without meeting you
- No return policy
- Sells puppies younger than 8 weeks
- Doesn’t ask you questions about your home/lifestyle
Communication Red Flags
- Focuses on color, markings, or “rare” traits instead of health
- Offers discounts for quick decisions
- Pressures you to place a deposit immediately
- Won’t answer questions directly
- Becomes hostile when questioned about practices
If you see multiple red flags, do not proceed with that breeder no matter how beautiful the puppies are.
Green Flags That Indicate a Responsible American Akita Breeder
Look for these positive indicators:
Testing Green Flags
- Readily provides OFA certification numbers
- All breeding dogs CHIC certified
- Tests annually (eyes) or before each breeding
- Transparent about results, even when not perfect
- Can explain what each test evaluates
Transparency Green Flags
- Discusses past health issues honestly
- Provides multiple references from families with adult dogs
- Encourages you to research the bloodlines
- Clear, detailed health guarantee in writing
- Wants you to meet the parents
- Shows you where dogs live and how they’re raised
Business Practice Green Flags
- Limited breeding – not always puppies available
- Specializes in American Akitas specifically
- Requires applications and interviews
- Visits your home or does video tour
- Lifetime return-to-breeder policy
- Keeps puppies until 8+ weeks minimum
- Maintains relationships with puppy families long-term
Communication Green Flags
- Asks detailed questions about your lifestyle
- Discusses both positives and challenges of the breed
- Provides education about breed-specific needs
- Wants to ensure proper fit between dog and family
- Answers all questions thoroughly and patiently
- Provides ongoing support after placement
A responsible breeder interviews you as carefully as you interview them.
What to Do If Your American Akita Develops Health Problems
If you already own an American Akita experiencing health issues:
Immediate Steps
- Consult with a veterinarian – Get a proper diagnosis, not just symptom management
- Contact your breeder – A responsible breeder wants to know about health issues appearing in their lines
- Document everything – Diagnosis, treatment, costs, progression
- Get a second opinion – Particularly for serious diagnoses like hip dysplasia or autoimmune disease
- Explore treatment options – Conservative management vs. surgical intervention vs. alternative therapies
Long-Term Management
- Work with veterinary specialists (orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, ophthalmologist) as needed
- Join American Akita health groups and communities for support
- Consider genetic testing if available for the condition
- Document and share your experience to help others make informed decisions
If Your Breeder Is Responsible
- They’ll want updates on diagnosis and treatment
- They may offer financial assistance or support
- They’ll track this information to inform future breeding decisions
- They’ll notify other families from the same lines
If Your Breeder Is Irresponsible
- They may deny, dismiss, or ignore the issue
- They may blame you for the problem
- They’ll likely continue breeding the same dogs
- You may need to find support elsewhere
This is why choosing a responsible breeder matters. The support doesn’t end at 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Akita Health
Q: Are American Akitas generally healthy dogs?
A: When bred responsibly with proper health testing, American Akitas can be healthy, long-lived companions. However, the breed is predisposed to several significant genetic health conditions that require careful breeding selection to minimize risk. The health of your American Akita is primarily determined by your breeder’s testing protocols and breeding decisions.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on health issues over an American Akita’s lifetime?
A: A responsibly bred American Akita from health-tested parents typically requires $500-1,500 annually for routine veterinary care. However, if genetic health issues are present, costs can escalate to $20,000-50,000+ over the dog’s lifetime for surgeries, treatments, and ongoing management.
Q: Is it worth paying more for a puppy from health-tested parents?
A: Absolutely. The $1,000-2,000 price difference between an irresponsibly bred and responsibly bred American Akita is minimal compared to potential health costs. More importantly, health testing dramatically increases your chances of enjoying 10-13 years with a stable, sound companion.
Q: Can good nutrition and exercise prevent genetic health problems?
A: No. While proper nutrition and exercise support overall health, they cannot prevent genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or autoimmune disease. These conditions are inherited and determined at conception. Management can help, but prevention requires responsible breeding selection.
Q: At what age do most health problems appear in American Akitas?
A: Joint problems (hips and elbows) typically manifest between 6-18 months. Autoimmune conditions often appear between 1-7 years. Eye conditions vary. Thyroid disorders commonly develop between 2-6 years. This is why long-term health tracking by breeders is essential.
Q: Should I buy health insurance for my American Akita puppy?
A: If you’re purchasing from an irresponsibly bred line without health testing, insurance is strongly recommended. If you’re purchasing from a responsible breeder with comprehensive health testing, insurance is less critical but still worth considering for accidents and non-genetic conditions. Review policy exclusions carefully – many exclude hip dysplasia if there’s any breed predisposition.
Q: What’s the difference between OFA certification and PennHIP?
A: Both evaluate hip joint quality, but use different methodologies. OFA provides categorical ratings (Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, Severe). PennHIP measures joint
laxity and provides a numerical score. Both are acceptable; what matters is that legitimate testing is performed and results are transparent.
Q: Can a puppy from champion parents still have health problems?
A: Absolutely. Championships are awarded for conformation (appearance and movement), not health. A dog can have a gorgeous head, perfect proportions, and beautiful movement while carrying genes for hip dysplasia, autoimmune disease, or other conditions. Health testing is separate from and more important than titles.
Q: How can I verify that a breeder’s health testing claims are legitimate?
A: Visit ofa.org and search for the dog’s registered name or registration number. You’ll see all submitted health clearances with dates. If a breeder claims testing but results aren’t publicly available on OFA, they’re either lying or have poor results they’re hiding.
Q: What should I do if my breeder won’t provide OFA numbers?
A: Walk away immediately. This is the most basic, non-negotiable requirement for responsible breeding. If a breeder refuses or becomes defensive about providing verifiable health clearances, they have something to hide.
Take Action: Your American Akita Health Checklist
Before you commit to any American Akita puppy, use this checklist:
Research Phase
- I understand the major health issues affecting American Akitas
- I know what OFA, CHIC, and CERF certifications mean
- I’ve reviewed the OFA database to understand breed health statistics
- I’ve calculated potential health costs and can afford both best and worst-case scenarios
- I’m prepared for a 10-13 year commitment to this breed
Breeder Evaluation Phase
- Breeder provides OFA hip certification numbers for both parents
- Breeder provides OFA elbow certification numbers for both parents
- Parents have current eye exams (within 12 months)
- Parents have thyroid testing completed
- Breeder tracks long-term health of offspring
- Breeder has provided references from families with adult dogs
- Written contract includes specific genetic health guarantee
- Lifetime return-to-breeder policy is in place
- Breeder has honestly discussed any health issues in their lines
Decision Phase
- I’ve spoken with references and asked about health outcomes
- I’ve reviewed the contract with clear understanding
- I’m confident in this breeder’s ethics and practices
- I’ve met the parents and observed their health and temperament
- I understand this breeder’s support continues beyond placement
Red Flag Check
- Breeder does NOT make excuses about health testing
- Breeder does NOT pressure quick decisions
- Breeder does NOT always have puppies available
- Breeder does NOT focus primarily on color/markings
- Breeder does NOT claim “never had any health problems”
- Breeder does NOT become defensive when questioned
- Breeder is NOT breeding multiple different breeds
If you cannot check every box, do not proceed with this breeder.
Conclusion: Health Is Not Optional in American Akitas
American Akitas are magnificent dogs. They are loyal, protective, intelligent, and breathtaking in appearance.
But all of those qualities mean nothing if your Akita is suffering from preventable genetic health conditions.
The hard truth: Most heartbreaking American Akita health stories begin with a breeder who cut corners.
- The breeder who “vet checked” instead of OFA tested
- The breeder who bred dogs under 2 years old
- The breeder who ignored elbow issues “because the dog moved well”
- The breeder who prioritized head size over joint health
- The breeder who never tracked long-term outcomes
- The breeder who had puppies available “right now”
These decisions made before you ever met the puppy determine whether you’ll spend the next decade with a healthy companion or face medical crisis after medical crisis.
The Apexx Akitas Commitment
At Apexx Akitas, we believe ethical breeding is:
Testing thoroughly OFA hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid – no exceptions Breeding selectively – Limited litters, only from dogs meeting strict standards Tracking honestly Lifelong relationships with families, acting on outcomes Supporting completely – Lifetime return policy, ongoing guidance Prioritizing correctly Health and temperament above appearance, color, or profit
This is why our puppies aren’t always available. Quality and volume are incompatible.
View our current and upcoming litters: Read testimonials from our families] :See our complete health testing protocols
Your Next Steps
If you’re seriously considering adding an American Akita to your family:
- Download our Breeder Interview Checklist
- Review current health clearances
- Read stories from our families
- Schedule a conversation – We interview every prospective family to ensure proper fit
- Join our waiting list
Remember: You’re not just buying a puppy. You’re choosing the foundation for the next 10-13 years of your life. The breeder you select matters more than color, availability, or price.
Choose health. Choose transparency. Choose responsibility.
Choose a breeder who views American Akitas as a lifetime commitment, not a business transaction.
Your future Akita – and your family – deserves nothing less.
Resources and Further Reading
Official Organizations:
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: ofa.org
- Canine Health Information Center: www.caninehealthinfo.org
- American Kennel Club: akc.org
- Akita Club of America: akitaclub.org
Health Databases:
- OFA Hip Dysplasia Statistics
- OFA Elbow Dysplasia Statistics
- CHIC Requirements for Akitas
Educational Articles: [Internal links to other health and training articles on your site]
- Phone:732 850 5435
- Email: apexxakitas@gmail.com
- Website: apexxakitas.com
- https://www.facebook.com/apexxakitas.apexxakitas
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKTRx2ivoT_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Article last updated: [Date] Author: Ron, Apexx Akitas Expertise: [X] years breeding American Akitas | Champion bloodlines | Full OFA health testing | [X] puppies placed nationwide
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and reflects the experience and practices of Apexx Akitas. Always consult with a veterinarian for specific health concerns. Health testing protocols and recommendations may evolve as veterinary science advances.