The Akita can be considered a relatively long lived pet dog. An Akita often lives for around fifteen years. In general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones, and mixed breed dogs often outlive purebred dogs, but among larger purebred companions the Akita still has a respectable lifespan.
The Akita has deep spiritual meaning in Japan. It is seen as extremely loyal to its owner and family, and people often view the Akita as a faithful companion, a protector of the household, and a symbol of health. When a child is born into a family, it is traditional in some contexts to give a small Akita statue to represent health, happiness, and longevity. If someone is ill, friends may also give an Akita figure as a wish for recovery. This shows how important the breed is in Japanese culture.
Because the Akita is so valued in Japan, the breed has long benefited from a favorable cultural position and generally good living conditions. In some situations, even the people who struggle financially have received support related to keeping dogs. For that reason, it is not surprising that Akitas kept in good conditions are often able to live relatively long lives.