Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Average Litter Size of Akita
- Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Akita Will Have
- How Much Does the Akita Puppy Weigh at Birth?
- How Big Will a Akita Puppy Get?
- How Much is a Akita Puppy
- How Long is a Akita Pregnant?
- How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Akita
- Conclusion on Akita Litter Size
Average Litter Size of Akita
Researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science did a study where they counted the numbers of puppies in 16 different Akita birth litters.
From this study, the researchers found that the average number of puppies that Akitas can have is 6 puppies. Also, the Akita can have as few as 1 puppies per litter and as many as 11 puppies per litter.
See how the litter size of the Akita compares to that of other dog breeds below:
Read this article to learn about how many puppies dogs have.
Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Akita Will Have
Akita Litter Size Predictor
According to the result of the research carried out by researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, the number of puppies a Akita will have depends on the following main factors:
- The size of the breed (most important factor): Giant dog breeds tend to have a bigger litter size, while smaller breeds give birth to a smaller number of puppies
- The method of mating: Natural mating results in a larger litter size than artificial insemination.
- The age of the female dog: Check out the chart below to see how many puppies a female Akita is likely to have at different ages.
According to research, the following factors do not affect litter size:
- The time of the year of the litter was born (season of birth): Although, from the study, litters born in the Spring seem to be larger than litters from other seasons, however, the difference was not of significance.
- The number of times a female dog has given birth in the past (known as parity): The age of the female dog is more important to the extent that it makes parity insignificant.
Based on the important factors that affect litter size, the researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science developed formulas for predicting the litter size of dogs.
We have developed the Akita litter size calculator above based on their formulas. Use the calculator to predict how many puppies a Akita will have based on the age, and method of pregnancy for a Akita
The calculator tells you how many puppies your Akita will have if your Akita gets pregnant today. The calculator assumes that the length of pregnancy will be two months.
Note that we are NOT in any way encouraging you to breed your Akita. Dog breeding requires expertise. If you want to be breeding dogs, get the necessary training. Also, work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a dog.
The table below shows the average litter size to expect from a Akita at different ages. This table applies to a Akita that conceives through natural mating.
| Age (Years) | Average Litter Size | Litter Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 8 puppies | 6 to 9 puppies |
| 3 | 7 puppies | 6 to 9 puppies |
| 4 | 7 puppies | 5 to 9 puppies |
| 5 | 7 puppies | 5 to 9 puppies |
| 6 | 7 puppies | 4 to 10 puppies |
| 7 | 7 puppies | 4 to 10 puppies |
| 8 | 6 puppies | 3 to 10 puppies |
| 9 | 6 puppies | 2 to 9 puppies |
How Much Does the Akita Puppy Weigh at Birth?
Veterinarian researchers did a study to find out how much Akita puppies weigh at birth. These researchers weighed 14 Akita puppies at birth.
Based on the study of the weight of 14 Akita puppies, the average weight of the Akita at birth is 576 grams (20.3 ounces). The birth weight of the Akita puppy typically ranges from 494 grams (17.4 ounces) to 695 grams (24.5 ounces).
16 ounces equal one pound.
The factors that affect the weight of a Akita puppy at birth include the size, weight, and age of the mother.
Importantly, research has also shown that female dogs that give birth at ages between 2 and 8 years give birth to puppies that are heavier than puppies birthed by younger or older female dogs.
How Big Will a Akita Puppy Get?
A Akita puppy will grow up to weigh around 70 to 130 pounds. Furthermore, a Akita puppy will grow up to be 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder.
Learn more about Akita weight and how big Akitas grow here
How Much is a Akita Puppy
The average price of a Akita puppy is $1770. The price of a Akita puppy ranges from $1100 to $2200.
Since the Akita has an average litter size of 6, therefore a Akita litter birth is worth $10620.
To learn more about the price of Akita puppy, check our review on how much Akita puppy cost, and Akita buying advice.
How Long is a Akita Pregnant?
Akitas are pregnant for 63 days on average (2 months) after conception. However, this is an average value. The length of pregnancy in Akitas can range from 58-68 days.
However, note that it is difficult to know the exact day that your Akita conceives because conception may not happen at the same time that mating happens.
Sperm can live inside a female Akita for several days after mating before conception occurs.
How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Akita
To ensure that your Akita successfully gets pregnant and deliver its puppies, here at the things you can do:
- Feed your Akita well: A good diet will ensure that your Akita has the nutrients and the energy it needs to get pregnant and maintain the pregnancy.
- Make sure your Akita is in good health: Ensure you take your Akita to the Vet care regularly for checkups, make sure your Akita gets regular exercise. Also, make sure that your is not overweight or underweight.
To learn how to check if your Akita is overweight or underweight, check out this resource.
Conclusion on Akita Litter Size
Akitas can have 6 puppies per litter birth on average. The number of puppies that a Akita will have depends on factors such as the age of the Akita and the method of pregnancy (natural or artificial insemination).
Breeding Akitas the right way requires expertise and should be done after sufficient training.
Also, you should work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a Akita. There are a lot of nuances involved in breeding a dog, which we do not have the time or the space to discuss here.
However, working with a veterinarian will ensure that your Akita gets the right treatment necessary to make healthy puppies.
The litter size research study that we used for this article was conducted on Akitas in Norway. However, the authors of the research believe that the results can be generalized to other countries that have similar dog management systems as Norway.