How much exercise does an Akita need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Akitas need about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus some play.

ModerateEnergy

1.5–2.5 miDaily distance

LowHeat tolerance

GoodCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Akita's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Akitas need this much exercise

Akitas come from the mountains of northern Japan, where they guarded and hunted large game. They are dignified, powerful, and loyal.

Akita exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	45–60 min	2 walks, plus some play
Senior (7+ years)	25–45 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Akita puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
10 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
12 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed.

Best exercise for Akitas

Brisk leash walks
Cold-weather hikes
Obedience training
Nose work

Walking tips for Akitas

Many Akitas are selective with other dogs. Choose quieter routes and avoid crowded dog parks.
The dense double coat thrives in the cold but struggles in summer heat.
Two solid walks a day with structure suits them better than chaotic play.
Protect growing joints: no forced running or repetitive jumping until growth plates close, around 12 to 18 months.

Akitas in hot and cold weather

Heat: Akitas don’t handle heat well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C). Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Akitas are built for cold weather and usually enjoy it. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more. Check today's cold risk.

Akita exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Akita?

A healthy adult Akita needs about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus some play. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can an Akita walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1.5–2.5 miles (2.5–4 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Akitas, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can an Akita puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed like the Akita. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Akitas handle hot weather?

Not well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C).

Do Akitas need a coat in winter?

Rarely. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.