KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY

HIMOU

ABOUT tHE AKITA INU COAT

The Akita Inu Hyoujun (breed standard) established by AKIHO contains a concise description of the Akita Inu coat, as shown in the slide below.

Although the standard does not explicitly use the term “double coat” (nijuu himou), which is commonly applied to similar breeds, it clearly distinguishes between two types of hair. The outer coat (uwage), also referred to as harige (“needle hair”), corresponds to primary guard hairs and is described as standing open (kairitsu). The undercoat (shitage), also known as menmou (“cotton hair”), consists of fine secondary hairs or underfur, which must be dense and stand upright (kiritsu).

Correct coat quality (keshitsu) is essential not only for external appearance but also for physiological function. The double-layered coat provides thermal insulation and protection against moisture, enabling adaptation to the climatic conditions of Akita Prefecture. This region, part of Japan’s Snow Country (Yukiguni), is characterized by long winters with heavy and persistent snowfall.