What is a Long Coat Akita?
When people think of Akitas, they typically think of either the American Akita or the Japanese Akita Inu. While these two dogs share some of the same heritage, they are recognized as separate breeds by the American Kennel Club. American Akitas tend to be bigger and bulkier, while Japanese Akitas are often described as more “fox like” but there is a third type of Akita that can be found as part of the American or Japanese line, and that is the long coat Akita, also known as Long Haired Akitas, or Woolies. (To see more of the Long Haired Akita in the Header Image click here)
In short, a Long Coat Akita is an American Akita or Japanese Akita Inu with an extra long outer fur coat, due to a recessive gene acquired into the Akita line when Akitas were mixed with the Karafuto-Ken dog also known as the Sakhalin Husky. These Akitas tend to be slightly shorter and stockier than a traditional coat Akita, again due to the additional gene in their doggie DNA.
History of the Long Coat Akita
In Japan, Akitas are known as “Akita Inu.” Akita is a region of Japan, and Inu is the Japanese word for “dog.” So simply put an Akita Inu was originally used to describe just about any dog in the Akita Prefecture region of Northern Japan. Dogs in this region were often used for hunting, herding, and protecting the household. This was all long before “dog showing” was a thing, so Akita owners weren’t as particular about how their dogs were bred, and instead would breed litters based on their individual needs.

As a result Akitas were often crossbred with other breeds. In the case of a long coat Akita, the gene that gives them their long and fluffy hair is thought to come from another Japanese breed known as the Karafuto-Ken, also known as the Sakhalin Husky. The Karafuto-Ken was commonly used as a sled dog, which made it a great choice for anyone living in the cold and wintry Akita prefecture.
Karafuto-Ken dogs became famous when in the late 50s a team of Japanese explorers went on an expedition to Antarctica with these brave dogs. When the explorers had to do an emergency evacuation due to weather, they left behind 15 of these sled dogs thinking that they would be able to retrieve them a few days later. Sadly they were unable to, and no one returned until over a year later, and found remarkably two of the Sakhalin Huskies had survived, named Taro and Jiro, who instantly became national heroes.

Although Akita breeders worked incredibly hard in the post-WWII era to return the Akita breed back to its pure bloodline, the recessive gene that produces the long and fluffy coat of a Woolie still resides in some Akitas today, in both American Akitas and in the Japanese Akita Inu. Sadly today, the Sakhalin Husky is nearly extinct, as there were only a known 7 dogs left in the world as of 2015.
Long Coat Akitas vs Standard Akitas
There are some differences between the Long Coat Akita and a Standard Akita. The first difference is obvious: The Long coat Akita has a longer coat with thicker fur. Woolies are also known to be slightly stockier with bigger bones. In regards to temperament, some people claim that Long Coat Akitas are also more mild and loving compared to the standard Akita, which are known to be more aloof and independent.
Because the Karafuto Ken was a shorter, and big boned dog, that is why the Long Coat Akita tends to have some of those qualities as well.
Grooming the Long Coat Akita
Both American Akitas and Japanese Akita Inu dogs are double coated canines. This means they have an undercoat that helps to insulate them from both hot and cold weather, as well as a longer outercoat to help keep them clean and add an extra layer of protection. With Long Coat Akitas, it’s the outer coat that has the longer and thicker fur.

Because Akitas are already prone to matted fur, and other issues like hot spots, you’ll have to take extra care of your Long Coat Akita. This means regular brushing, semi-frequent bathing, and the occasional trip to the groomer doesn’t hurt either. Although Long Coat Akitas may be a little bit of extra work, the unbelievable cuteness of these Wooly beasts make it all the more worth it.
Where to Get a Long Coat Akita
Because the gene that creates Long Coat Akitas is thought to be derived from a breed outside of the Akita bloodline, the American Kennel Club views the long haired Akita to be outside of the breed standard. What this means is that you the AKC considers the long hair of the Wooly Akita to be a “fault”, so reputable breeders will typically place Long Coat Akitas in a pet home. That also means most breeders do not breed specifically for long coats.
Good breeders are often doing genetic testing for the dogs they plan to breed, and they will know whether or not their Akitas carry the gene that produces Woolies. With that said, you must remember that the gene that creates the long-haired Akita is a recessive gene. That means even if both parents carry the gene, the litter may not produce a Long Coat Akita.
With that in mind, most people actually opt not to get a Long Coat, so if you find a breeder that knows their litters typically produce at least one Long Coat, you can usually get high up on their list to take home these extra special Wooly babies! As always be sure to check our Get an Akita Page to find a list of reputable Akita breeders and Akita Rescues
Do you have a long coat American Akita or Long Coat Japanese Akita? If you do, feel free to post a picture to the comments of your long-haired Akita! We love seeing these beautiful Wooly pups!
12 Comments. Leave new
I’ve got a wooly Akita I want you to see.
Well where can we see them?
I am interested in a long haired (wooly). Must be a male puppy ,because I already have an adult female. We live in alpharetta ga.
Always start here
https://www.akitaclub.org/breeder-by-location-list/
Not all Akitas carry the long coat gene, so it can be luck of the draw if a breeder has one or not.
I have one now it’s 4 weeks old,it’s the one who is with long coat from 6 babys.Parents are Show Dogs and this first nest.
I have had two repeat breedings of Akitas, each had longcoat babies, about 50/50 ratio. They are a phenomenal dog and deserve recognition. They truly are more submissive.
That’s awesome! I hope it’s true about temperament, we just got a long coat!
I have a woolie his name is bear
Hi Bear!
Love long coat akitas
Hello. We own our 3rd Akita and have LOVED them all so much, but this one is a 3 year old female Woolly Akita named Kira and is by far best all around. Not only the “most beautiful dog” most people have seen, but definitely a different and incredible temperament.
All 3 incredibly loyal and friendly with family, but first two were animal aggressive, and second one, a male, was very aloof and wary with strangers.
Kira loves EVERYONE, and is so warm and cuddly even after 3 years. She is still protective of the home, but not in threatening way. Never wants to be more than 5 feet away from me or my daughter and loves guests.
We are looking for a Male Wooly to bread her with, or a Male Wooly puppy to buy. Please let us know if you have any suggestions!
We’re so glad you’re loving life with your Woolie! They are amazing dogs. We don’t recommend anyone breed any dogs unless they are committed to maintaining ethical breeding practices. With that in mind, because the long coat of a Woolie is considered a “fault” you’ll be hard pressed to find any reputable or ethical breeder willing to stud out a Woolie.
If you are interested in getting into Akita breeding, I would highly recommend you find a reputable breeder (preferably on the Akita Club of America registry), to apprentice with. Good breeding practices include showing your dog and winning a championship to ensure your Akita closely meets the breed standard. Getting them OFA joint scored, this includes x-rays of all major joints and having them rated by 3 different orthopedic specialists, as well as OFA eye testing. It’s also recommend you do comprehensive genetic testing.
Assuming the dogs you intend to breed clear all of those standards, you’ll have to ensure you have proper facilities for whelping, as well as the time to put together a thorough puppy application and take the time to screen applicants. You’ll also want to budget for all of the health exams required for a pregnant dog, as well as the health screening, registering and microchipping of the puppies. This part is extremely important because although Akitas are only the 50th most common dog breed in the US, they consistently rank in the top 10 for dog bite incidents. That’s because, as you know, this breed is not for everyone, and unfortunately there are inexperienced and/or unethical breeders that are not properly screening the buyers of their puppies, and these beautiful dogs are ending up in homes that are not appropriate for them to be in.
It’s a lot of work, which is why is why we recommend apprenticing with someone first.