technical terms/special words

On the following pages some technical terms from the world of Nihon Ken will cross your path again and again. We would like to summarize them here and explain them as a kind of reference work. A new definition will therefore not be made again explicitly in the following texts.

color shades

Aka = Red A primarily red coat; permitted with minimal black hair.

Goma = Sesame An even mix of red and black hair.

- Will be divided into 3 more punches. -

Aka-Goma = red sesame More red than black hair.

Goma = sesame Even mixture of red and black hairs.

Kuro-Goma = black sesame More black than red hair.

Shiro-Goma = white sesame More white hair (base tone).

Kuro = black and tan Black and tan or b & t. Black fur with some red and white.

Shiro = white/cream white to cream colored coat

Pinto = spotted Is an irregularity in the color of the coat. Stains, piebald - knows what the normal ones are

color breaks. It is an error or an error index and not in any standard

allowed. Not relevant in the Shiro loft, as white is not visible on white,

thereby remains uncontrolled here. White coloring up to the shoulders and

moreover, Pinto is to be equated.

Tora = Brindle/brindle A coat pattern similar to that of the tiger and zebra. The Stripes

go roughly vertically but more tone-in-tone and not as clearly demarcated

as in the above examples. Short striped/tabby.

Aka-tora = red tabby More red hair.

Chu-tora = medium brindle An equal amount of red and black hair

Kuro-tora = black tabby More black hair.

Urajiro

= means literally translated as much as back or underside and white. This means the white or cream-colored markings in all color shades. These are found on the ventral (belly) parts of the body and legs, as well as the cheeks and muzzle. At best, continuing nicely in the tail to the tip.

Sashi-o

Is the technical term for a sickle-shaped tail. It does not necessarily have to have contact points, but can also be worn freely.

Normal and desirable in the standard is the tail of the "rising sun". The tail is carried rolled up on the back, but this creates a hole through which one can look. In the best case, the tip points downwards. Anything deviating from the standard should be seen as a "flaw" (e.g. tip up).

Maki-o

Is the technical term for a twisted/"curled" tail. A distinction is made between right turn, left turn, double turn and "taiko drum" turn. Often seen in the Akita and also in the Shiba.

Tachi-o

Is the technical term for a "sword rod", ie it is carried almost completely upright like a sword. The Kai and Kishu often have this rod shape.

Yotsume

= means something like "4 eyes". Is the white mark on B&T dogs above the eye. A must in Standard!

The essence of Nihon Ken - fundamental and innate nature

Kan'i = spirited power and dignified grace

Ryousei = faithful devotion and meek obedience

Sobuku = traditional, sober and unadorned elegance