What is the primary protective function of the coarse outer coat in the Laika's double coat?

Answer

Shedding water and dirt

The West Siberian Laika possesses a thick double coat perfectly engineered for extreme Northern climates. This system relies on two distinct layers performing separate tasks. The soft, woolly undercoat is responsible for trapping air close to the skin, providing the main insulation against sub-freezing temperatures. Conversely, the coarser outer coat, or guard hair, has the specific function of protecting the dog from external elements by effectively shedding both water from snow or rain and resisting dirt penetration.

What is the primary protective function of the coarse outer coat in the Laika's double coat?
appearanceDogbreedLaikaSiberia