A narrow strip of ground or a ledge along the base of a wall, fence, or building, often serving as a drainage path or a walkway. The term is used in architecture, civil engineering, and traditional Japanese construction.
城壁の外側に犬走りが設けられていた。
A berm was constructed along the outside of the castle wall.
家の基礎の周りに犬走りを作って水はけを良くした。
We built a ledge around the foundation of the house to improve drainage.
Literally 'dog run,' from 犬 (dog) and 走り (running). The term likely originated from the idea of a narrow space where a dog could run along the base of a wall or building. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.