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TOSA INU — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
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Breed Description
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Kilimanjaro
Photo courtesy of
Pharsyd & KiyoKita Tosas |
| Breed Registries: |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
Note 1: — From the July 2009 AKC Board Meeting - After having met the criteria necessary, the Tosa breed may compete in AKC Companion Events effective 1 January 2010.
Note 2: — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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| Origin: |
Japan |
| Height: |
Minimum height for a mature male is 23½ inches and
21¾ inches for a mature female. |
| Weight: |
Male — Average 140 to 150 lbs
Female — Average 130 lbs. |
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The Tosa Inu (also known as the Tosa-Ken and Tosa-Token) originated in Japan in the mid-19th century where he was developed as a silent, heroic dog fighter with the ability to battle to the death without complaint. Sometimes referred to as "the canine equivalent of Sumo wrestlers", in their homeland, Tosas are treated with great honour and ceremony. In recent years, some have been exported to North America and Europe as companion and guard dogs. The breed was produced using the Shikoku-ken and combining several other breeds, including the Bulldog, Mastiff, German Pointer, and Great Dane. The breed is the largest of all the Japanese breeds and is also sometimes called the Japanese Fighting Dog and the Japanese Mastiff.
The Tosa is patient, composed, bold and courageous. Very protective of his home and family, the Tosa is generally considered excellent with children, however, due to his large size, proper supervision should be maintained at all times. He is powerful, robust and agile, generally quiet and obedient, with a calm but guarded disposition. The Tosa can be aggressive to other dogs but aggressive behaviour toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering a Tosa should have experience with large breed dogs.
The Tosa Inu gives an overall appearance of a massive, large-boned and athletic dog. He has a short, smooth coat with the preferred colour being a deep, solid red. Other colours include other shades of red, including fawn; a combination of red and black brindling; dull black; brown; black with red markings; and pied. He may also have a black mask and black tipped hairs.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Tosa Inu puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards
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Grooming Information:
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
The Tosa has a natural desire to please and, therefore, responds best to positive training methods.
- Training — For information on training your Tosa Inu, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
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Kita
