<C>Height:</C> 24 to 32 inches (male); 21 1/2 to 28 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 85 to 200 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Very Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Tosa, often referred to as the "Sumo wrestler of the dog world", has been bred for hundreds of years in Japan. The breed excels at Japanese-style dog fighting. The Tosa we recognize today was developed in the late 1800's when the best of the Japanese Tosas were crossed with newly imported European breeds (the Great Dane, Mastiff, Bulldog, and St. Bernard) to increase its size. The result was a powerful, agile and athletic mastiff-type dog. In Japan, the Tosa (also called the Tosa-inu or Tosa-ken) is considered a national treasure. The Tosa is a rare breed, even in his native land and has only recently been introduced to the United States. This massive dog makes a fine guardian and watchdog. He also can be a good companion if properly socialized and trained.
<b>Description:</> A stately, massive dog, athletic and surprisingly agile. The head is large, with a broad skull, a fairly abrupt stop and a moderately long, squared-off muzzle. The jaws are very powerful. The skin at the neck forms a dewlap. The ears are fairly small and pendant. The eyes are small, dark and almond-shaped, with a dignified expression. The long tail is very thick at the root then tapers to a point. The large height and weight range in the Tosa breed is due to their background in dog fighting; they are grouped into light, middle and heavyweight classes. The average weights for US Tosas are: males (120-170 pounds), females (90-140 pounds). The coat is with a short, dense and harsh. The preferred color is solid red, though black, fawn and brindle are permitted.
<b>Notes:</> The Tosa has been bred to be very quiet because Japanese dog fighting rules require the dogs to fight silently. He also has very high pain threshold due to his fighting origins. This breed requires a strong and experienced owner capable of dealing with a large, powerful animal. With proper training and control, the Tosa can be a good family companion.
<b>Personality:</> Brave, fearless and bold. Very attuned to his master's wishes. Protective and loyal. Exceptionally quiet, calm and patient. Highly intelligent; does not need repetitious training. The sheer size of the Tosa and his deep bark are effective deterrents. Wary and protective with strangers, but will accept newcomers if properly introduced. Both males and females make excellent home and family protectors and companions. Tosas show remarkable acceptance of children and do not snap or bite from fear or pain. However, due to the Tosa's size, he should not be left with children unsupervised. The owner must learn to control the Tosa as the breed is too large and strong to be unmannerly. Good with other dogs and pets only when raised with them from puppyhood. Not recommended in a home with another dog of the same sex, size and temperament.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Very wary of strangers; highly protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Very independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Light shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, guarding, and weight pulling.
<b>For More Information:</>
International Tosa-Ken Association, P.O.Box 660574, Arcadia, CA 91066
Semensic, Carl. <I> Pit Bulls and Tenacious Guard dogs</I>.
Flamholtz,Cathy. <I>Celebration of Rare Breeds, Vol. 1</I>.
<b>Photo Caption:</> TOSA
Ryoma. Owned by Serena Burnett, DogStar Kennels. Photo copyright Sanda Thompson.
