Tosa vs Springer Pit Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Tosa-Inu or Springer Pit?

Compare the Tosa and Springer Pit breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Tosa-Inu or a Springer Pit? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Japanese Mastiff, Tosa-Inu

Weight

What is the average weight of Tosa and Springer Pit?

145.0 pounds ( 66 kg )

46.0 pounds ( 21 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Tosa and Springer Pit

25.0 inches ( 63.5 cm )

20.5 inches ( 52.1 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Tosas or Springer Pits hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Tosa nor Springer Pit are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Tosa and Springer Pit breeds?

Kocki, Shikoku, Mastiff, German Pointer, St. Bernard

American Pit Bull Terrier and English Springer Spaniel

Date of Birth

When were Tosa and Springer Pit breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Tosa and Springer Pit dogs?

Brown

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Tosa and Springer Pit?

Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Tosa and Springer Pit breeds?

Fawn
Red
Brindle
Black

Black
Brown
Cream
Brindle
White
Blue

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Tosa and Springer Pit breeds?

The coat of Tosa and Springer Pit dogs ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Tosa and Springer Pit?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Tosa and Springer Pit?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Tosa and Springer Pit?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Tosa can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

4-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Springer Pit can have a litter of 4-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Tosa and Springer Pit breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Ear Infections
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Skin Diseases and Disorders

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Tosa and Springer Pit?

Eye Problems

Retinal Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Tosa and Springer Pit breeds?

OFA
CERF
X-Rays
Full Physical Examination

Skin Evaluation
Blood Count
Eye and Ear Examination
Heart Testing

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Tosa and Springer Pit entertained?

Cuddling, Chasing stick, Going on drives, Going on walks, Photo shoots, Playing, MAJOR cuddler

Walking, Playdate, Fetch, Off-leash, Dog Parks, Tug-of-war, Jogging, Walk, Doggy Daycare, Nap, Going on Joggs

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Tosas or Springer Pits?

Medium

Tosas are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Springer Pits are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Tosa or Springer Pit walk each week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Tosa, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Springer Pit, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Tosas or Springer Pits require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Tosa and Springer Pit typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Tosa and Springer Pit dogs?

Weekly

Tosa and Springer Pit should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Tosas and Springer Pits?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Tosa or Springer Pit in cups?

4 cups

For an average 120-170 pound (54 - 77 kg) Tosa feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2.5 cups

For an average 40-55 pound (18 - 25 kg) Springer Pit feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Tosa or Springer Pit?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Tosa is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Springer Pit is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Tosa or Springer Pit?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Tosa is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Springer Pit is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.