Tosa
also known as Japanese Mastiff, Tosa-Inu
History
The Tosa, also known as the Tosa Inu or Japanese Tosa, is a breed of dog that originated in Japan. The breed is known for its massive size and strength, and it has a long and interesting history that is closely tied to the cultural and social history of Japan.
The Tosa was developed in the 19th century in the Tosa region of Japan, which is located on the island of Shikoku. At that time, Japan was in the midst of a cultural and social transformation, and the Tosa was seen as a symbol of this change. The breed was developed by crossbreeding a number of different breeds, including the Shikoku, the English Mastiff, and the St. Bernard. The breed was originally developed for the purpose of dog fighting, which was a popular and legal activity in Japan at that time. The Tosa was bred to be a fierce and formidable fighter, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most formidable breeds in the world.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Tosa became a popular breed in Japan and other parts of Asia. The breed was used for a variety of purposes, including working as a guard dog, a hunting dog, and a companion dog. However, the Tosa's popularity waned in the mid-20th century, due in part to the banning of dog fighting in Japan. The breed became less common, and it was considered to be on the verge of extinction.
In the 1970s, the Tosa began to regain popularity in Japan, and it was recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in the 1980s. The breed has also gained recognition in other parts of the world, and it is now recognized by a number of major kennel clubs and breed organizations, including the American Kennel Club and the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Breed Information
Is Tosa a purebred?
Purebred
What were Tosas originally used for?
Dog Fighting
How Long Do Tosas Live? What is average life expectancy for a Tosa? How long can Tosas live?
10-12 years
The average Tosa lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Tosa Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Tosa?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) | 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) | 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) | 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) |
| Female | 24-25 inches (61 - 63.5 cm) | 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) | 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) | 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 120-170 pounds (54 - 77 kg) | 70.0 pounds (32 kg) | 102.5 pounds (46 kg) | 145.0 pounds (66 kg) |
| Female | 90-140 pounds (41 - 64 kg) | 61.5 pounds (28 kg) | 97.5 pounds (44 kg) | 115.0 pounds (52 kg) |
Are Tosas Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Tosa is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Breed History
Where do Tosas come from?
Japan
What are Tosas descended from?
Kocki, Shikoku, Mastiff, German Pointer, St. Bernard
When were Tosas first bred? How old is the Tosa breed?
1800s
What Breed Group is a Tosa?
Guardian Dog (UKC)
Tosa Appearance
What color are Tosa eyes?
Brown
What color can Tosa nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Tosa coat be naturally?
Fawn
Red
Brindle
Black
How long is a Tosas coat?
The coat of a Tosa dog ranges in length from short to medium.
How Dense Is The Tosa Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Tosa?
Straight
How many puppies can a Tosa have in a litter? How many puppies can a Tosa have in her first litter?
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.
Tosa Health Issues
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Tosa?
Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Tosas?
Eye Problems
None Known
What are the occasional tests recommended for Tosa breed?
OFA
CERF
X-Rays
Full Physical Examination
Tosa Needs and Activities
What do Tosas enjoy doing? How do I keep my Tosa busy?
Cuddling, Chasing stick, Going on drives, Going on walks, Photo shoots, Playing, MAJOR cuddler
What is the energy level of a Tosa? How much energy does a Tosa have?
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.
How far should a Tosa walk each week? How many miles should a Tosa walk every 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.
How much a Tosa should exercise a day? How much activity does a Tosa need?
60 minutes
In general most Tosas usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
How often should you brush a Tosa?
Weekly
Tosa 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
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Tosas?
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Tosa eat?
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.
How Much Does a Tosa Cost Daily?
$3.90 - $4.20 / day
The average cost of a Tosa is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.
How Much Does a Tosa Cost Per Month?
$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.
Tosa Characteristic
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Confident
Tosa Inu are confident and assertive dogs that are well-suited to protect their families and territory. - Loyal
Tosa Inu are loyal and protective of their families and can make excellent guard dogs. - Low maintenance
Tosa Inu have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Cons
- Not Hypoallergenic
People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Tosas, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. - Size
Tosa Inu are large dogs, with males reaching up to 130 pounds. This can make them difficult to manage for small children or individuals with limited mobility. - Training
Tosa Inu require consistent and firm training to help them learn and behave properly. They can be stubborn and may not respond well to harsh or punitive training methods. - Socialization
Tosa Inu can be aggressive towards other dogs and may not be suitable for households with multiple pets. They require early and thorough socialization to help them learn to get along with other animals. - Legal restrictions
In some countries and regions, Tosa Inu may be subject to breed-specific legislation that restricts or prohibits ownership of the breed.