Tosa (dog)
Also known as: Japanese Tosa Tosa Tōken (土佐闘犬) Japanese Fighting Dog Tosa Fighting Dog
The Tosa is a large, powerful dog breed originating from Japan. The Tosa (dog) comes from Japan. Individual Tosa (dog)s vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Japan
- Other names
- Japanese Tosa Tosa Tōken (土佐闘犬) Japanese Fighting Dog Tosa Fighting Dog
About the Tosa (dog)
The Tosa is a large, powerful dog breed originating from Japan. Known for its strength and agility, it was once used for fighting.
Overview
The Tosa {{cite book|script-title=ja:[[Daijirin|大辞林]]|publisher=[[Sanseidō]]|editor-last=Matsumura|editor-first=Akira|edition=4th|date=5 September 2019|lang=ja}}</ref><ref name=NHK>{{cite book|script-title=ja:NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典|publisher=NHK Publishing|editor=NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute|date=24 May 2016|lang=ja}}</ref> Tosa-ken<ref name=NHK/>|{{IPA|ja|to.sa i.nɯ, -sa.keɴ|}}<ref name=daijirin/><ref name=NHK/>}}"}},"i":0}}]}''> [ a ] , also known as the Japanese Mastiff , is a dog breed of Japanese origin that is considered rare. It was originally bred in Tosa , Shikoku (present-day Kōchi ), as a fighting dog and the only dog legally allowed in Japanese dog fighting . Ownership is restricted in some countries as a dangerous breed.
History
This breed originated in the second half of the 19th century. The breed started with the native Shikoku-Inu (an indigenous dog weighing about 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and standing about 55 centimetres high). These dogs were crossed with European dog breeds, such as the Old English Bulldog in 1872, the English Mastiff in 1874, the Saint Bernard and German Pointer in 1876, the Great Dane in 1924, and the Bull Terrier . The aim was to breed a larger, more powerful dog specifically for dog fighting competitions in Japan. The heyday of Tosa breeding was between 1924 and 1933, when it was said that there were more than 5,000 Tosa breeders in Japan.
Appearance
The Tosa vary considerably in size, with the Japanese-bred dogs tending to be about half the size of those bred outside the country. The Japanese breed generally weighs between 36 and 61 kilograms (80 and 135 lb) , while non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh from 60 to 90 kg (130 to 200 lb) and stand 62 to 82 cm (24 to 32 in) at the withers . The coat is characterized by its short and smooth appearance and is often red, brindle , or fawn, but occasionally it can be a dull black. Maintenance of the coat is usually minimal. Dogs can occasionally tip the scale at 91 kilograms (200 lb) . In Japan, they are considered the equivalent of sumo wrestlers and are even depicted in wrestling accoutrements.
Legal matters
Ownership of Tosas is legally restricted in certain jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom , ownership is regulated under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 , and in Trinidad and Tobago under the Dog Control Act 2014. A specific exemption from a British court is required to own and import Tosas legally in the UK. The breed is banned or legally restricted in:
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Tosa (dog)?
The Tosa is a large, powerful dog breed originating from Japan. It has a muscular build, a short, smooth coat, and a distinctive head shape with a flat skull and a black nose. Adult Tosas typically weigh between 70-100 kg and stand 60-70 cm tall at the shoulder. They are known for their strength, agility, and intelligence.
Is the Tosa (dog) a good family dog?
Tosas are generally not recommended for families with small children due to their large size and strong prey drive. They require experienced owners who can provide proper training, socialization, and exercise. With proper care, Tosas can be loyal and loving companions, but they may not be the best fit for every family.
What health problems do Tosa (dog)s have?
Tosas are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. They can also be susceptible to heatstroke due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) skull structure. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Tosa (dog) puppy cost?
The cost of a Tosa puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Tosa puppy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Tosa (dog)s come from?
The Tosa (dog) comes from Japan. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Tosa (dog), supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.