The Tosa Inu
 Amaterasu |
 Amaterasu |
 Menadel Kennels |
The Tosa Inu is also known as a Tosa Ken and the Tosa Token. The breed was developed in Japan as a fighting dog. The Japanese wanted a strong, aggressive, determined dog to dominate the sport of pit fighting. Tosa's are recognized today as being the developed in the 1800s by crossing the best of the Japanese fighting dogs with European imports such as the Bulldog, Mastiff, Great Dane and Bull Terrier. Once the Tosa Inu was developed they only bred Tosa Inu's with other Tosa's to establish a consistent type of dog. These dogs are often referred to as the Sumo wrestler of the dog world.
Dog fighting is now illegal in the United States as well as most other civilized countries, so now the Tosa is bred for the qualities that make it an excellent pet. They are huge dogs, ranging from 85-200 pounds, can be 24 and a half to 25 and a half inches tall. The large weight ranges in the Tosa breed is due to their background in dog fighting; they are grouped into light, middle and heavyweight classes. In the USA, Tosas are typically 120-170 pounds. In Japan, they tend to weight 66-88 pounds, much smaller than those bred in the USA.
They have a short, smooth coat that can be solid red, brindle dull black and fawn. The Tosa's most striking physical characteristic is its large head and deep, broad chest. Tosa's may develop black muzzles and ears.
The Tosa is easy to groom. An occasional brushing to remove dead and loose hair is all that is needed to keep the coat looking good. Unlike many other mastiff-type dogs, the Tosa does not drool. Some Tosa Inus snort, grunt, and snore loudly.
These dogs require an owner who is able to give consistent training and is familiar with giant breeds that can tend to be a tad stubborn. Unlike other large breeds, Tosa's are very agile, even as they grow older, and they are not excessive droolers. In comparison to other larger breeds, they are long lived and require much less space. Tosa's are generally very calm. This breed is not suitable for kennel life. They like to be close to their owners and would be unhappy.
Many Tosa Inus will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. Some Tosa Inus have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips and elbows) and yearly CERF (eyes). Also ask about bloat and OCD in the lines. Eyelid disorders (entropion) can be a problem.
Tosa Inus are already banned in some countries and may be targeted for banning in certain areas in the United States. Homeowner insurance policies may be refused if you own a Tosa. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog and fighting dog should be seriously considered.
