Dog Breeds - Tosa

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of friendliness a breed typically shows towards family and familiar faces can vary. Certain breeds may show warmth exclusively to their owner whereas others are known to greet anyone they recognize with the enthusiasm of a lifelong companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a breed can accommodate and remain gentle with children as well as its general compatibility with family life can vary. It's critical to keep a watchful eye on interactions between dogs and young children, or kids who haven't spent much time around dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed towards fellow canines can vary greatly. Although monitoring is essential during their meetings and greetings certain breeds naturally tend to gel with other dogs whether it's during playtime at home or mingling in public areas.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of shedding you can anticipate from a breed can differ significantly. High-shedding breeds typically necessitate more grooming, may contribute to allergies and often mean a greater commitment to vacuuming and using lint rollers to manage fur around the home.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a breed spanning from bathing and brushing to trimming can vary, so it's important to appraise your available time patience and financial resources for such upkeep. Bear in mind that regardless of the breed nail trimming is a routine necessity.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The likelihood of a breed to drool excessively can be an important consideration. For those with a penchant for cleanliness choosing a breed known for leaving trails of drool on your sleeves or large damp patches on your outfit might not be the most suitable match.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree to which a breed is amiable with strangers can differ. Some breeds maintain a wary or reticent stance with all unfamiliar individuals whereas there are breeds that seem to rejoice at the chance to interact with someone they've never met before.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of playfulness a breed possesses often doesn't wane with puppyhood. Many breeds remain vivacious enjoying playtime activities such as fetch well into maturity, whereas some are more content to take it easy and cuddle up with you on the couch.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a natural inclination to signal when unfamiliar individuals are near, often responding to any perceived threat from your average mail carrier to an unexpected squirrel on the windowsill. Generally, these same breeds will become more receptive to strangers once they're welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change, including shifts in living environment, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other day-to-day fluctuations, can differ. Some breeds roll with the punches seamlessly, while others require a more stable and predictable environment to thrive.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and its receptiveness to learning can vary from one breed to another. While some breeds seem eager to please and enjoy mastering new commands to delight their owner, others exhibit more of an independent streak, preferring to follow their whims on their own terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires can differ markedly. High-energy breeds typically showcase a zest for continuous movement and are always on the lookout for the next escapade, demanding ample exercise through running, jumping and playing. Conversely, low-energy breeds tend to embody the couch potato lifestyle content with lounging and napping for most of the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and nature of vocalizations in dogs are breed-dependent traits. Some breeds have a propensity for barking at every little stimulus from pedestrians to birds outside the window, whereas others typically reserve their barks for specific circumstances. Moreover, certain "barkless" breeds may not bark often but might still communicate using a variety of other sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The requirement for mental stimulation in dogs is strongly breed-dependent. Breeds that were developed for specific tasks such as herding, hunting or working alongside humans often need more mental engagement. These dogs are usually smart and require regular opportunities for decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise, they may become bored and resort to self-invented and often undesirable, activities to occupy their minds.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of friendliness a breed typically shows towards family and familiar faces can vary. Certain breeds may show warmth exclusively to their owner whereas others are known to greet anyone they recognize with the enthusiasm of a lifelong companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a breed can accommodate and remain gentle with children as well as its general compatibility with family life can vary. It's critical to keep a watchful eye on interactions between dogs and young children, or kids who haven't spent much time around dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a breed towards fellow canines can vary greatly. Although monitoring is essential during their meetings and greetings certain breeds naturally tend to gel with other dogs whether it's during playtime at home or mingling in public areas.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of shedding you can anticipate from a breed can differ significantly. High-shedding breeds typically necessitate more grooming, may contribute to allergies and often mean a greater commitment to vacuuming and using lint rollers to manage fur around the home.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming demands of a breed spanning from bathing and brushing to trimming can vary, so it's important to appraise your available time patience and financial resources for such upkeep. Bear in mind that regardless of the breed nail trimming is a routine necessity.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The likelihood of a breed to drool excessively can be an important consideration. For those with a penchant for cleanliness choosing a breed known for leaving trails of drool on your sleeves or large damp patches on your outfit might not be the most suitable match.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree to which a breed is amiable with strangers can differ. Some breeds maintain a wary or reticent stance with all unfamiliar individuals whereas there are breeds that seem to rejoice at the chance to interact with someone they've never met before.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of playfulness a breed possesses often doesn't wane with puppyhood. Many breeds remain vivacious enjoying playtime activities such as fetch well into maturity, whereas some are more content to take it easy and cuddle up with you on the couch.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a natural inclination to signal when unfamiliar individuals are near, often responding to any perceived threat from your average mail carrier to an unexpected squirrel on the windowsill. Generally, these same breeds will become more receptive to strangers once they're welcomed into the home by their family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

A breed's adaptability to change, including shifts in living environment, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other day-to-day fluctuations, can differ. Some breeds roll with the punches seamlessly, while others require a more stable and predictable environment to thrive.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training your dog and its receptiveness to learning can vary from one breed to another. While some breeds seem eager to please and enjoy mastering new commands to delight their owner, others exhibit more of an independent streak, preferring to follow their whims on their own terms.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires can differ markedly. High-energy breeds typically showcase a zest for continuous movement and are always on the lookout for the next escapade, demanding ample exercise through running, jumping and playing. Conversely, low-energy breeds tend to embody the couch potato lifestyle content with lounging and napping for most of the day.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The requirement for mental stimulation in dogs is strongly breed-dependent. Breeds that were developed for specific tasks such as herding, hunting or working alongside humans often need more mental engagement. These dogs are usually smart and require regular opportunities for decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise, they may become bored and resort to self-invented and often undesirable, activities to occupy their minds.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red	140
Fawn	082
Black	007
Brindle	057

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Tosa exhibits a blend of patience, self-assuredness, and a spirited bravery. This breed is epitomized by its gentle calm and obedient nature all while maintaining an alert and composed presence. Originally cultivated for the rigors of combat they have now transitioned to roles as vigilant guardians. In the comfort of home Tosas show a subtle fondness for their families, yet they hold a reserved demeanor towards those unfamiliar to them. Naturally predisposed to be watchful Tosas are cautious around other canines and may display defensive reactions to those they perceive as threats. However, displaying aggressive behaviors towards humans is atypical for these dignified dogs. Their short and plush coat comes in a spectrum of hues, including fawn, red, apricot, black and brindle, often accented with white touches on their chest and paws. Tosas develop at a contemplative pace, with some not reaching their full magnificence until the age of four. Renowned for their impressive stature, Tosas are the most formidable among Japanese canine breeds and are affectionately known by a variety of names such as the Tosa Ken, Tosa Inu and the Japanese Mastiff, to name a few.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A TOSA

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Tosa: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Although some canines may encounter health difficulties throughout their lifetime Tosas typically represent a robust breed with fewer afflictions. Engaging with a conscientious breeder can provide future Tosa owners with valuable knowledge and insight into any potential health issues that are known to affect this specific breed. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	The Tosa's compact and plush fur is low-maintenance, making grooming a simple task. A sporadic brush-down is enough to keep their coat in good order. Additionally, an infrequent bath will ensure they remain fresh and presentable. It's important to regularly trim their sturdy quickly growing nails using a clipper or grinder to prevent any splitting or overgrowth. Regular ear inspections are also advised to prevent wax accumulation and potential infections. To promote dental health, routine teeth brushing is recommended.

Exercise

	Tosas still require physical activity to stay healthy and mentally engaged. Exercise opportunities might include romps in a securely fenced yard or leisurely strolls outdoors. Indoor play, such as chasing a ball across the floor or mastering new commands can also offer mental and physical workouts. Outdoor adventures, like trekking through nature or playing fetch are excellent for channeling their energy. Additionally, participating in canine sports such as agility, obedience or rally can be an enjoyable way to keep your Tosa fit and active.

Training

	Due to their innate eagerness to satisfy their owners Tosas thrive under training approaches that employ positive reinforcement. This method not only bolsters their natural inclination to comply but also fosters a strong trust-filled relationship between the dog and the trainer.

Nutrition

	A Tosa will flourish on a diet of high-quality canine nutrition whether it's through commercially available food or meals prepared at home with the guidance and endorsement of a vet. It's crucial to align their diet with their life stage, whether they're a pup, an adult, or in their senior years. Since some dogs may have a tendency to gain excess weight it's vital to be mindful of their caloric intake and keep a close eye on their physical condition.

Historiography

The intricate history of dog fighting in Japan extends back to the 14th century, with the island of Shikoku's native Shikoku Inu reigning supreme in the combat rings before the Western influence set in. The pivotal moment came with Commodore Perry's landing in Japan in 1854, sparking an era where Japanese dog enthusiasts started integrating foreign breeds with their local dogs. This led to the emergence of the Tosa as a crossbreed between the Shikoku-ken and imported Western fighting breeds. Named after its birthplace in the former Tosa Province, now known as Kochi Prefecture, the Tosa is often referred to as the Japanese Mastiff. This breed stands out for its valor and staunch performance in Japan's dogfighting circles.

Key contributors to the Tosa's lineage were Bulldogs (1872), Mastiffs (1874), German Pointers (1876), and Great Danes (1924), introduced sequentially to refine the breed characteristics. There are mentions of Saint Bernards and Bull Terriers joining the lineage, although the specifics of their integration are less clear. The attributes of endurance and combative prowess, prevalent among Mastiffs are evident in the Tosa's genetic makeup as a result of these crossbreedings.

In Japan, Tosas have a stature similar to that of Sumo wrestlers being celebrated and respected in a manner befitting their noble and athletic heritage. Meanwhile, in the United States the Tosa Ken has adapted to life as a loyal companion and a dedicated protector of the home.