Appearance
The Tosa varies 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 80 and 120 lb, while the non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs
that weight from (89.5 to 100 kg) and stand 24.5 to 25.5 inches (62 to 65 cm) at the withers
The coat is characterized by its short and smooth appearance and is often red, brindle, or fawn. Occasionally it can be
a dull black, but this is somewhat rare. Maintenance of the coat is usually minimal.
The Tosa also bears many facial similarities with the Rhodesian Ridgeback among other dogs.
Temperament
Due to its origins as a fighting dog, the Tosa Inu is not a dog for the novice owner. While most are driven to scrap with other canines, cats and other small
animals are generally accepted with no issue. Early socialization is paramount for a well-rounded Tosa-Ken. These dogs are
suitable for a home with children. Rough play between children should be avoided as this protective breed may read mock hostile
actions toward his/her young charge as a true threat. The Tosa is a people-oriented canine which equates to most specimens
doing poorly in a strictly kennel environment. Extremely intelligent, it is an easy-to-train but large breed that must be
controlled at all times. The Tosa is a very affectionate dog.
History
This breed originated in the second half of the nineteenth century. The breed started from the native Shikoku-Inu, an indigenous dog weighing about 25 kilograms and standing about 55 centimetres high, which closely resembles the European Spitz. These dogs were crossed with European dog breeds, such as the Bulldog in 1872, Mastiff in 1874, St. Bernard, German Pointer in 1876, Great Dane in 1924, and the Bull Terrier[4]. The aim was to breed a larger, more powerful fighting dog. 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.
Tosa breeders
imperial Tosa
http://www.tosa.ro/
Michelle French
StoneWall East and West
Owning the only Japanese Import
*Ozeki Black Champion,
*Youngest titled Yokozuna in the history of the breed,
2yr. Boss
*Nationally Ranked Black Yokozuna,
*Three time Nationally Ranked Brindle Meiken Yokozuna,
*Owning the
only Schutzhund titled Black Tosa-Ken in the World,
www.tosa-inu.com
