The Tosa Inu fondly nicknamed as the “sumo wrestler” of the dog family is a native of Japan. This dog is a hybrid of the Shikoku, a fighting dog native to Japan and the Kochi, another local Japanese
breed. The breeding which led to an increase of this breed mainly took place between 1868 and 1912. The
Tosa Inu is a priced dog in Japan and is often crossed with many European breeds of dogs to add or eliminate certain characteristics. Some of the common breeds with which they are crossed include the German Terrier, Saint Bernard, Bull dog, Mastiff and the Great Dane. The dog due to the many various characteristics is used as a watchdog, sports dog and a fighting dog. In olden days, the breed was used as a hunting dog too.
Tosa Inu’s Physical Appearance
The Tosa has a large head with a fairly square skull. The ears are floppy and fall lightly along the sides of the head. These silky ears are soft and the dogs love it when their master fondles them. They do not possess a very bushy coat. In fact the hair is coarse and soft unlike the other Japanese
dog breeds. The eyes are shaped like an almond. The tail is long and bushy. These dogs are available in different shades of brown and black. They are available in fawn, grey, light golden brown and reddish brown colours. The height of the Tosa varies between twenty four to twenty five inches. A healthy Tosa weighs between 150 to 170 pounds and the female species of the dog weighs lighter between 90 to 150 pounds. A healthy dog has a life span of ten to twelve years.
Character of Tosa Inu
Tosa Inus are very brave and courageous and it is perhaps for this reason that they are used as a
watchdog. Even at the time of fighting, these dogs remain calm and composed. They are ferocious but not boisterous. They make ideal Japanese fighting dogs as their tolerance levels of pain is also high. These dogs when kept indoor remain quiet and hence make ideal apartment dogs.
Tosa Inu need regular exercise. Once they are set into a regular exercise pattern, they go about the routine even when they are left alone. They also make excellent jogging companions.
Tosa Inu as a Pet
Tosas are very friendly and they can grasp orders very quickly. This makes training them easy too. Get the
dog habituated to a few firm orders and within days you have a well disciplined dog as your pet.
