Tosa

Quick Take

• A dog bred for centuries of combat sounds like the last pet you'd want, but the Tosa's actual temperament might surprise you more than its history. Explore the Tosa's temperament →
• The Tosa takes four years to fully mature, and what happens during that window can determine whether you end up with a loyal companion or an unmanageable giant. See how puppies develop →
• Owning one of Japan's largest dog breeds sounds high-maintenance, but the Tosa's care routine defies what most people would expect from a 200-pound dog. See the grooming routine →
• The Tosa's gentle instinct to protect children comes with a serious caveat that every family should understand before bringing one home. Read the children caveat →

The tosa is a product of Japan’s long tradition of dog fighting, which stretches back to the 14th century. The island of Shikoku was the nonpareil home of dogfighting before Westerners came on the scene. After Commodore Perry arrived in 1854, Japanese dogfighters began mixing the genetics of foreign dogs with native pups. The tosa was one such hybrid, descending from local Shikoku inu and Western breeds like mastiffs, bulldogs, and Great Danes. 

Despite their fighting background, tosas are sweet, patient dogs with relaxed, obedient temperaments. These brave dogs stand tall and stately as the largest of Japan’s dog breeds and are ever-watchful and happy to serve as protective watchdogs for their families. Normally tranquil, tosas can sometimes be aloof with strangers or those they consider intruders. They come in fawn, apricot, brindle, or black colorings with occasional white markings on their paws or chest.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Tosa

Size and Weight

These stout dogs are tall, regal, and, most of all, heavy. Females can weigh between 90 and 140 pounds and range in height between 22 and 28 inches. Males are even larger, weighing 130 to 200 pounds at full maturity and standing between 24 and 32 inches.

Common Health Issues

While tosas can be generally healthy, they are prone to several health issues common to large breeds. Some individuals can face challenges typical of giant breed dogs, such as hip or elbow dysplasia or gastric torsion, otherwise known as bloat. By working with a responsible breeder, potential owners can learn what health concerns may arise and how to mitigate them.

Temperament

Fearless, gentle giants, tosas are quiet-natured dogs, loyal, loving, and protective of their families. They need an owner with authority who can provide clear, rules-based structure and serve as a guide in new situations. 

By nature, the tosa can be cautious when meeting strangers and potentially aggressive with new animals and dogs. Owners with a firm hand who socialize their dog early on will go a long way toward making them more welcoming of new people.

How To Take Care of Tosa 

Tosa dogs require their owners’ clear, strong leadership and require plentiful early socialization to make them comfortable around strangers. Beyond that, these dogs are easy to care for, clean, and happy to laze the day away with their families.

The Best Dog Food

Whether you go with dry food or raw, homemade recipes, tosas require high-quality dog food that fulfills their nutritional and energy needs. A vet can provide individualized guidance on the best food for your pup. Still, most tosas have similar dietary requirements, requiring high levels of proteins and plenty of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals for good health. Depending on your dog’s age, you should give him different formulas for the puppy, adult, and senior stages of his life.

Owners should also be conservative with treats, as tosas are prone to weight gain and obesity. While treats are valuable tools for training, breaking a single treat into multiple pieces will help stave off weight gain and be just as effective for positive reinforcement. Also, make sure your tosa has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Maintenance And Grooming

The tosa sports a dense, short-haired coat that requires minimal brushing and maintenance. An occasional bath will keep your dogs looking their best, but their coats generally stay clean on their own. Their nails grow strong and long and require regular trimming with a clipper or grinder to avoid painful walking, splitting, or cracking.

Check your tosa’s ears and clean out debris or wax buildup, which can cause infections if left unattended. Dental care is a must; regular brushing of teeth will eliminate bad breath and prevent plaque buildup, which causes gingivitis or gum disease.

Training

Tosa dogs respond best to positive-reinforcement training, with plenty of treats and encouragement. They love to please their owners, and making a big show of your appreciation will make earning praise even more desirable. These pups are highly intelligent and usually pick up new tricks fast. They can also be trained to compete in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and rally, providing mental and physical exercise. 

Exercise

Tosas are relatively low-energy, but even these gentle giants need regular exercise to stave off weight gain, prevent stress, and stimulate their minds. Tosas love to chase balls and learn new tricks, and they make excellent hiking and outdoor adventure companions. Backyard playtime in an enclosed area is a great option, as are daily walks.

Puppies

Tosas mature more slowly than most dogs, not reaching full maturity until they’re four years old. Puppies can be rambunctious, and they tend to try to be the pack’s alpha instinctively. Early training is a must: establishing yourself as the leader of the pack and asserting yourself as a dominant presence will make your puppy understand exactly who’s in charge. 

Only use positive reinforcement when teaching new tricks or rules, and treats go a long way to earning your dog’s adoration and obedience. Puppy classes will also help socialize your pup with new friends and dogs.

Tosa And Children

Tosas are natural protectors and will happily take on guardian roles in their humans’ lives. However, their massive size makes them less suitable for homes with small children, as they may accidentally bump into or play too roughly with youngsters. Early introduction to children and setting playtime boundaries involving children are imperative, and owners should regularly supervise interactions.

Dogs Similar to Tosa

The Tosa is closely related to other fighting guard dogs, such as the Boerboel, Cane Corso, and mastiffs.

• Boerboel: These gentle giants are calm, watchful guardians first bred by Dutch South African farmers.
• Cane Corso: Cane Corsos are Italian guard dogs, also known as Italian mastiffs.
• Mastiff: Mastiffs are a group of working dogs meant for guarding their owners, used historically by the nobility for their bravery.