About Tosa inu
Tosa belongs to a molosser dog category.
These breeds are big, strong, solidly built dogs. The name derives from Molossia, an area of ancient Epirus, where the large shepherd dog was known as a Molossus.
Molossers typically have heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well muscled neck, and a short muzzle.
Tosas are exceptional guard dogs, with renowned sense and judgement of any situation. They will not react or bark erratically without a reason. They constantly observe and guard their surroundings with a calm, almost placid approach.
Always extremely friendly and gentle around family members, small children and family friends. Slightly untrusting towards strangers. They love their owners and family members dearly, creating a very strong emotional bond with them, ready to protect in the event of such an occasion.
Despite their large appearance, Tosas require a large, soft , comfortable bed. Extra cushions and soft blankets are essential. This will prevent skin hardening around elbows and paws which can be very costly and painful to remove.
This Japanese breed is full of character, extremely intelligent, fast learner, easy to handle with the correct approach from puppyhood.
With correct training your puppy will grow into a calm, even-tempered adult dog, a family member and a friend.
PATIENCE - CONSISTENCY and KINDNESS are the most important attributes whilst training Tosa. At first, they will not react to a command right away (unlike for example hunting dog breeds) so a great deal of patience is required. Always stay calm and consistent, kindness goes a long way with Tosa as they are sensitive and your mood swings will affect them.
Never become physical or aggressive towards them. A slight raise in your voice should be enough.
Tosa - Inu requires a high quality diet to stay in an excellent all over condition. Their fur is pretty easy to groom. All you need is a soft bristle brush or a rubber grooming glove, especially when they are shedding. You can also use a food supplement which helps the fur to recover faster.
Basic care also requires regular vaccinations and worming tablets for dogs at your Veterinary centre. Ears, teeth and claws should also be checked on a regular basis.
It is not ideal to keep Tosas outdoors all year round, neither is it acceptable to keep them in an outdoor/indoor kennel for prolonged periods of time.
Thanks to their stable temperament they are used in canis therapy.
Police use them as sniffer / narcotics detection dogs.
This natural guard dog is protective, courageous and fearless. It needs an owner who knows how to display leadership at all times.
ORIGIN
The Tosa, also known as Tosa-Inu or Tosa-Ken has been bred for hundreds of years in Japan.
The country has a long history of dog fighting, beginning in the 14th century. It was developed between the period 1868 and 1912 by crossing with the Kochi (a local Japanese breed), native Shikoku fighting dogs, with Western breeds such as German Pointer, Mastiff, Great Dane, Bulldog, St. Bernard and the Bull Terrier.
Tosas were often referred to as the “Sumo wrestler of the dog world”. During these fights they were not allowed to show any fear and/or bite their opponent . This would result in being disqualified. These fights were used as ideal training for Samurai fighters. By observing and analysing they were taught bravery and fearlessness. Fighting always involved only male Tosas, Females were used predominantly for breeding.
The Tosa is a rare breed, even in its native land. In Japan, the Tosa is considered a national treasure.
In the past Tosa had only a few breeders across Europe, which led to cross breeding and spread of hereditary diseases from other breeds.
TOSA - NOW
These days it is impossible to breed with a Tosa affected by these hereditary faults, dogs and bitches which don’t raise up to a top Tosa - Inu standard / level, and aggressive Tosas.
So…
If YOU want a dog whu:
• Is massive and powerful
• Has a short easy - care coat
• Makes an imposing watchdog
• Is serious and self-assured with strangers, yet generally mild-mannered unless aroused
• Compared to other mastiffs, is more athletic, more agile, and more responsive to training
A Tosa Inu may be right for you :)
