Tosa Inu
A large, powerful Japanese molosser with a calm, dignified manner and a need for experienced, responsible handling.
At a glance
- Size
- Giant
- Height at the withers
- Males 60–70 cm · Females 55–65 cm
- Weight
- Males 45–80 kg · Females 40–60 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Red, Fawn, Apricot, Black, Brindle
- Bred for
- Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Japan
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 260 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with other dogs | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 1/5 – Very low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 1/5 – Very low |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 4/5 – High |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- are an experienced handler of large breeds
- want a calm, quiet companion
- have a secure home
Think twice if you …
- have other dogs
- live where the breed is restricted
- are a first-time owner
Care
Temperament
Calm, patient and dignified with its family; reserved with strangers and often intolerant of other dogs. It is usually quiet and rarely barks.
Exercise
Daily walks and controlled exercise; avoid dog parks and unsupervised meetings with other dogs.
Grooming
A weekly brush is enough for the short coat; wipe the face and folds regularly.
Training
Intelligent but independent; needs early socialisation and calm, consistent guidance from an experienced handler.
Health
Known concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and some heart conditions. Ask the breeder for the parents' hip and elbow results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Heart
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Tosa was developed in the Tosa province on the Japanese island of Shikoku in the 19th century. Local dogs were crossed with Western breeds such as the Mastiff, Bulldog, Great Dane and German Pointer to create a strong, quiet fighting dog. Dog fighting is now banned in most of the world.
At home a well-bred Tosa is calm, quiet and loyal. It is reserved with strangers and often intolerant of other dogs. Because of its history and strength, it is banned or restricted in several countries and needs an experienced owner.
Did you know?
The Tosa is the result of crossing a Japanese dog, the Shikoku, with several European breeds including the Mastiff and Great Dane.