Description and characteristics of the Tosa Inu breed. Tosa Inu is a fighting dog breed originally from Japan (photo and video) Tosa Inu is a Japanese fighting dog

Tosa Inu is a Japanese fighting breed with mysterious origins. Like true fighters, these dogs are poised and majestic. Their stern image is complemented by a powerful body, intelligent look, developed intelligence and short shiny coat of solid color.

Height at withers: males – from 60 cm, females – from 55 cm;
Weight: 36-61 kg.

Color: solid red, apricot, brindle, fawn, black, small white spots on the chest and paws are acceptable.
Eye color: dark brown.
Nose color: black.
General appearance: A large dog with short hair and strong bones, drooping ears and a square muzzle.

History of the Tosa Inu

The prototype of the Tosa Inu or Japanese Mastiff - Shikoku-ken fighting dogs. They were very similar to modern ones. Traditionally, they entered the ring, and the opponents were the same relatives. Until the 19th century, Japan was a state closed to foreigners. After the hostilities the situation changed. Guests from the Old World brought not only goods, but also dogs.

The Japanese entered the Shikoku-ken into battle with a European opponent and suffered complete defeat. Their pets were smaller in size than the imported pit dogs. The fighting stopped within the first seconds after it began, but the stubborn Japanese found a way out. They crossed the Shikoku-ken with imported dogs to increase their size and ability to resist newcomers from the Old World. Breeders were able to preserve the fighting spirit of their pets, endurance, and desire for victory, changing their appearance beyond recognition. Instead of light dogs with a narrow muzzle and erect ears, the mastiff appeared. The head became square, the ends of the ears lay close to the cheekbones, and the hair shortened.

The new breed was named Tosu because of the area in which it was bred. The work took several decades. At the end of the 19th century, these dogs returned to their former glory as invincible fighters.

Local residents also used tosa to protect houses and people. Calm in ordinary life, when danger approached, Japanese mastiffs instantly transformed, acting clearly and without delay. In 1930, there was an association of breed owners and a local standard was in force.

Nothing is known for certain about the breeds that participated in the breeding of the Tosa Inu. Foreign experts base their guesses on the similarity with St. Bernard. Perhaps hunting dogs also left their blood - , . The Japanese have classified all information about selection.

Dog fighting in the Land of the Rising Sun is more reminiscent ritual than gambling entertainment. The rules are similar to sumo regulations; animals enter the ring wearing jewelry. There is practically no blood in such fights; dogs are considered losers if they raise a voice or step outside the boundaries of the outlined circle. This ritual is still allowed, and it was created for imperial soldiers after the direct instructions of the ruler. The winner is put on a special apron made of embroidered fabric with a thick white rope. His owner receives a cash prize. The incentive amounts reach up to $30,000. Entering the ring is accompanied by music.

Souvenir products in Japan in the form of Tosa Inu

The 20th century was a turning point for the Tosa Inu, like many other breeds. Because of the war, most of the livestock died, but the owners saved some pets by hiding them in the mountains of a remote province. Japanese mastiffs also remain in Korea and Taiwan. They were taken out illegally before the outbreak of hostilities.

The Japanese consider the Tosa Inu a national heritage and banned the export of dogs of this breed outside the country back in the 19th century.

Created in Japan tosa inu museum in the province of the same name. Fights are held there and visitors are accepted for excursions. The small number of Tosa Inu in Europe and the USA is a consequence of the policy of Japanese breeders. They rarely sell puppies for export, but there are Korean and Taiwanese Tosa Inu lines.

The breed is recognized by the FCI; the current standard for this system was published in 1997. Until 2000, Korean breeders could not obtain an FCI pedigree, but thanks to well-coordinated and effective work, their efforts were justified. European descendants have these dogs at the beginning of their pedigrees.

Today, Tosa Inu can be seen in fights in eastern countries and as companions with guard duties for ordinary residents. In Europe, some states have banned the import and breeding of the Japanese mastiff due to the alleged danger to humans.

Character and behavior

Positive qualities of the Tosa Inu:

Equilibrium;
Attachment;
Endurance;
Developed intelligence;
They clearly distinguish between friends and foes;
Lightning-fast reaction;
Fearlessness.

Negative:

Make decisions independently;
It takes a long time to get used to a new person;
May be dangerous;
The desire for dominance (dominance).

Who is the dog suitable for?

Tosa Inu - breed not for beginners. Suitable for people with a strong character who are not afraid of difficulties.

The Japanese Mastiff at rest creates a deceptive impression. In seconds he turns into a ferocious dog if there is a reason. Therefore, thoughtful training and contact with the owner is necessary. A child or elderly people will not cope with such a task. They become attached to an understanding owner for life.

Breeders say that the Japanese mastiff looks closely at a person for a long time and only after “checking” recognizes the owner.

For decades, Tosa Inu have participated in battles, in which certain qualities have been cultivated: toughness, speed of movement, courage and the ability to make decisions without the owner. However, aggression is considered a defect in the breed. The Tosa Inu has a viciousness that can be controlled. Suitable to protect an apartment, site or person. They rarely raise their voices and work to capture.

Japanese mastiffs do not pose a threat to a family, be careful with children. If they live with other dogs, they can sort things out in fights, building a hierarchy. The main thing should be the person. This is normal, but caution is a good idea. There are no problems with cats or rodents, provided they get used to it or live together since childhood.

Choosing a nickname

For girls: Ima (gift), Yuri (lily), Kita (north), Mai (bright), Tama (gem), Hana (flower), Aiko (beloved child).

For boys: Taro (firstborn), Raiden (god of thunder), Riki (strong), Kin (golden), Akiro (smart), Tohru (sea).

Tosa Inu is distinguished by endurance, so they tolerate heat well. In severe frost they freeze, in spring and autumn they calmly walk without clothes. Due to their large size, freely available fresh water is required in summer. Regular walks are required to maintain health.

In their free time from walks and activities, Tosa Inu prefer to relax in their own corner. However, they sleep lightly and will not miss a single event.

A simple bed, simple toys, a bowl of food and water are all that a samurai from the world of dogs needs.

You need to take your Tosa Inu for walks regularly, especially in childhood. With puppies and teenagers they leave the house 3-5 times a day. For proper development, games, walking and socialization are necessary. A dog of such a serious breed quickly perceives new information, which affects its behavior in the future. In winter, it is advisable to wear overalls or blankets. For an adult Japanese Mastiff, 2 walks lasting 1-1.5 hours each are enough.

Feeding

Approximate diet for an adult Tosa Inu:

Raw meat (beef) – 200-250 g;
Fermented milk products (non-fat) – 150 g;
Porridge – 100 g;
Vegetables – 100 g;
Raw egg yolk – 2 times a week;
Sea fish – 1-2 times a week;
Cartilage, offal – 2-3 times a week.

Puppies 2-3 months old are given food every 3.5 hours. Be sure to give calcined cottage cheese and kefir. As they grow older, the interval between feedings increases. By 8 months they are switched to 2 meals a day and an adult diet. All offal, except tripe, is boiled.

For an active dog after formation (1.5 years) it should contain an increased amount of fats and proteins. Old Tosa Inu or those with health problems are transferred to a special diet. Teenagers need mineral supplements and vitamins, which are selected by the veterinarian after examination.

Grooming

Grooming of the Japanese Mastiff consists of periodic washing with shampoo, combing and wiping the ears.

The Tosa Inu's coat is very short, so when shedding it can cause discomfort to people. Washing helps get rid of mature hairs, as does blowing warm air from a hairdryer on wet hair. The cover is combed special rubber brush, similar to a horse grooming accessory.

The puppy is accustomed to all procedures from childhood, so that an adult, respectable-sized mastiff himself jumps into the bath and loves being brushed. Tosa Inu wash 1-2 times a month with shampoo for short-haired breeds or deep cleaning product. The balm is used in rare cases.

By the way, the common opinion about allergies to small “needles” in the hair of such dogs is wrong. During molting, tears or sneezing may appear, but due to mechanical irritation of the mucous membranes. Allergies in humans are caused by a protein contained in the epithelium, saliva or secretions from the glands of an animal.

Overgrown claws are removed with forceps, but not at the root. Teeth are cleaned with ultrasound or manually in a veterinary clinic. The ears are wiped with lotions or drops.

Education and training

Tosa Inu, due to its fighting nature, has a reputation for being difficult dogs to train. However, their intelligence and affection for the owner allows us to doubt this statement.

The main thing is to show strength of character. Never repeat a command twice; you must force the dog to execute it immediately. Little tricks will help with this.

Effective training methods:

Reward with a treat;
Easy pressing on the croup or applying the collar for the commands “sit”, “lie down”;
Take a trained dog for a lesson so that the pet imitates it;
Praise and pet the Tosa Inu after successful completion.

You can use the mastiff's favorite toy and give it back after the command is executed. Over time, encourage with stroking. The dog develops a reflex to positive emotions. All training is based on the animal's memories.

Guard duty is suitable for Tosa Inu. Training occurs after successful completion of a general training course so that the pet obeys perfectly.

It is better to contact a professional trainer. The Tosa Inu is indeed a difficult breed, but once you establish contact with the dog, exercise brings pleasure to both the pet and the owner. Despite the serious nature and historical purpose of the breed, working tests are not carried out for the Japanese Mastiff.

Health and life expectancy

Tosa Inu live to 10-12 years. Common diseases in the breed.

Tosa Inu (Japanese mastiff) is one of the dog breeds that came to us from the Land of the Rising Sun. This breed will be an excellent alternative to aggressive dogs, such as Rottweilers. Japanese Tosa Inu also have excellent physical characteristics, but have a more docile nature.

The Tosa Inu breed appeared as a result of crossing Shikoku-ken fighting dogs (the breed existed only in Japan) and pit dogs brought to the country.

As a result of painstaking selection work, dogs with excellent fighting qualities were obtained, but completely different in appearance. The place of the “light” dog was taken by heavy mastiffs with a square head, ears pressed to the cheekbones and short hair.

The breeding work took several decades and was crowned with success. Tosa Inu once again became invincible fighters in dog fighting.

No one knows the exact data about which breeds took part in the breeding of the Tosa Inu - the information is completely classified. There are suggestions that bulldogs, English mastiffs, as well as pointers and bloodhounds were used. Hypotheses are based on the external similarity of the breeds.

The IFC breed is recognized - the current description of the breed (standard) was established in 1997.

Breed standard, appearance, photographs

The standard describes the Tosa Inu as a robust, short-haired dog with a wide bone structure, a large head and powerful jaws. The dog is silent and calm, but in case of danger it can bark loudly.

The weight of an adult animal is 31–61 kilograms and depends on gender and proportions.

Minimum permissible height at the withers (according to the standard):

males – 60.5 cm;
female – 54.5 cm.

Photo. Tosa Inu dog

Tosa Inu dog in the photo

The IFC standard describes the dog as follows:

Head. Round, but against the backdrop of a powerful body it looks proportional;
Teeth. With a scissor bite, powerful, close tightly;
Nose. Black with a large lobe;
Eyes. Almond-shaped, set close, slightly recessed. The look is friendly and attentive. The iris is brown, preferably a dark shade;
Ears. Triangular in shape, drooping, small in size. The tips touch the cheekbones;
Body. Powerful, square shape. The neck is muscular. The back is almost straight with well-defined withers and a strong loin. The stomach is tucked;
Limbs. Well developed, muscular;
Tail. Of normal length, thick at the base, tapering slightly towards the tip.

Color and coat type

The Tosa Inu is characterized by short, thick hair that lies tightly over the entire surface of the body. The length is uniform. The exception is the tail, muzzle and ears. Here the length of the awn is somewhat shorter.

The preferred color is a rich red shade. But the standard also recognizes other colors in the range of red and brown. Let's say fawn and black. The standard allows a dark mask on the face, brindle and (small) white markings on the chest and paws.

Who is the Tosa Inu breed suitable for?

The Tosa Inu dog breed is not recommended for beginners. The owner must be a person of strong character, ready for any difficulties.

The Tosa Inu dog breed is not recommended for beginners.

The external calm of the Japanese mastiff is a deceptive impression. If a good reason appears, he instantly turns into an evil monster. For this reason, a child or an elderly person cannot be trusted to walk a dog.

If close contact is established between the dog and the owner, the animal becomes attached to the person for life. It must be remembered that Tosa Inu “look closely” at the owner for a long time before recognizing him as their master.

Tosa Inu is a Japanese fighting dog breed and you shouldn’t forget about it. At the genetic level, the animal contains very aggressive traits - viciousness, courage, the ability to make decisions independently. Tosa Inu are cruel, but this character trait can be successfully controlled.

Important. Dogs of this breed are excellent watchdogs. They very rarely bark, preferring to work immediately to capture.

Japanese Mastiffs can live in homes with children, since they do not pose a threat to family members if raised properly. Fights can happen with other domestic dogs. Tosa Inu are friendly towards cats and small rodents, but only if they grow up together.

Character traits

Tosa Inu are characterized as completely fearless and courageous dogs. Although the original purpose of the breed is fighting, the dogs have proven themselves well as companion dogs.

But, having decided to get a Tosa Inu, you should not forget about the strong character of the dog. These animals will only obey a psychologically and physically strong owner who is able to dominate and control the dog without showing weakness.

But at the same time, the Tosa Inu is a balanced and self-controlled dog. You should not expect unmotivated aggression from him: the dog treats strangers with caution, but will not immediately attack. But we must remember that the dog’s complacent appearance is deceptive. He is always ready to attack and will do so at the slightest threat.

Tosa Inu are considered to be difficult dogs to train. This is explained by his fighting character, but this is not so. The dog is quite smart, and thanks to its attachment to its owner, it is well trained.

Training should evoke positive emotions in the dog and be associated with joy.

The key to successful training is the strength of character of the dog owner. The dog must follow the command received the first time.

To achieve what you want, professional dog handlers recommend using the following methods:

reward with a treat;
when training, or lightly press on the croup, forcing the dog to follow the order;
encouragement in the form of affection after a successfully executed command;
Joint training with an already trained dog gives good results: imitation is a good and, most importantly, effective way.

Training should evoke positive emotions in the dog and be associated with joy. If you are not sure that raising a dog on your own will bring the desired result, then it is better to contact a professional instructor.

Taking into account the significant size of the dog, training a puppy should be started as early as possible. After the baby moves to a new place, he is given several days to get used to it. And after that you can start training.

During the first month, the dog should master the commands “Fu” and “. A muzzle is also very important.

A Tosa Inu dog must be trained to carry ammunition.

Dogs of this breed - even as puppies - give the impression of a slow animal. But that's not true. Before obeying the owner, the dog will assess the situation and, if he considers it necessary, will carry out the order.

Content Rules

Despite its impressive size, the Tosa Inu can live in a city apartment. Since there is no personal walking area, the dog must be taken for a walk at least three times a day. It is very important to provide your pet with free range, i.e. without a leash. To do this, it is best to travel outside the city, where no one and nothing will distract the dog.

Tosa Inu are quite hardy and can tolerate heat well, but as already mentioned, they are not at all adapted to frost. Therefore, when going outside in winter, the dog needs to be dressed in a warm blanket or overalls. At other times of the year, the dog can walk without clothes.

Basic rules of care

Tosa Inu care is simple:

The Tosa Inu's short coat does not cause much discomfort.

the dog needs to be washed (no more than 2–3 times a year) using a special shampoo;
comb periodically;
clean your ears.

You need to accustom your puppy to these procedures from a very young age - immediately after moving to a new place of residence. Then in adulthood there will be no difficulties.

Due to the fact that dogs have short hair, problems will not arise during shedding. Brushing with a rubber brush completely removes all dead hair. You need to brush your dog even outside the shedding period - once a week is enough.

Washing your dog frequently is not recommended. If such a need arises, then a specialized shampoo designed for short-haired dogs is used to cleanse the coat. You can choose a detergent for deep cleaning. Balms for hair care are used extremely rarely.

The dog needs to periodically shorten its nails as they grow, without cutting them at the root. The dog needs to brush its teeth periodically. Here you can use both the manual method and take the dog for an ultrasound procedure. Lotions or drops are used to clean the ears.

Feeding Tosa Inu: creating a diet

A dog's nutrition depends on its age. Puppies aged two to three months need to be fed every 3.5 hours. The diet must include kefir and calcined cottage cheese. Your puppy's food should contain plenty of vitamin D and A, as well as protein and calcium. They play an important role in the formation of the skeleton.

It is important that the foods are high in calories and easily digestible. A veterinarian will help you create the “correct” menu based on the dog’s examination data.

The intervals between feedings should be increased gradually as the dog grows older, and by the age of eight months the dog should be switched to two meals a day.

The powerful Tosa Inu needs a complete and balanced high-protein diet.

The diet of an adult animal looks something like this:

Fresh meat (beef) – 200...250 grams.
Low-fat fermented milk products – 150 milliliters.
Porridge – 100 grams.
Vegetables – 10 grams.

In addition, the menu should include:

raw yolk – twice a week;
boiled sea fish - twice a week;
boiled offal and cartilage - three times a week.

Important! You cannot feed your dog before training!

You need to create a diet based on the dog’s physical activity:

With significant daily loads, meals should contain a high percentage of fat.
If the dog remains active for less than 4 hours, then the food should be rich in carbohydrates.
The diet of older dogs should include vitamins, salts and minerals. The protein content should be minimal.

As for the diet of an adult dog, it will look like this:

A physically active dog should be fed twice a day;
If the dog is inactive, then one feeding is enough.

Health and life expectancy of the Tosa Inu

The average life expectancy of a Tosa Inu is 11...13 years. This is a very good indicator, given the enormous size of the animal. Complex hereditary diseases are not typical for the breed, but an incorrectly selected diet can be the cause of the disease.

The average life expectancy of a Tosa Inu is 11-13 years.

The following pathologies are typical for Tosa Inu:

. An age-related disease characterized by joint damage. The hip and elbow joints are most often affected. A slowdown in metabolic processes causes slow restoration of cartilage tissue. Without adequate therapy, the cartilage tissue is completely worn out, and then the bone surface is involved in the pathological process.
. As a rule, certain foods, dust, pollen, etc. can act as provocateurs.
Eye pathologies.
. A condition in which stones form in the kidneys, ureter, or bladder. The problem is most often solved conservatively. In advanced cases, surgery is performed.
Heart failure. If the dog does not have congenital pathologies, then most often the Tosa Inu suffers from cardiomyopathy. The disease is characterized by a slow course and the absence of characteristic symptoms. The consequences are severe and the most difficult thing is oxygen starvation of the organs.

How to choose and where to buy a Tosa Inu puppy

There are no nurseries in Russia that breed Tosa Inu.

Photo. Tosa Inu puppies

Little Tosa Inu puppies in the photo

Representatives of the breed are extremely rare in the country, which is explained by two facts:

High cost of a puppy. The price of a dog ranges from $1000 – $2000. Show-class dogs (participating in exhibitions) will cost even more.
Difficulty in purchasing. The export of dogs from Japan is completely prohibited today, but Tosa Inu kennels exist in other countries.

Brief characteristics of the dog

Other possible dog names: Tosa-ken, Japanese mastiff, Tosa, Tosa Inu, Japanese mastiff, Japanese Tosa, tosatoken, Tosa Token, Tokyo fighting dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Sumo dog, Tosa Fughting Dog.
Adult height: female from 55 cm, male from 60 cm.
Weight: 30-60 kg.
Characteristic color: red, apricot, black, fawn, brindle, with a black mask, white chest and paws.
Wool length: short, smooth.
Lifespan: 10-12 years old.
Advantages of the breed: balanced, intelligent, non-aggressive, patient, hardy, good with children.
Difficulties of the breed: require professional education.
Average price: Tosa Inu costs from $1000 to $5000 or more.

History of the origin of the breed

Tosa Inu or Toza Inu – the only Japanese dog from the Molosser group.

Until the mid-19th century, Japan had a national fighting breed, Shikoku (Shikoku) Ken, bred on the island. Shikoku. Many centuries ago, samurai returning from war needed to periodically “let off steam” while waiting between campaigns. Then the emperor decided legalize dog fighting, which existed in Japan since the 14th century, and issue an order for the mandatory presence of samurai on them, where they could throw out their accumulated emotions. This action quickly gained popularity there is a demand for fighting dogs.

In 1853-54, the era of Japan's self-isolation from the rest of the world ended. A wave of merchants poured into the country, and with them dogs began to arrive to take part in the famous Japanese battles.

These fights were more humane, as they were more reminiscent of traditional Japanese sumo and stopped as soon as the dog knocked the opponent to the floor. As a result, the dogs did not receive serious injuries.

Local dogs were significantly inferior in strength and endurance to visiting fighters. Then the need arose for a new, stronger breed, which is what local dog handlers began to do. Consistently crossing the Shikoku Ken with other breeds, in 1868 they received a hardy, agile, agile and indifferent to pain dog, which they named Tosa Inu in honor of the prefecture where it was bred.

In the blood of the Tosa Inu there is a Great Dane and a shorthaired pointer. The exact sequence of breeding the breed is kept a closely guarded secret to this day. like a national secret. Dog handlers from other countries are trying to describe this scheme in their own way.

Tosa Inu instantly gained popularity both among local dog fighting fans and among foreigners. But dogs were not allowed to be taken out of the country. The breed received its standard already in 1925. And in 1930, the Association for the Preservation and Popularization of the Breed was created.

World War II and then the plague epidemic almost destroyed the breed. Thanks to the fact that enthusiasts managed to select 12 of the most prominent representatives and evacuate them to the northern part of Japan, the breed survived. In addition, in the chaos of the war, several individuals ended up in Korea, Taiwan and America. All this helped preserve the breed and restore its numbers.

Tosa Inu is recognized by many international cynological organizations, and even in 2000 received approval from the FCI. It is believed that the Japanese representatives of the breed are the most consistent with the standard, significantly outperforming their Korean and American counterparts.

Purpose of the breed

Tosa Inu Samurai Dogs First of all intended for participation in dog fighting. It was for this purpose that they were bred. When not fighting, Tosa Inu faithfully serve their owners. ideal security guards, watchmen and bodyguards.

Tosa Inu can be found in rescue and search teams. Also they are used in canistherapy, that is, treatment and rehabilitation with the help of dogs. They make wonderful companions not only for adults, but also for children. They are also family favorites.

Description of the nature of the breed

Tosa Inu have dual nature, but they clearly know where and when they need to apply certain qualities of their character. In the ring they have no equal in fearlessness, endurance and toughness. These dogs indifferent to pain and are ready to bravely rush at the enemy, instantly assessing the situation and making a decision on their own.

Tosa is not warned of an attack by barking, and immediately capture the threat object. The Tosa Inu has the same behavior towards uninvited guests. They greet all strangers with great distrust, but without displaying unreasonable aggression.

Even during a fight, dogs are not allowed to bite the opponent or make a sound - otherwise the dog is removed from further participation. This only applies to traditional Japanese fighting. With dogs that live with Tosa Inu in the same house, they build a clear hierarchy, placing themselves in the position of leader.

Looking at its terrifying appearance, it is impossible to guess that Tosa kind and balanced dogs who can patiently and carefully babysit a small child. These dogs do not pose any threat to the family and rarely speak out. But for this they need early professional education and strict training.

Tosa Inu needs a confident owner with experience in keeping similar breeds. These dogs have a rare analytical mind, excellent memory and intelligence. Therefore, it will not be difficult for an experienced owner to properly train his pet.

Video review of the breed

After watching the video, you can get to know the Tosa Inu breed better and learn more about its characteristics.

How to choose a puppy

The choice of a Tosa Inu puppy must be taken very seriously, as this breed is not cheap. As a rule, nurseries strictly monitor compliance with the standard, as well as the psychological and physical condition of the entire litter.

It is recommended to purchase puppies no earlier than they are two months old.. By this age, puppies will be fully strengthened, independent and will have absorbed everything their mother has to teach them. In addition, possible health problems, defects and inconsistencies will be visible.

Choose a puppy medium size, without visible defects of the jaw, eyes and ears. The slightest lameness may indicate problems with the joints. Also pay attention to the fur. Its dullness indicates health problems. Feel your belly. It should be soft and without any hardening around the belly button. This is how the absence of an umbilical hernia is determined.

In a male dog, two testes should be palpable in the scrotum. Otherwise, the puppy will experience cryptorchidism (the absence of one or two testes).

The puppy must be moderately well-fed, cheerful and active. Clap your hands loudly over the puppy. If he huddles to the ground or runs away, it means he has cowardice, which is completely unacceptable for this breed. It is better to choose the one who ran up to meet you with curiosity.

Dog names

The first difficulty that all new owners face is choosing a nickname for their pet. Most often, purebred puppies already have registered names before being sold.

If you have the opportunity to name the tosa yourself, then choose a sonorous nickname that doesn’t sound like a command, which the dog can quickly remember. For example: Jersey, Arax, Linsa, Barson, Akela, Arvin, Hannah, Akiro, Aiko, Raiden, Emir and so on.

Tosa Inu not adapted to life in a city apartment. A private house with a spacious yard is more suitable for them.

These dogs need heavy loads and the ability to move freely. A chain or a permanently closed enclosure will ruin the dog’s character and it will become either withdrawn and depressed, or angry and aggressive. Fortunately, the first option happens more often, and the owners get a phlegmatic pet instead of an active guard.

Short hair is not able to protect the Tosa Inu from frost, so he needs a comfortable kennel. Some people take the dog indoors at night.

To remove dust and dirt from the fur and to give it shine, you can periodically wipe the dog with a damp cloth or a special glove. It is recommended to bathe the Tosa Inu no more than two to three times a year. using a special shampoo. Once a week is necessary. Carry out prevention regularly, and if necessary, fight against and.

Possible health problems

Typical diseases that occur in Tosa Inu include:

Fortunately, the breed no severe hereditary diseases were identified. Despite the strong immunity, the dog still needs preventative treatment against viral infections, which can lead to serious consequences.

Nutrition for puppy and adult dog

An active dog like the Tosa Inu requires nutrition that at least 30% protein. It could be lean meat, offal and sinews. It is recommended to replace meat once or twice a week sea fish or seafood. The carbohydrate part consists of cereals, sometimes in combination with vegetables. You should also take different vitamin supplements according to your age and needs.

When feeding on industrial feed, there is no need for vitamin supplements, but provided that the feed class is not lower than Premium. The food can be either dry or canned, the main thing is to choose it correctly.

An adult dog is fed twice a day, trying to do it at the same time. For a growing puppy, the starting daily intake is four to five servings per day.

Smoked meats, yeast baked goods and sweets are completely excluded from the dog's diet.

Training and education

Despite the dog’s intelligence and intelligence, the Tosa Inu, like any other fighting breed, must be trained by an experienced person. If you do not have experience in raising such dogs, then it is better not to get a Tosa at all or leave the training to a professional trainer.

At the beginning of training it is important to gain the dog’s trust and become its unquestioning leader. In relation to Tosa Inu It is not recommended to use force. Also, do not neglect rewards with praise or treats.

These dogs able to quickly remember commands, which are given both by voice and gestures. The main thing is to approach the process responsibly and establish yourself correctly in front of your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Tosa Inu capable of creating a misconception about themselves. When you watch their behavior in the ring, it’s hard to imagine that such a dog can patiently allow herself to be squeezed by a small child, and generally be kind and sensitive. And when you see her playfully running around surrounded by her beloved owners, you can’t believe that she is capable of showing all her power and strength in an instant if such a need arises.

This a balanced and unnecessarily non-aggressive dog. In progress her actions are aimed more at capturing the enemy than at destroying him. But in any case, it acts without warning.

Tosa is one of the breeds that requires special training and constant work with them. Therefore, novice dog breeders should think carefully before getting such a pet.

This hardy, fearless and energetic dog. And she transfers her working qualities to the protection and security of her family. Tosa not suitable for keeping in urban high-rise buildings, as well as weak-willed and elderly people who may not be able to cope with its pressure.

Among the dog breeds, Tosa Inu cannot be called popular. This Japanese fighting breed is not a classic family dog, or one that allows a person to accept them as cuddly toys. No, the Japanese Mastiff is an intelligent, strong-willed and independent dog that is capable of a strong sense of camaraderie with adults and tenderness towards children. However, he also has a sense of self-worth that must be taken into account. Otherwise, unpleasant consequences may occur.

Characteristic

This mastiff breed dates back to the 19th century. It was bred in Japan, where the dogs were brought from Europe. And breeders worked to develop a fighting breed. This was facilitated by the constitution of the imported dogs. Only, unlike European breeds of this kind, the Tosa Inu was not valued at all for aggressiveness and ferocity. These were and are real samurai dogs - calm, intelligent, courageous and calculating, capable of controlled aggression. In Japan, they are still considered a national treasure and are called “sumo fighters among dogs.”

Tosa Inus do not growl or bark in battle. They fight silently and reservedly. This may be why they are rated lower than their European ferocious counterparts. However, for home keeping, such traits are much preferable, because the Japanese mastiff is always calm. Except when they try to humiliate him. In this case, the unlucky aggressor can receive a worthy rebuff.

Tosa Inu are intelligent dogs and are easy to train. Moreover, this moment in education is simply mandatory. Poorly trained mastiffs do not know how to balance their strength and can injure their owners without even using their jaws. Considering the fact that these are proud animals, it will not be difficult for a child to offend them. Therefore, to avoid injuries and accidents, Tosa Inu should be taught from a young age.

Appearance

Tosa Inu are athletically built. Their appearance breathes with restrained power and majesty. A muscular body, powerful jaws, and sinewy paws give them the appearance of a fighting breed. These are warrior dogs, calm and reserved in everything and always. Character, in their case, is only emphasized by appearance.

The breed is still small in number and seeing Tosa Inu not in a photo or video, but with your own eyes is not so easy. And buying a purebred puppy is not an easy task (and not a cheap one). However, slowly but surely, Japanese Mastiffs are gaining fame outside of their homeland. As confirmation of their beauty, just look at the photo of the representatives, or look at this description of the breed, which speaks for itself:

These dogs have a large, square head. She has a clearly defined transition from forehead to muzzle;
The muzzle is wide and powerful, the lips are thick;
The color of the nose is black (light spots are possible) and quite large;
The size of the eyes is relatively small, and the color is close to black;
The ears are medium in size, drooping, triangular in shape. The tips are rounded;
The mouth is powerful, strong jaws and developed cheekbones with a scissor bite;
The paws are strong. The nail pads are hard and very dark;
The tail is conical, medium in length, and also drooping;
Short coat colors may vary. Possible colors include: black, yellow, reddish brown or black with brown stripes (creates an almost “tiger” effect);
Various sizes are possible, due to breeding for fights in different weight categories. They have one thing in common - males are much larger than females, and can reach a weight of 100 kg, the minimum height for males is 60 cm, for females - 55.

At first glance, it is clear that Tosa Inu have the perfect combination of speed and endurance. They can deliver an instant powerful blow, or endure a protracted battle and wear down the enemy until he simply gives up.

Character

The first thing to remember when purchasing a Tosa Inu is that it is not a decorative plush toy. These dogs are willful and proud. Therefore, only a person who has the real makings of a strong personality, a leader who is always ready to prove his superiority, can cope with them. If a dog does not recognize the owner's hand, keeping it will not only be difficult, but also dangerous. On the other hand, if the owner proves his superiority while simultaneously showing respect for the new pet, it will be difficult to find a more faithful companion.

This approach is important, first of all, for those cases when a dog is adopted into a family. If a dog recognizes its owners, it is ready to protect them literally to the last drop of blood. And this also applies to the smallest representatives. Tosa Inu get along quite well with the children of their real owner, although they are not big fans of games, and also do not tolerate familiarity. But, if they become friends with the child, then there is no need to be afraid of anything, the dog will never offend him.

It is better not to keep these dogs in apartment conditions. This also applies to any other large breed. The Tosa Inu needs to be walked for at least an hour a day, and during this time he should be able to run around as much as he can. Therefore, it is preferable for the owners to live in their own house on the ground or in a cottage with an aviary, a large yard or some other place with a spacious area for constant walks. These dogs feel uncomfortable in narrow spaces, and this can even result in outbursts of unprovoked aggression.

Tosa Inu breed. Japanese mastiff. Samurai dog.

The dog is an elephant. TOSA-INU Isamu. Huge dogs Tosa Isamu. Dog - the elephant.

Tosa Inu Large dog breeds

All fighting qualities and instincts are inherent in the Tosa Inu by nature itself, and there is no need to teach him these aspects. Proper training is much more important in terms of socialization of representatives of the breed. Peacefulness is what these dogs need to be trained to do. Everything else will come with it.

Features of care

Japanese Mastiffs have good health, which makes them easy to care for. However, there are a number of content nuances that should be taken into account. First of all, they all relate to the mental state of these wayward dogs, although some points also relate to health. One way or another, there are no unimportant elements here and every Tosa Inu breeder should remember this.

Feeding

The diet of the Tosa Inu should be selected by a professional. The reason is that their stomachs and muscles need a strictly defined set of nutrients. The best option is to contact a qualified veterinarian and dog trainer to help you choose your daily diet.

Walk

Like all large dogs, the Tosa Inu breed needs a lot of exercise. This leads to the need for long and active walks, even for small puppies. It’s best to combine them with training, or even set up a kind of obstacle course for your dog. The last option is the most preferable, as it will help her train all muscle groups.

Also, while walking the dog must be kept on a leash. Only if the walk is on your own property with a high fence, is it permissible to let the Tosa Inu down. Otherwise, it is impossible to predict who this dog will perceive as his enemy. In this case, the attack will follow immediately.

Hygiene

This Japanese fighting dog is a fairly clean creature. They are not very eager to explore garbage dumps or wallow in carrion. However, especially on hot days, they should be washed. Otherwise, the smell of sweat will simply have nowhere to go. However, it is better to bathe no more than once a week, otherwise it will have a bad effect on the dog’s skin.

But combing is a more important procedure, which must be carried out at least 2-3 times a week, using a rubber brush. Few dogs object to this procedure, perceiving it as the notorious favorite “sniffing”, only with the use of an additional tool. The Tosa Inu dog breed does not have long hair, so the Furminator may only be needed during the shedding period.

Health

Tosa Inu has minimal health problems. The Japanese fighting dog generally has good immunity. However, we should not forget about vaccinations for puppies and adult dogs, since some diseases can break through even the strongest “barriers”.

The only weakness of the breed is its vulnerability to colds. The lack of a long coat coupled with drafts can easily lead to these health problems. In order to avoid this, you need to protect your dog from hypothermia. If kept in northern latitudes, you can even invest in a special warm jumpsuit that will keep your pet warm in the harshest cold.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Each dog breed has its own pros and cons, which create the whole list of differences. And these same criteria create the dog’s orientation: family, fighting, guard, working, decorative, or some other thing. Tosa Inu, due to its advantages and disadvantages, falls under the categories of fighting and guard dogs. With proper training, they also become good family animals.

Advantages

The first advantage of the breed that should be noted is the small number of saliva. Excessive salivation is a problem with many mastiffs. With Tosa Inu, such a problem almost does not arise, and this cannot but please the neat owners. In addition, due to their calm nature, there is no fear that the dog will get bored and begin to tear up bedding, fluff from pillows or carpets. Even puppies of this breed rarely allow themselves such antics, not to mention adult dogs.

Also, Tosa Inu, due to their restraint and intelligence, can become excellent watchdogs. They are not idle talkers, and only raise the alarm for very serious reasons. Therefore, owners will not have to go out every ten minutes and ask the dog to be silent (or try to get used to the constant sound), as happens with many other breeds. Instead, their pet's barking will become a kind of alarm, informing them that real danger has arisen. This applies to both puppies and adult dogs.

Flaws

Among the problems that arise when keeping Tosa Inu, one should definitely note their waywardness and love of freedom. By nature, they are more likely cats than dogs, who are ready to defend their dignity everywhere and always. Therefore, having them if there is a small child in the house who does not yet know how to handle animals is not a good idea. If a small fidget grabs the dog’s tail, the dog may react in the most unpredictable and undesirable way.

Yes, many people note the unpredictability of the Tosa Inu. Despite the fact that these dogs are quite calm, they are capable of certain “explosions” of temperament if they are offended or humiliated in one way or another.

Even Tosa Inu puppies have their share of pride. Primarily for these reasons, the breed is recommended only to experienced dog breeders.

Conclusion

Definitely, the Tosa Inu breed is not an easy dog to keep. Beginners, or those who have never owned dogs, should not take on this difficult task. The main problem here will be the unpredictable and willful nature of dogs. A firm and decisive master's hand is needed to keep these proud people in check. However, with proper training, the Tosa Inu makes an excellent companion dog, or even a loyal family dog.

The Land of the Rising Sun gave the world such a sport as sumo, where only tall, heavyweight people can become participants. So the Tosa Inu dog breed is attributed to the “Japanese giant heavyweights”.

History of the breed.

In ancient times, dog fighting was popular among samurai. Initially, the hunting breed Nippon Inu was prepared for them, which at that time had large dimensions and participated in boar hunting. The raising of puppies of such dogs was carefully hidden from prying eyes, and fighter-hunters who won the battle acquired special samurai honor.
Until the 19th century The Japanese were happy with everything, because such fights were held between representatives of the same breed. But after the opening of borders to Europeans, new, more agile dogs appeared in the arena, easily defeating Japanese rivals.
Of course, this development of events entailed a feeling of humiliation for the proud samurai. And then the question was raised about breeding a special breed of dog that is very strong and does not lose in battles.
Initially, breeding work began in the 72nd year of the 19th century. Experts from Tosa Province (Kochi Prefecture) crossed the local Shikoku breed with bulldogs and bull terriers, choosing these breeds for their fearlessness and endurance. The next direction was the mastiff, which gave the new breed powerful dimensions. Great Dane - representatives of this breed were distinguished by incredible agility combined with their considerable size. And the St. Bernard, the choice fell on him not only because of his large size, but also because of his endurance and discipline. In addition, the blood of some breeds of bloodhounds, as well as English and German pointers, which have an exceptional sense of smell, was infused.
In those days, the new breed did not acquire the status of a domestic animal, and for a long time remained the property of the organizers of dog fights, who selected the best specimens and thus improved the breed. And after World War II, the Japanese were unable to keep their national treasure in their hands. Tosa Inu simply disappeared from this country.
The breed was revived a few decades later. After the war, these fighting dogs remained only in Taiwan and Korea. It was from there that large individuals were brought by enthusiasts, which marked the beginning of the revival of the breed.
Since 1976, Tosa Inu has been registered in Europe, Sweden and Germany. The final breed standard was approved by the FCI in December 1997. These red fighting dogs are still quite rare in the world. The best representatives of the breed are concentrated mainly in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Hawaiian Islands.

Tosa Inu breed description.

Tosa Inu belongs to the giant dog breeds of the second Molossian group, the height at the withers of males reaches 65 cm, weight up to 75 kg, females are smaller. Powerful bones, muscular body, long legs, large head, triangular hanging ears. Brown eyes are small almond-shaped, very smart and expressive. The coat is short and harsh, the preferred colors are pure red and fawn.

Character.

Despite the fact that the Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Inu) is, in fact, a fighting breed, they are not excessively aggressive towards people. But it is necessary to instill in him all the best qualities from early childhood. “As you sow, so shall you reap,” as the famous proverb says.
For such a breed, a physically and psychologically stable owner-leader is needed, who will establish his authority not by force, but by patience and persuasion, because Molossians are thinking dogs. Tosa Inu is strictly forbidden to beat and try to earn respect by constant dissatisfied screams.
If a “samurai” is raised correctly, he will become affectionate and infinitely kind to his family, not to mention loyal; guarding the house, children, owners (such dogs are excellent bodyguards), performing various tasks assigned to him (jogging, various physical activities, including moving heavy objects).
Recently, puppies of this breed have been trained for border and rescue services. Smart, powerful and fearless, hardy and silent dogs, with an ideal sense of smell and trained not to kill their victims, but only to establish unconditional dominance over them, are ideal for tracking down criminals and apprehending them, as well as for searching for missing people and pulling them out from under the rubble. .

Maintenance and care.

Tosa Inu is a rather expensive breed, both economically and in terms of maintenance. Therefore, owners must prepare responsibly for purchasing a puppy of this breed, and be prepared for the special conditions of its living.

Here are 3 golden rules:
— Do not consider purchasing a Tosa Inu puppy if you have no experience with fighting breeds;
— This breed is not a toy for small children;
— Definitely, Tosa Inu is not for a small apartment or a cold enclosure. Such dogs need a home, well-fenced private property, and long, productive walks.

Caring for the appearance of such dogs is not difficult. Short hair should be combed with a rubber glove with short spikes, eyes and ears should be cleaned from time to time, and claws should be trimmed. It is strongly recommended to accustom your dog to all procedures from puppyhood. The Tosa Inu's diet should be properly balanced, with a high content of vitamins for bones and joints, because the dogs are very large.
With proper care and maintenance, these dogs are long-lived among Molossians and can live up to 12 years.

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