Tosa Ken

Through historical documents, the Tosa has been established as a part of Japan’s culture for close to 1,000 years. He was first discovered in Tosa Wan located on Shikoku island and thereby earned his name. Noted for his courage and toughness, he became well-known as an impressive fighter dog.

The original Tosas were of the Spitz, or Nordic breed. As Western breeds made their way to Japan in the 19th century though, these dogs were interbred with Mastiff and Bulldog varieties to increase size and strength – making for a “new-and-improved” Tosa that was renowned for its fighting prowess.

Sporting a unique and eye-catching red, black or fawn coat that is typically short and straight, the Tosa is an exquisite breed. For optimal grooming results, it’s recommended to brush them weekly. There are few breeds as majestic as this one!

Resembling a sumo wrestler in the canine world, the Tosa is an ancient Japanese guardian breed that has been historically used for fighting. His body type portrays sheer strength and size with a massive head, wrinkled face and dramatic presence. Not only does he possess remarkable protective instincts but also unparalleled power to enforce them should it be necessary.

The Tosa, otherwise known as the giant breed, has a weight range of 100-200 pounds and is said to have originated from Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Great Danes and Japan’s Shikoku. In America he is mostly kept as an obedient companion or show dog; however in his homeland of Japan this beautiful beast still remains prevalent in fighting rings.

The Tosa is a strong, brave and smart dog. He is gentle and watchful when he’s with his loved ones but can be wary to outsiders. This makes it essential that the leader of him should know how to handle him firmly yet fairly; never resorting to violence or brutality in order for their bond to form properly.

Tosas possess a powerful prey drive and can even pursue other dogs or smaller pets, making them better suited for households without any other animals. Without an experienced handler to guide it, the breed may become overly assertive and challenge weak efforts by its owner. However, when they recognize somebody as their strong pack leader with firm expectations set from puppyhood onwards, Tosas will show tremendous devotion in return! Establishing an obvious yet well-defined hierarchical structure is essential for these loyal pooches.

It is essential to socialize your Tosa puppy early and often in order to avoid any potential fear or suspicion of unfamiliar things. To ensure that they learn the difference between what poses a threat and what does not, get your pup from a responsible breeder that raises them at home with plenty of exposure to different sights, sounds and people. With this kind of socialization, you can rest assured knowing he will grow up well-adjusted!

Tosas are content to lounge, but they do require ample amounts of exercise daily. Make a point to dedicate one or two hours per day for them to walk and jog, while providing access to an outdoor space with secure fencing. To maximize their satisfaction from this activity and reduce the risk of aggressive behavior, consider giving Tosa’s more intense workouts like having them pull carts or wearing weighted canine backpacks on walks.