Tosa (dog) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Tosa

Other names

Japanese Tosa
Tosa Tōken (土佐闘犬)
Japanese Fighting Dog
Tosa Fighting Dog

Origin

Classification / standards
FCI		standard

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Tosa-Ken or Japanese Mastiff, is a special type of dog breed from Japan. It is considered quite rare. This breed was first developed in a place called Tosa (now Kōchi Prefecture) on the island of Shikoku.

The Tosa Inu was originally bred to be a fighting dog in Japan. It is the only breed still used in legal dog fighting events there. Because of its strength and history, owning a Tosa Inu is not allowed or is limited in some countries.

What Does a Tosa Inu Look Like?
The History of the Tosa Inu
Rules About Owning a Tosa Inu
See also

What Does a Tosa Inu Look Like?

Tosa Inus can be different sizes. Dogs bred in Japan are usually smaller than those bred in other countries. Japanese Tosas often weigh between 36 and 61 kilograms (80 to 135 pounds). Tosas bred outside Japan can be much larger, weighing from 60 to 90 kilograms (132 to 198 pounds). They can stand between 62 to 82 centimeters (24 to 32 inches) tall at the shoulder. Some Tosas can even weigh up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds)!

Their fur is short and smooth. It often comes in colors like red, brindle (which is a striped pattern), or fawn (a light yellowish-brown). Sometimes, they can also be a dull black color. Taking care of their coat is usually very easy. In Japan, these dogs are sometimes compared to Sumo wrestlers because of their large size and strength.

The History of the Tosa Inu

The head of a Tosa Inu

A Tosa Inu named Boss

The head of a Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu breed began in the late 1800s. It started with a native Japanese dog called the Shikoku-Inu. These dogs were about 25 kilograms (45 pounds) and 55 centimeters (22 inches) tall.

To create a larger and stronger dog for fighting competitions, the Shikoku-Inu was bred with several European dog breeds. These included the Old English Bulldog (in 1872), the English Mastiff (in 1874), and the Saint Bernard and German Pointer (in 1876). Later, breeds like the Great Dane (in 1924) and the Bull Terrier were also used.

The time when Tosa breeding was most popular was between 1924 and 1933. During this period, it is believed there were more than 5,000 Tosa breeders in Japan!

Rules About Owning a Tosa Inu

Tosa Inu puppies at 4 months old

Because of their history and strength, owning a Tosa Inu is not allowed or is limited in some places around the world. These rules are part of what is called Breed-specific legislation.

For example, in the United Kingdom, owning a Tosa Inu is controlled by the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. In Trinidad and Tobago, there's a similar law called the Dog Control Act of 2014. If someone wants to own or bring a Tosa Inu into the UK, they usually need special permission from a British court.

The Tosa Inu breed is completely banned or has strict rules for ownership in many countries, including:

Tosa (dog) facts for kids

Contents

What Does a Tosa Inu Look Like?

The History of the Tosa Inu

Rules About Owning a Tosa Inu

See also