Tosa
Bred in Japan by crossing native dogs with western mastiffs, for a contest style that demanded silence. Enormous, calm, and restricted by law in several countries.
Photo by Susihurtan, CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
The Tosa was developed in Japan in the nineteenth century by crossing the native Shikoku dog with Mastiff, Great Dane, Bull Terrier and Bulldog, to produce a fighting dog for the Japanese style of contest, which was fought in near silence under sumo like rules.
That silence was selected for. A Tosa that vocalised was penalised, and the breed remains notably quiet.
Temperament
Calm, quiet and deeply protective. Tosas are affectionate with their own families and reserved to the point of stillness with strangers, and they are patient rather than reactive.
Dog aggression is a real and serious consideration given the history and the size. This breed requires a genuinely experienced owner. It is banned outright in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and several other countries, and that should be checked before any other consideration.
Care and grooming
A short hard coat, a weekly brush. They drool and the facial folds need wiping.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, and bloat is a serious risk at this size. They are sensitive to heat and to anaesthesia. Ten to twelve years.
Living and exercise
An hour a day of moderate exercise plus training, and less while growing.
Legal status is the first question with this breed and not the last. Where it is legal it needs an owner with real experience of powerful guardian breeds.
Something here wrong or out of date?