Tosa

The Tosa is Japan's fighting mastiff — the largest Japanese breed, and one restricted or banned outright in a number of countries.

History

It was created in Kochi prefecture, formerly Tosa, from the 1850s by crossing the native Shikoku dog with Western breeds — Mastiff, Bulldog, Great Dane, Bull Terrier and Saint Bernard — to produce a dog for Japanese-style dog sumo, in which the dogs fight silently and to strict rules. It is legally restricted in the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere, which is the first thing to establish before considering one.

Temperament

The breed is known for being quiet, patient and remarkably undemonstrative at home — the sport it was bred for demanded silence and composure — while being deeply territorial and unreliable with other dogs.

Care and training

It needs space, serious containment, thorough socialising and a highly experienced owner. Exercise needs are moderate; the handling requirement is not. The short coat is easy.

Health

Known tendencies are those of very large molossers: hip dysplasia, bloat given the deep chest, and heart conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.