The Tosa or Tosa Inu is a former Japanese fighting dog. Completely different from western fighting dogs, it did not bite his opponents, but wrestled them to the ground. It is rarely found over here and unfortunately it is considered a list dog in many regions.
The origin of the Tosa Inu
The breed probably originated in Japan during the 19th century. "Tosa" is a region that was ruled by an independent prince at the time.
"Inu" is beside "Ken" a Japanese word for dog. Translated, the name means "dog from Tosa". The exact evolution of the breed is not clear. Breed researchers assume that the pointy local Shikoku Ken was crossed with brawny western breeds. Genetic studies showed a relationship with the Mastiff, Bulldog, Great Dane and even the St. Bernard.
The intention was quite clearly to breed a Japanese fighting dog. Peculiarly, the Japanese answer to Western fighting dogs fights was to fight like a sumo wrestler. Instead of angrily biting each other with bared teeth, these dogs wrestled each other down. Biting led to the immediate disqualification of the dog.
Today the dog is still kept in Japan as a guard dog of larger estates. The Tosa Inu breeding is done there with greatest care and finest selection.
The breed characteristics of the Tosa Inu
The Mastiff heritage is still clearly visible in the Tosa today. Nevertheless, the Tosa Inu appears finer and more delicate than most comparable western breeds.
In Japan it is known for its fearlessness and a very moderate temperament. The Europeans discovered the Tosa because it was suitable as a replacement for dog breeds that had fallen into disrepute. Dubious owners imported almost all dogs that were somehow considered dangerous or suitable as status symbols. No wonder that this dog soon ended up on the lists. But their nature is actually very friendly towards humans.
- Japanese fighting dog
- bred for wrestling and not as a biter
- today often guard dog
- FCI Standard No. 260,Group 2, Section 2: Molossoids, 2.1 Great Dane dogs