Description
The Tosa Inu is a massive dog that makes a powerful and imposing impression. Bred originally in Japan for the purpose of (bloodless) dogfighting, it has since proven itself as an exceptional and discerning watchdog.
A Tosa is profoundly aware of its own strength, which translates into a generally calm and confident demeanor. It is not prone to unnecessary aggression. This is a quiet guardian that only barks when it has a legitimate reason and defends its territory with uncompromising dedication.
While naturally wary of strangers, it will behave calmly towards them once it assesses that they pose no threat. Within its family, it is known to be patient and well-mannered with children and other pets. It typically tolerates unfamiliar dogs, provided they do not provoke it.
Training a Tosa Inu must be grounded in kindness and unwavering consistency. This intelligent breed requires plenty of daily exercise and long walks to keep it both physically and mentally stimulated.
Despite its low-maintenance grooming needs, the Tosa Inu is a dog that belongs only in the hands of an experienced, confident owner who can provide the firm and gentle leadership it requires.
FCI Standard
FCI-Standard N° 260 / 09.12.1997 / GB
TOSA
ORIGIN : Japan.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 09.12.1997.
UTILIZATION : Formerly fighting dog, nowadays watchdog.
FCI CLASSIFICATION : Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds,
Mastiff type.
Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : Japan has a long history of dog fighting, beginning in the 14th century. With such a history in the background, this breed was produced as a hybrid of Shikoku-ken and Western breeds. Named after the area where they were bred, these dogs are sometimes called "Japanese Mastiffs". The Western dogs used for creating the breed were Bulldogs (1872), Mastiffs (1874), German Pointers (1876) and Great Danes (1924), all of which were used to improve the breed by sequential mating. According to some accounts, St.Bernards and Bull Terriers were also involved, but it is not known in what years they were used. The Tosa's established features of stamina and the fighting instinct typically found in Mastiffs may be attributed to the involvement of such breeds.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Large-sized dog with a stately manner and robust build. The dog has hanging ears, short hair, a square muzzle and hanging tail thick at the root.
BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT : The temperament is marked by patience, composure, boldness and courage.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Broad.
Stop : Rather abrupt.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Large and black.
Muzzle : Moderately long. Nasal bridge staight.
Jaws : Upper and lower jaws strong.
Teeth : Strong with a scissor bite.
Eyes : Rather small, dark brown in colour with a dignified expression.
Ears : Relatively small, rather thin, set high on the skull sides,
hanging close to the cheeks.
NECK : Muscular, with a dewlap.
BODY :
Withers : High.
Back : Level and straight.
Loins : Broad, muscular.
Croup : Slightly arched at the top.
Chest : Broad and deep, ribs moderately sprung.
Belly : Well drawn up.
TAIL : Thick at the root, tapering towards the tip, reaching the hocks
when let down.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS :
Shoulder : Moderately sloping.
Forearm : Straight, moderately long and strong.
Pastern : Slightly inclining and robust.
HINDQUARTERS :
Muscles very developed. Joints of stifle and hock moderately
angulated, strong.
FEET : Tightly closed. Pads thick and elastic. Nails hard and preferably dark in colour.
GAIT : Robust and powerful.
COAT
HAIR : Short, hard and dense.
COLOUR : Red, fawn, apricot, black, brindle. Slight white markings on chest and feet are permitted.
SIZE : Minimum height at withers for dogs 60 cm
for bitches 55 cm.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered as a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
• Thin bone.
• Snipy muzzle.
• Slightly overshot or undershot bite.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :
• Aggresive or overly shy.
• Extremely overshot or undershot bite.
• Shyness.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.