Tosa

The Tosa needs to go on a daily walk or jog, to fulfill the canine’s primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. In theory this breed requires only an average demand for exercise but will enjoy and be healthier with more. These dogs make good jogging companions.

Low Maintenance: The Tosa is easy to groom. An occasional brushing to remove dead and loose hair is all that is needed to keep the coat looking good. The Tosa may not drool as bad as other mastiffs but, they do drool, especially when they get excited, hot or when they drink. This breed is a light shedder.

The Tosa Ken is a large, short-coated dog, with a stately manner and a robust, powerful, and agile body. The body is slightly longer than tall. The head is large and broad with a boxy muzzle, pendulous flews, and clearly observable dewlap. There is wrinkling on the head, particularly when the dog is alert. Ears are of medium size, drop, and set high. The tail is uncut, very thick at the base, and tapering to the tip. The Tosa Ken may be solid colored, brindle, black with markings, or pied. The overall appearance should be that of a massive but dynamic and flexible athlete, a true canine samurai.

The Tosa Ken is normally a tranquil, quiet, and obedient dog with a calm but vigilant demeanor. The Tosa is quietly affectionate with its own family but may be somewhat aloof with strangers. This breed is also by nature watchful of other dogs and may react aggressively to dogs it considers intruders. Overtly aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. The Tosa responds best to positive-enforced training methods because of an inherent desire to please its owner. This breed matures slowly and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age.