What Is The History Of The Tosa Inu Dog Breed?
The Tosa Inu is a Japanese dog breed initially bred for dog fighting. The Tosa Inu considered a national treasure in Japan and has been declared a Natural Monument by the Japanese government. The Tosa Inu is not recognized by the American Kennel Club but is recognized by many other kennel clubs around the world.
The history of the Tosa Inu breed is long and complicated, dating back hundreds of years to when the first dogs were brought to Japan from China. These dogs were used for hunting and guarding, but they also became popular fighting dogs. Dog fighting was a popular sport in Japan, and the Tosa Inu was bred specifically for this purpose. The Tosa Inu was crossbred with various other breeds, including the English Mastiff, Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Great Dane. This created a dog that was both large and powerful, with a fierce temperament.
The Tosa Inu became so popular as a fighting dog that they were banned from being imported into many countries. In Japan, dog fighting was outlawed in 1926, but the Tosa Inu continued to be bred for this purpose. It wasn’t until after World War II that the Tosa Inu began to be bred as a companion animal. Today, the Tosa Inu is still considered a national treasure in Japan and a popular pet in many other countries worldwide.
What Does A Tosa Inu Dog Look like?
The Tosa Inu Dog has a short, stiff coat that is usually black, fawn, brindle, or red. The hair on the back and sides is shorter than on the head and tail. The coat is easy to groom and sheds little.
How Big Is An Adult Tosa Inu Dog?
The Tosa Inu is a large dog breed, with males typically weighing around 130 pounds and females averaging about 110 pounds. The average height is 24-32 inches. This breed is only for some, as they require plenty of space and exercise. Potential owners should be prepared to provide their Tosa Inu with daily walks or runs and access to a large yard or park. If you are considering adding a Tosa Inu to your family, be sure you have the time and energy to commit to this active breed.
Are There Other Dog Breeds Related To The Tosa Inu Dog?
The Tosa Inu is a member of the molossus breed group, which includes other large, solidly built dogs like the Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, and Bullmastiff. These breeds are all descendants of the ancient Molossus dog, used in warfare and for guarding. While the Tosa Inu is not as closely related to other molossus breeds as some, it still shares many of their characteristics. The Tosa Inu is also sometimes classified as a mastiff-type breed. Other dog breeds in this category include the Tibetan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, and English Mastiff. Like the Tosa Inu, these breeds are large and powerful, with heavy bones and muscles. They were originally bred for working and guarding and still possess these instincts today. While the Tosa Inu is not closely related to any of these breeds, they share many similarities in appearance and temperament.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Tosa Inu Dog?
The life expectancy of a Tosa Inu Dog is about 10-12 years. This is a large breed of dog, and they are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Some common health problems affecting this breed are allergies, skin, eye, and joint issues. It is important to keep your Tosa Inu healthy by feeding them a balanced diet and taking them for regular vet checkups.
Can A Tosa Inu Dog Be Trained?
A Tosa Inu Dog can be trained to do many things. They are intelligent dogs and can learn a variety of tricks and commands. Some people train their Tosas to be guard dogs, while others train them for obedience or agility competitions. Tosas can also be trained to hunt other animals, although rare. With the proper training, a Tosa Inu Dog can be a great companion and a loyal friend.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About A Tosa Inu Dog?
1. The Tosa Inu is a large and powerful dog breed initially developed in Japan for dog fighting.
2. Despite their reputation, Tosa Inus are gentle, loving dogs that make great family pets.
3. Tosa Inus are one of the largest breeds of dogs, with adult males weighing up to 200 pounds.
4. Tosa Inus are known for being extremely loyal and protective of their families and will go to great lengths to defend them.
5. Tosa Inus require a lot of exercise and space to run around, making them unsuitable for apartment or city living.
6. Tosa Inus are relatively rare dogs and can be pretty expensive to purchase.
7. Tosa Inus have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
How Does A Tosa Inu Dog Interact With People?
A Tosa Inu is a dog loyal to its family and known for being gentle with children. They are also protective of their home and will guard it against intruders. Tosas are calm dogs that are not quickly excited but can be aggressive if provoked. They need to be socialized early in life, so they do not become aggressive toward other dogs or people. Tosas are typically good natured dogs that make great companions for families.