Tosa Inu

COUNTRY: Japan
WEIGHT: 100-200 pounds
HEIGHT: 241/2-251/2 inches minimum (usually much larger)
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Solid red preferred; brindle, dull black, fawn and white markings permitted
OTHER NAMES: Tosa Ken, Tosa Token
GROUP: Mastiff


Dog-fighting has been a passion in Japan for many years, and the Tosa was bred particularly to fill that demand, coming from Tosa, Kochi prefecture. After the National Isolation Policy was lifted in 1854, original spitz-type fighters, such as the Akita, habitually were defeated by European breeds. Fighting enthusiasts wouldn't put up with such loss of face and bred the native dogs to St. Bernards, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Bulldogs and Pointers from the West. This increased size and strength, creating the modem Tosa, a dog similar in type and ability to the European "heavyweights."
The dogs were trained with two whips: one had a loud snap but a small sting and the other was used for punishment, inflicting pain. These canine "sumo wrestlers" were chosen for their silent and stoic fighting—they would not scream or utter a whimper though fighting to the death.
Fights were ceremonial occasions, with the dogs paraded to the ring. They were controlled by thick white ropes tied around their necks and held by strong men bracing their legs. Fights were usually stopped if one combatant eased up or gave ground. Contests for top national honors, however, were sometimes allowed to go the bitter and deadly end. Winners received ceremonial aprons, beautiful and valuable, with some priced at $31,000!

The breed suffered setbacks during World War II, as did other large dogs around the world. Favorites were sent to isolated areas in northern Japan, where they continued to be bred. Later fighting enthusiasts standardized appearance and revived the breed to its former glory. They have been exported, in small numbers, to other areas, including the USA and Germany, where they exist as companions and guards only.

The standard notes its aggression toward other dogs. The Tosa gives no ground; it attacks head on. Although massive, the Tosa is agile and athletic, requiring an owner willing to discipline and capable of physically handling and mentally dominating a large, powerful dog. Nevertheless, if properly handled, the Tosa Inu is a quiet, well-behaved breed and is a good family companion.