Tosa

Tosa Breed Information & Characteristics

Hypoallergenic

Are Tosas Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, the Tosa is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Origin

Where do Tosas come from?

Japan

Ancestry

What are Tosas descended from?

Kocki, Shikoku, Mastiff, German Pointer, St. Bernard

Date of Birth

When were Tosas first bred? How old is the Tosa breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Tosa?

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Tosa eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Tosa nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Tosa coat be naturally?

Fawn
Red
Brindle
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Tosas coat?

2 / 5

The coat of a Tosa dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Tosa Coat?

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Tosa?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Tosa have in a litter? How many puppies can a Tosa have in her first litter?

A Tosa can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Tosa?

Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Tosas?

Eye Problems

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Tosa breed?

OFA
CERF
X-Rays
Full Physical Examination

Past times

What do Tosas enjoy doing? How do I keep my Tosa busy?

Cuddling, Chasing stick, Going on drives, Going on walks, Photo shoots, Playing, MAJOR cuddler

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Tosa? How much energy does a Tosa have?

Tosas are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How far should a Tosa walk each week? How many miles should a Tosa walk every week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Tosa, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Tosa should exercise a day? How much activity does a Tosa need?

In general most Tosas usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Tosa?

Tosa should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Tosas?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How many cups of food does a Tosa eat?

For an average 120-170 pound (54 - 77 kg) Tosa feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Tosa Cost Daily?

The average cost of a Tosa is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Tosa Cost Per Month?

The average per month expenses of a Tosa is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Compare Tosa with other breeds