Tosa vs. Westie-Laso: Breed Differences and Similarities

Tosa

Tosa

Westie-Laso

Westie-Laso

Hypoallergenic

Are Tosas or Westie-Lasos hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Tosa nor Westie-Laso are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds?

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

West Highland White Terrier, Lhasa Apso

Date of Birth

When were Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Tosa and Westie-Laso dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Tosa and Westie-Laso?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds?

Fawn
Red
Brindle
Black

White
Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Silver
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds?

2 / 5

Tosas have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

4 / 5

Westie-Lasos have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Tosa and Westie-Laso?

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Tosa and Westie-Laso?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Tosa and Westie-Laso?

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.

A Westie-Laso can have a litter of 4-6 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 for Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Urolithiasis
Addison's Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Tosa and Westie-Laso?

Eye Problems

Inguinal Hernias
Copper Toxicosis
Atopic Dermatitis
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Tosa and Westie-Laso breeds?

OFA
CERF
X-Rays
Full Physical Examination

Hip
Knee
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Respiratory Tests
Skeletal Exam

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Tosa and Westie-Laso entertained?

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

Road trip, Tug-of-war, Walk

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Tosas or Westie-Lasos?

Both Tosa and Westie-Laso are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Tosa or Westie-Laso walk each 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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Westie-Laso, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Tosas or Westie-Lasos require more exercise?

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.

In general most Westie-Lasos usually need at least 30 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

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Tosa and Westie-Laso dogs?

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

Ideally, Westie-Laso should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Tosas and Westie-Lasos?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Tosa or Westie-Laso in cups?

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.

For an average 14-21 pound (6 - 10 kg) Westie-Laso feed 1.5 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

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Tosa or Westie-Laso?

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

The average cost of a Westie-Laso is somewhere $1.40 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Tosa or Westie-Laso?

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.

The average per month expenses of a Westie-Laso is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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