Tosa Ken
Other Breed Names: Tosa Ken, Tosa Dog, Tosa Token, Tosa Inu, Japanese Fighting Dog, and Japanese Mastiff.
Image credit: AKC Tosa Ken is a large, powerful Japanese dog breed
The Tosa is a large, powerful dog initially bred in Japan to fight in competitions. The breed is known for its strength and loyalty, as well as its intelligence and calm nature. The AKC describes the Tosa with a temperament marked by patience, composure, boldness, and courage.
Tosa Kens are loyal companions and can make great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. This breed requires regular exercise and socialization, making them an ideal companion for active families. They need a lot of attention and can form strong bonds with their owners, but they also tend to be dominant if they need to be adequately trained and socialized from an early age.
They do best in homes where the owner is willing to provide consistent training and display leadership for the dog to learn appropriate behavior. The Tosa Ken Dog Breed is a great option for those looking for an intelligent and loyal, protective dog. With the right training and socialization, this breed can make an excellent addition to any family.
With their strong physical presence and impressive size, Tosa Kens are sure to garner attention when out in public. The AKC adds that this breed is the largest of all Japanese dog breeds and is also known as the Tosa Ken, Tosa Dog, Tosa Token, Tosa Inu, Japanese Fighting Dog, and Japanese Mastiff.
They should be kept on a leash and positively trained, as they can become aggressive around other dogs or people. This breed is also known for shedding a lot, so it is important to maintain regular grooming to minimize loose fur on furniture and clothing.
Overall, Tosa Kens are loyal, intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions if given the proper care and attention. With consistent training, socialization, and exercise, this breed can be an ideal choice for active families looking for a loyal companion. Though they may require more work than other breeds, these dogs can form strong bonds and make great lifelong companions with the right pet parent.
Guardian Breed History: This handsome breed originated after Commodore Perry traveled to Japan in 1854. Trade began between Japan and western countries, allowing Japanese breeders to breed foreign dogs with their native breeds. Breeds like the Mastiff, Great Dane, Old English Bulldog, St. Bernard, and German Pointer were bred with Japanese native dog breeds like the Shikoku. This allowed for a powerful breed to originate.
Although a rare breed, especially after WW2, breeders allowed the Tosa Inu to gain popularity. The most popular years for this breed were 1924-1933.
Breed Description: Ruggedly handsome, powerful, and large, the Tosa Inu is muscular and longer than tall. With a large, square-shaped head, droopy lips- a prominent dewlap, and delightful wrinkles, the Inu is spectacular as a breed.
The Tosa has powerful jaws and a broad muzzle. Carrying a black nose and high-set medium-sized ears, his eyes are of average size. The tail is long and coat, short and thick. This breed is usually one color; brindle, red, fawn, or sometimes black with some markings. The Tosa sometimes has white markings on his chest and paws.
Height: 24.5-32 inches Weight: 80-135 pounds
Temperament: This breed was deemed dangerous and banned in several countries. Nonetheless, the Tosa can make for a great family dog with positive training, a loving home, and the right environmental stimuli.
The Tosa’s temperament is quiet, reserved, and affectionate around family members. Although dog aggressive, with the proper training and socialization, the Inu can be socialized in the right way.
Activity Level. Energetic needs plenty of exercise.
Most Suitable Pet Parent: The Tosa Ken needs plenty of positive training from a young age and requires lots of socialization around dogs, people, children, and other pets. This breed does well in a suburban neighborhood with an experienced pet parent but needs regular exercise.
Needs: Socialization and positive training
Health Problems: Bloat, eye issues, hip, and elbow dysplasia
FCI– Federation Cynologique International For Dogs Worldwide
Thanks for visiting my blog!
C.B