Appearance
The Tosa varies considerably in size, with the
Japanese-bred dogs tending to be about half
the size of those bred outside the country.
The Japanese breed generally weighs between
80 and 135 pounds (36 and 61 kg), while the
non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs
that weigh from 130 to 200 lb (60 to 90 kg)
and stand 24.5 to 32 inches (62 to 82 cm) at
the withers. [1] [clarification needed ] The coat
is characterized by its short and smooth
appearance and is often red, brindle , or
fawn. Occasionally it can be a dull black, but
this is somewhat rare. Maintenance of the
coat is usually minimal.
History
The head of a Tosa
This breed originated in the second half of
the nineteenth century. The breed started
from the native Shikoku-Inu , an indigenous
dog weighing about 25 kilograms (45 pounds)
and standing about 55 centimetres high,
which closely resembles the European Spitz.
These dogs were crossed with European dog
breeds, such as the Old English Bulldog in
1872, Mastiff in 1874, St. Bernard , German
Pointer in 1876, Great Dane in 1924, and the
Bull Terrier . [2] The aim was to breed a larger,
more powerful dog. The heyday of Tosa
breeding was between 1924 and 1933, when
it was said that there were more than 5,000
Tosa breeders in Japan.
Legal matters
Tosa Inu puppies 4 months
Ownership of Tosas is legally restricted in
certain jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom
ownership is regulated under the Dangerous
Dogs Act 1991 , and in Trinidad & Tobago
under the Dangerous Dogs Act 2000. [1] A
specific exemption of a British court is
required to own and import Tosas legally in
the UK. [2] Some insurance companies will not
insure homes with dog breeds deemed
dangerous. The Australian Customs Service
prohibits the import of Tosas, along with
other dog breeds considered dangerous, into
Australia. [3]
The Tosa is one of eleven breeds of dog
banned in 2007 by the Dublin City Council
from their properties, including council
houses, flats and estates. [4]
The breed is illegal/banned in: