Tosa

Also known as: Tosa Tōken, Japanese Tosa, Japanese Mastiff, Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog

The Tosa originated in Japan's Kochi prefecture, where local dogs were crossed with mastiffs, bull terriers and Great Danes in the late 19th century to build a heavyweight fighting dog. Japanese dog fighting follows sumo-like rituals, and a winning dog is traditionally awarded a champion's rope belt. A male can weigh up to 61 kilograms, and the smooth, dense coat needs almost no upkeep, unlike handling the dog itself, which demands real experience. Many countries restrict or ban Tosa ownership under dangerous-breed legislation. Calm with its owner but powerfully built, it's not a dog suited to a first-time owner. Life expectancy runs 9 to 11 years, shorter than most breeds owing to its sheer body mass.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Tosa: how old in human years?

55–65 cmHeight
30–61 kgWeight
9–11 yrsLife expectancy

Ca de Bou

FCI group: Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
FCI section: Section 2.1: Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type
FCI: 260
Country of origin: Japan

Energy level

2/5
Trainability

2/5
Family friendly

2/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 60–65 cm

Females 55–60 cm

Weight

Males 36–61 kg

Females 30–50 kg

Life expectancy

9–11 yrs

Coat

smooth, short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Tosa's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is low.

Family friendly 2/5
Good with children 2/5
Good with other dogs 1/5
Friendly with strangers 1/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 2/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Tosa's energy and exercise needs are low.

Energy level 2/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 1/5

Guarding & Alertness

Tosa's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 5/5
Watchfulness 4/5
Barking level 1/5

Grooming & Care

Tosa's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 3/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Tosa

In Japan, around Kochi, the Tosa was bred for fighting, and that history is worth knowing not to condemn the dog but to understand what you are bringing home. Well raised and socialised, it is calm, dignified and surprisingly quiet: it rarely barks, prefers resting indoors, and outside a few calm but longer walks are enough. It is big and heavy, so a flat doesn't suit it, and the lead must be held by someone who can genuinely hold it.

With its family it is devoted and gentle, but it distrusts strangers and may not get along with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and no amount of good intentions will change that. Start socialising from the first day, train calmly and consistently without harshness, and never leave it unsupervised with small children or unfamiliar dogs.

In some countries owning this breed is restricted or requires a permit, so check the rules where you live before you commit. This is a dog for an experienced owner who values calm, has a secure yard and is ready for the responsibility, and in return gets a quiet, intensely loyal guardian.

Grooming and coat

The coat is the easiest part of keeping a Tosa, and the only part you can manage with one hand. The short, smooth, dense coat needs no more than a weekly pass with a rubber brush or mitt to shine, and it sheds little. As you go, look at the skin and at the folds on the head and neck: moisture and dirt can collect there, so wipe them clean and dry them.

It drools a fair amount, especially after drinking or while waiting for food, so keep a towel by the door and dry the lip folds. Check the ears weekly, trim the nails every few weeks and brush the teeth several times a week. Start all these rituals while the puppy weighs ten kilos: a sixty-kilo adult has to accept nail trimming willingly.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for giant breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (61 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 505 g of dry food a day, from €27,76 a month For a neutered, normally active 44,3 kg dog. Calculate for your dog