No two pets are the same and some will adapt better than others to our lifestyle. Living in the country or in the city, having children or not or whether we are more active or sedentary can determine which are the ideal dog breeds to adopt. On this occasion, we present to you the Tosa inu who, despite his marked gesture and large size, is an example of loyalty, kindness and friendship with children.
The Tosa inu, also known as the Japanese mastiff, is the most popular breed in Japan that has its origins in its use as a fighting dog. This is a breed, however, that stands out for its calm and affable character, since the object of these fights is to exhibit its strength, but it is not allowed to harm the rival. In fact, they have a very high degree of irritability and are quite docile. Below, we explain in detail everything you need to know about the Tosa inu.
The imposing appearance of the Tosa inu has nothing to do with its character. This big guy can reach 60 centimeters in height and 70 kilos in weight in adult males. His size makes him a fearless dog, although also serene, patient and affectionate with his family members. With strangers he may show coldness and indifference, but if he likes you, he will show you great loyalty for life.
The Tosa Inu's coat is short and can be red, black, fawn, brindle or apricot. It supports crossbreeding with mastiffs, bulldogs, Great Danes and German pointers and has a long life expectancy of ten to twelve years. Due to their strength and large size, they require a person experienced in pet care, capable of instilling in them what they can and cannot do and keeping them in line with other dogs, since they are quite stubborn and dominant. That is why it is not recommended for first-time owners. Likewise, although they get along well with children, they should not be left with them unsupervised.
Feeding is perhaps the most delicate issue when caring for Tosa inu. Although they like to eat everything, it is necessary to regulate their rations from six months of age to prevent them from growing too quickly. These dogs require a significant energy intake, especially if they live in cold climates, but they also tend to accumulate a lot of fat.
Obesity, rapid growth or nutritional imbalances are precisely factors that influence the appearance of the dreaded hip dysplasia, which can cause mobility problems. This is why Tosa Inu should avoid long runs and climbing stairs during the growth phase. Apart from that, they are quite robust dogs in health and quite active, who like nature and prefer houses with gardens to apartments.
Regarding hygiene, regular brushing is enough for these dogs to keep their coat short and, to ensure their rest, it is best to provide them with a well-padded bed, as they have a tendency to develop calluses.
