Tosa Inus are giant-sized dogs. How big they can get depends on whether they’re Japanese or Western-bred, as the former tend to be almost half the size of the latter. Japanese-bred Tosa Inus typically weigh 80 to 135 pounds and stand about 21.5 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Western-bred Tosa Inus can be much larger and taller, often weighing 130 to over 200 pounds and measuring 24 to 32 inches tall.

Tosa Inus typically live about 10 to 12 years. When compared to the lifespans of similar breeds like Mastiffs (six to 10 years) or Great Danes (seven to 10 years), Tosa Inus tend to live a bit longer. 

Factors that can affect their longevity include proper diet, regular exercise, and routine vet care to prevent or properly manage conditions like heart problems. Larger breeds generally tend to have shorter lifespans due to the strain their size puts on their joints and organs, so keeping them at a healthy weight and watching for signs of early arthritis or other conditions can help extend their lifespan.

Tosa Inus typically stop growing in height by 12 to 18 months, although they will continue to build muscle mass and fill out until they’re about three years old. These large, muscular dogs take a bit longer to fully mature than smaller breeds. 

Since their growth slows down around 12 to 18 months, it’s a good idea to switch them to adult food around that time. Consult your vet to ensure they’re transitioning at the right time based on their specific growth and development.

Tosa Inus come in several colors, including red, fawn, black, and brindle, with some having white markings, though solid colors are more typical. 

The most common color for a Tosa Inu is red, especially in Japan, where it’s the preferred color for the breed. On the other hand, black and brindle Tosa Inus are considered more rare. While brindle coats are particularly eye-catching, they aren’t as commonly seen compared to red or fawn.

Tosa Inus shed a moderate amount throughout the year, with some increased shedding during seasonal changes like spring and fall. While they aren’t heavy shedders, brushing helps keep the shedding under control.

Their grooming needs are pretty straightforward. They have short, dense coats that benefit from weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. Occasional baths are also good for maintaining cleanliness, but Tosa Inus are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Checking their ears, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth regularly should round out their grooming routine.

Yes, Tosa Inus are considered quite rare, especially outside of Japan. Breed restrictions, their giant size, and a comparatively limited number of breeders compared to more popular breeds contribute to this rarity. If you’re interested in adopting a Tosa Inu, you may need to search for specialized rescues or consider international adoptions.

Tosa Inus, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, are from the Tosa Province of Japan, now part of modern-day Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. They were first developed in the mid-19th century, around the 1870s. Tosa Inus have a unique background, blending native Shikoku dogs with European breeds like Bulldogs, Mastiffs, and Great Danes to create their distinctive look.

Tosa Inus were bred for dog fighting. While this practice isn’t completely outlawed in Japan, it is banned in at least five prefectures as increasing animal welfare standards and growing public opposition have led to less prominence and acceptance of Tosa Inu fighting compared to the past. Today, Tosa Inus are also beloved as loyal family members.

There is technically just one type of Tosa Inu, but there can be some variation depending on where they are bred. Japanese-bred Tosa Inus tend to be smaller and more compact compared to Tosa Inus bred outside Japan, particularly in Western countries like the United States, where they’re often bred to be larger.

So, while there aren’t officially different types, you may find variations in size and weight based on breeding practices across different regions.

No, Tosa Inus are not illegal across the entire U.S., but they are restricted or banned in certain areas. Some states or cities have breed-specific legislation (BSL) restricting Tosa Inus because of their history as fighting dogs. Areas with stricter dog laws, like certain cities in Colorado or Michigan, might prohibit or heavily regulate adopting one.

If you’re interested in adopting a Tosa Inu, check your local laws or housing restrictions to make sure they’re allowed in your area. It’s also important to note that the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior have position statements against the use of BSL, citing animal welfare concerns, ineffectiveness, and discrimination.

Yes, Tosa Inus can be good with cats. They weren’t bred to herd livestock or hunt game, so while they are a powerful breed, they aren’t prone to chasing or acting predatory towards household cats. This is especially true for Tosa Inus, who were raised alongside their feline counterparts. 

Of course, because of their size and strength, it’s especially important to ensure they display calm and friendly behavior before letting a Tosa Inu off-leash around a kitty. Make sure to introduce the Tosa Inu and cat slowly, starting first with scent intros and working up to in-person meetings while keeping your pup leashed and at a safe distance from the cat. Reward calm and friendly behavior, building up to longer sessions as the animals become familiar with each other.

No, Tosa Inus don’t tend to bark a lot. They’re quite a reserved and observant breed and aren’t prone to excessive vocalizing. They may alert bark, but thorough and early socialization will help ensure that your Tosa Inu pal feels safe and confident in the world around them, decreasing the chances of them barking from stress or defensiveness. While they aren’t a high-energy breed, ensuring they have daily access to exercise, enrichment, and play will also help prevent barking from boredom or restlessness.

Yes, Tosa Inus can be good family dogs for families educated about the breed. However, they aren’t a great choice for first-time pet parents as their giant size, strength, wariness around strangers, and tendency to be defensive or territorial around other dogs can be challenging. 

For informed adopters, though, they can be extremely loving and loyal companions and tend to be notably affectionate and docile with their family members.

These powerful pups do best with families who will provide them with an abundance of positive socialization experiences throughout their puppyhood and structured, positive reinforcement training throughout their lives. Since they can be wary of strangers and defensive around other dogs, thorough socialization and realistic expectations of their sociability are crucial to raising a well-rounded Tosa Inu.

Yes, Tosa Inus can be easy to train, thanks to their calm demeanor and patient nature. They can maintain focus well and quickly learn cues as a result, especially when you use positive reinforcement training. Since they’re such a large and powerful breed, teaching loose-leash walking to prevent pulling and training cues like “four on the floor” during greetings can be especially useful. Also keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Tosa Inus are smart dogs. They often showcase impressive problem-solving skills and are especially observant, thanks in part to their history as watchdogs. 

Their intelligence, combined with their focus, strength, and endurance, allows them to shine in a number of dog sports and events, such as rally, tracking, and cart-pulling. 

Yes, Tosa Inus are often good with kids, although they don’t tend to have the energy levels or drive for lots of high-intensity play. While they tend to be particularly affectionate and gentle with children, since they are such massive pups, early socialization, training, and supervision are absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of both child and dog.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, most Tosa Inus don’t have a lot of health problems and are long-lived for a giant breed. Still, they can be prone to some genetic health issues, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition characterized by an abnormal formation of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis, pain, and difficulty in movement. Symptoms may include a reluctance to exercise, limping, or a noticeable change in gait, and it can often be managed with weight control, physical therapy, or surgery if severe.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition results from abnormal growth and development of the elbow joint, which can cause pain and lameness. Signs include front leg lameness, difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, and increased stiffness after rest. Treatment may involve medication, weight management, or surgical options, depending on the severity.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): GDV is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas and then twists, preventing gas from escaping. It can lead to shock and is life-threatening, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Symptoms often include a swollen abdomen, unproductive vomiting, drooling, and restlessness.

• Skin allergies: Tosa Inus can suffer from allergies to certain foods, pollen, dust mites, or flea bites, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin. Chronic skin infections can develop if not treated, and management often involves allergy testing, antihistamines, or dietary changes to eliminate allergens.

• Hyperkalaemia: This condition involves elevated levels of potassium in the blood, which can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, lethargy, and even cardiac issues. It may be caused by underlying health problems, such as kidney disease, and requires prompt veterinary evaluation and treatment to restore normal potassium levels.

• Heart disease: Tosa Inus can be prone to various heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular heart disease. Early signs may include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or a reduced tolerance for exercise. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect heart issues early, and treatment may involve medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments.

Being aware of these potential health issues allows pet parents to take proactive steps in maintaining their Tosa Inu’s health. Vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can greatly enhance their quality of life and help manage any health concerns effectively.

The easiest way to adopt a Tosa Inu is through a rescue that specializes in Tosa Inus. A great place to start is with a breed search on Adopt a Pet, which will show you all the available Tosa Inus in your search radius.