Photo: Ludivine HOUDAS · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Tosa
- Animal
- Dog
- Type
- Japanese dog
- Origin
- Japan
- Height
- 55 cm
About the Tosa
The Tosa is a rare dog breed from Japan, also known as the Japanese Mastiff. It was developed in Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, as a fighting dog. In Japan, it was the only breed legally permitted in dog fighting. That history is important context for anyone considering the breed: ownership is restricted in some countries because it is classed as dangerous. The listed height is 55. The Tosa belongs to the Japanese dog type. Its origins and development are closely tied to Japan, and its rarity distinguishes it from more commonly encountered breeds. Prospective owners should check whether ownership is permitted where they live before considering one.
What stands out
- Originated in Japan
- Also known as the Japanese Mastiff
- Recognized as a distinct Japanese dog type
Worth knowing
- Ownership is restricted in some countries
- Developed for dog fighting
Who it suits
It may interest people seeking a rare Japanese dog breed, provided they first check local ownership restrictions.
In short
The Tosa has a specific Japanese origin and a history as a fighting dog. Ownership restrictions in some countries are an important consideration.
More dog breeds from Japan
Japanese Spitz Japan Height 30 cm Photo: Hakumichi · Public domain 
Jōmon Dog Japan Photo: 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Kishu Japan Height 49 cm Photo: Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 Other Japanese dog breeds
Photo credits12 photographs on this page
- Tosa — Ludivine HOUDAS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Akita — TsutsuiKennel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Hokkaido inu — Magdalena Niemiec · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Chin — Trysha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Spitz — Hakumichi · Public domain · file page
- Japanese Terrier — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Jōmon Dog — 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kai Ken — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kishu — Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Shiba Inu — Roberto Vasarri · Public domain · file page
- Shikoku Ken — Bigsteeve · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kawakami Ken — Ｋａｔｕｕｙａ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.