About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 99-122 cm

Height range  : 64-81cm

Weight range : 41-77kg

Coat : Short , smooth , hard , dense

Life expectancy years : 10-12

Colors: red|fawn|yellow|black|brindle|white patches on chest and legs.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: Japan

Similar Breeds : Bullmastiff|Mastiff|Great Dane

 

History

The Tosa originated in Japan and takes its name from its original breeding place. It emerged from the Shikoku-ken crossed with Western breeds including Bulldogs , Mastiffs , German Pointers and Great Danes to create a powerful fighting dog. Although it has a sad dog-fighting past in Japan it is now more often kept as a companion and watchdog.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

calm|quiet|obedient|vigilant|protective

Personality

patient|composed|bold|courageous|tranquil|quiet|obedient|loyal|protective|affectionate|intelligent

Needs

large enclosed yard|daily exercise|mental stimulation|consistent socialization|obedience work|dental and nail care

Social Needs

forms strong bonds with family|can do well with children when trained and supervised|reserved with strangers|generally does not tolerate other household pets well

Grooming 

The Tosa has a short coat that needs modest upkeep. Regular nail trimming and dental care are important and the breed may drool. Routine brushing and basic coat care are usually sufficient.

Nutrition

Feed an appropriate diet for a giant breed and avoid excessive weight gain that can worsen joint stress. Proper calorie balance is important during growth and adulthood. Fresh water and portion control should be maintained.

 

Breed Standard

The Tosa (or Tosa Inu) is a massive, majestic mastiff-type dog originating from Japan. The breed by its powerful build, calm dignity, and distinct physical proportions

Did you know?

The Tosa is also known as the Japanese Mastiff , Tosa-Ken and Tosa Inu. In Japan it has been described as the sumo wrestler of the dog world.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Elbow Dysplasia, Entropion, Hypothyroidism

 

Symptoms

1. Bunny-hopping gait
2. Difficulty or stiffness when rising
3. Reluctance to climb stairs or run
4. Hind-limb muscle atrophy
5. Hip pain or limping may occur.

1. Unproductive retching or dry heaving
2. Restlessness
3. Excessive salivation
4. Abdominal distension
5. Pale gums , breathing trouble or collapse may occur.

1. Forelimb lameness
2. Stiff gait after resting
3. Paws may turn outward
4. Swollen or stiff elbows
5. Decreased range of motion or pain on extension may occur.

1. Excessive tearing
2. Squinting or holding the eye shut
3. Eye redness
4. Mucoid discharge
5. Corneal cloudiness , rubbing or repeat eye infections may occur.

1. Weight gain
2. Lethargy
3. Mental dullness
4. Symmetrical non-itchy hair loss
5. Dry coat , cold intolerance or recurrent skin and ear infections may occur.

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

Signs may appear as early as a few months old during growth or later in adulthood as osteoarthritis develops.

Probability Of Onset:

High breed-specific risk may be present because giant body size and heavy structure can increase orthopedic stress.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

It can occur acutely at any age and is reported more often around or after meals with higher incidence in adult to senior deep-chested giant dogs.

Probability Of Onset:

High risk may be present because large deep-chested conformation increases susceptibility.

Elbow Dysplasia

It typically presents during rapid growth in young large dogs and may appear between 4 and 10 months of age.

Probability Of Onset:

High breed-specific risk may be present because developmental elbow disease is associated with rapidly growing large dogs.

Entropion

Primary entropion typically develops in dogs up to 2 years of age and signs may become apparent in young growing dogs as head structure matures.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate to high risk may be present because loose facial skin and eyelid conformation can predispose affected dogs.

Hypothyroidism

It generally affects middle-aged dogs and commonly emerges around 3 to 8 years of age.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate risk may be present because canine hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged dogs.

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 Normal hip joint congruity is lacking because the coxofemoral joint forms incorrectly and laxity develops. No chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Cartilage support then deteriorates and secondary osteoarthritis can develop. Rapid weight gain and improper calcium or calorie balance can worsen expression in predisposed dogs.

 

Elbow Dysplasia

Normal elbow joint congruity is lacking because developmental bone and cartilage alignment fails. No chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Abnormal load distribution then erodes cartilage and promotes osteoarthritis. Heritable asynchronous growth between the radius and ulna can drive the problem.

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 Normal hip joint congruity is lacking because the coxofemoral joint forms incorrectly and laxity develops. No chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Cartilage support then deteriorates and secondary osteoarthritis can develop. Rapid weight gain and improper calcium or calorie balance can worsen expression in predisposed dogs.

Elbow Dysplasia:

Normal elbow joint congruity is lacking because developmental bone and cartilage alignment fails. No chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Abnormal load distribution then erodes cartilage and promotes osteoarthritis. Heritable asynchronous growth between the radius and ulna can drive the problem.

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

 Normal gastric stability is lacking in a deep narrow chest once the stomach dilates and twists. No nutrient or chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Blood flow and oxygen delivery can become inadequate and shock may develop rapidly. Rapid eating , gulping air and heavy activity around meals can increase vulnerability.

Entropion

Proper eyelid support is lacking when loose skin or facial conformation allows the eyelid margin to roll inward. No nutrient or chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the provided texts. Hair then rubs the cornea and can lead to pain , ulcers and scarring. Chronic friction can increase risk of vision impairment if treatment is delayed.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormone is lacking because lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic atrophy progressively destroys functional thyroid tissue. Reduced thyroid hormone lowers metabolic activity across the body. Skin and coat quality may worsen as hormone deficiency persists. Associated cold intolerance and lethargy may develop as metabolism slows.

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. Management may include healthy weight control , low-impact exercise , NSAIDs , physical rehabilitation and in severe cases surgical options such as total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy. Dogs with CHD should never be used for breeding.

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. This is an immediate emergency and treatment may require rapid decompression , IV fluids , shock management and surgery with gastropexy after stabilization. Dogs with a first-degree relative that developed GDV should not be used for breeding.

 

Elbow Dysplasia

  1. Management may include weight control , activity modification , physical therapy , NSAIDs and in some cases arthroscopic or other surgical correction for fragmented or ununited bone and cartilage.

 

Entropion:

  1. Treatment may involve temporary eyelid tacking in immature dogs and definitive surgical correction once development is more complete with lubricants or ophthalmic medications for secondary problems.

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. Treatment may involve lifelong daily oral levothyroxine with blood testing to confirm diagnosis and periodic monitoring to adjust dose over time. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. Glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for cartilage support.
    2. Chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint cushioning.
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for managing inflammation.
    4. Green-lipped mussel extract can,might be helpful for preserving joint function.
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. No supplement is established as preventive treatment in the provided primary veterinary text.
recommend product

Elbow Dysplasia

  • 1. Glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for joint support.
    2. Chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage protection.
    3. MSM can,might be helpful for joint comfort.
    4. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for inflammation support.
recommend product

Entropion

  • 1. No supplement is established as corrective treatment in the provided primary ophthalmology text.
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. No supplement is established as a substitute for thyroid hormone replacement in the provided primary veterinary text.
recommend product