Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Pet Sites
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COUNTRY:
Japan
WEIGHT: 100-200 pounds
HEIGHT: 241/2-251/2
inches minimum (usually much
larger)
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Solid red
preferred; brindle, dull black,
fawn and white markings permitted
OTHER NAMES: Tosa
Ken, Tosa Token
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Mastiff
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Dog-fighting
has been a passion in Japan for many years, and the Tosa was bred particularly
to fill that demand, coming from Tosa, Kochi prefecture. After the National
Isolation Policy was lifted in 1854, original spitz-type fighters, such
as the Akita, habitually were defeated by European breeds. Fighting enthusiasts
wouldn't put up with such loss of face and bred the native dogs to St.
Bernards, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Bulldogs and Pointers from the West.
This increased size and strength, creating the modem Tosa, a dog similar
in type and ability to the European "heavyweights."
The dogs were
trained with two whips: one had a loud snap but a small sting and the
other was used for punishment, inflicting pain. These canine "sumo
wrestlers" were chosen for their silent and stoic fighting—they would
not scream or utter a whimper though fighting to the death.
Fights were
ceremonial occasions, with the dogs paraded to the ring. They were controlled
by thick white ropes tied around their necks and held by strong men bracing
their legs. Fights were usually stopped if one combatant eased up or gave
ground. Contests for top national honors, however, were sometimes allowed
to go the bitter and deadly end. Winners received ceremonial aprons, beautiful
and valuable, with some priced at $31,000!
The breed suffered setbacks during
World War II, as did other large dogs around the world. Favorites were
sent to isolated areas in northern Japan, where they continued to be
bred. Later fighting enthusiasts standardized appearance and revived
the breed to its former glory. They have been exported, in small numbers,
to other areas, including the USA and Germany, where they exist as companions
and guards only.
The standard notes its
aggression toward other dogs. The Tosa gives no ground; it attacks head
on. Although massive, the Tosa is agile and athletic, requiring an owner
willing to discipline and capable of physically handling and mentally
dominating a large, powerful dog. Nevertheless, if properly handled,
the Tosa Inu is a quiet, well-behaved breed and is a good family companion.
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