Article: Tosa Inu – the Japanese giant with a big heart

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Mar 20, 2025Dogs

Tosa Inu – the Japanese giant with a big heart

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, originates from the Kōchi Prefecture, where it is viewed not only as a working dog but also as a symbol of strength, courage, and tradition. In some regions of Japan, sumo-style dogfighting exhibitions are held, where the Tosa Inu demonstrate their poise and discipline, which holds significant cultural significance.

The breed was developed in the 19th century in response to the growing interest in dog fighting, which in Japan was more ceremonial and controlled than in the West. To create the ideal dog for this purpose, Japanese breeders began crossbreeding local fighting dogs (the Shikoku Inu) with European breeds, including bulldogs (introducing strength and courage), mastiffs (adding mass and poise), Great Danes (for height and impressive appearance), and Saint Bernards and bull terriers (for endurance).

The goal was to create a dog with the ideal combination of strength, courage, pain tolerance, and composure. Breeding was highly selective, rejecting dogs that exhibited excessive aggression or mental instability. The result was a dog that was not only strong but also remarkably calm and loyal to its humans.

During World War II, the Tosa Inu population declined significantly due to food shortages and harsh conditions. After the war, breeders began efforts to rebuild the breed using surviving genetic lines. Thanks to the determination and passion of breed enthusiasts, the Tosa Inu survived and is now appreciated not only in Japan but also in many countries around the world as a companion, guard dog, and loyal friend.

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, originates from the Kōchi Prefecture, where it is viewed not only as a working dog but also as a symbol of strength, courage, and tradition. In some regions of Japan, sumo-style dogfighting exhibitions are held, where the Tosa Inu demonstrate their poise and discipline, which holds significant cultural significance.

The breed was developed in the 19th century by crossing local dogs with European breeds such as bulldogs, mastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and bull terriers. The goal was to create a strong, courageous, and durable dog for the fights, which in Japan were more ritualistic and resembled sumo wrestling than brutal combat. During World War II, the Tosa Inu population declined significantly, but thanks to the efforts of breeders, the breed was saved from extinction.

Appearance and physical features

Tosa Inu males reach impressive dimensions: from 60 to over 80 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 100 kg . This is a mass of muscle, arranged in a harmonious, compact physique, reminiscent of the athletic proportions of a sumo champion – not coincidentally, as the breed was once used in traditional Japanese dogfighting.

Females are noticeably smaller, both in height and weight, giving them a light and elegant appearance. Differences between the sexes (also known as sexual dimorphism ) are one of the breed's defining characteristics, making each Tosa unique.

Every part of the Tosa Inu's body serves a specific function – it is a dog designed for strength and physical dominance , but without being excessively heavy.

Head : broad, deep, with a clearly defined stop (frontal-nasal transition).
Ears : medium size, set high, close to the cheeks, emphasizing the focused expression of the face.
Chest : deep and broad, reaching to the elbows – gives the impression of stability and strength.
Back : straight and strong, ending in a long, thick tail , carried low when at rest and slightly raised when moving.
Limbs : straight, strongly muscled, with great carrying power, ending in thick, compact paws .
Skin : elastic, especially on the neck – creates characteristic folds (hangs) that protect against bites.
Coat : short, hard, close-fitting – red, black, fawn or brindle.

Character and temperament

Despite their fighting ancestry, Tosa Inu are calm, composed, and incredibly loyal to their owners. They are intelligent but also independent, which can be challenging to train. They require a consistent but gentle approach and early socialization, especially with other dogs.

The Tosa Inu is an emotionally balanced dog – it doesn't react impulsively, but it can react decisively in dangerous situations. It has a strong territorial instinct, making it a good watchdog, but it's not overly noisy.

Dogs of this breed often develop a strong bond with one family member, treating them as the pack leader. At the same time, they are generally calm and patient with children if properly raised and socialized. They can be dominant with other dogs, so socialization from a young age is crucial.

The Tosa Inu thrives in a calm, predictable environment with someone who can provide clear rules. They are not suitable for impulsive or inconsistent individuals – if misguided, this breed can become distrustful or anxious.

Thanks to their high intelligence, they respond well to cooperative training, and their calm nature makes them an excellent companion dog for a responsible and experienced owner. Despite their fighting ancestry, Tosa Inu are calm, composed, and incredibly loyal to their owners. They are intelligent, but also independent, which can be a challenge in training. They require a consistent but gentle approach and early socialization, especially with other dogs.

Care and health

Grooming a Tosa Inu is relatively simple, but it does require consistency and attention. Their short coat requires regular brushing once a week, preferably with a rubber glove or a soft brush, which will remove dead hair and stimulate skin circulation. Brushing frequency should be increased during shedding season.

Pay particular attention to the skin folds on the face, which should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth to prevent infection and bacteria buildup. It's a good idea to check for dirt after every meal and walk.

Ears should be checked weekly – it's a good idea to gently clean them with a veterinary product if there's excess earwax. Nails should be checked every 2–3 weeks and trimmed if they don't wear down naturally during walks. Neglected nails can cause discomfort and difficulty walking.

It's a good idea to brush your dog's teeth 2-3 times a week with a toothpaste designed for dogs to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Alternatively, consider dental chews and natural treats to support oral hygiene.

Regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and anti-parasitic prophylaxis (deworming, tick and flea treatments) are the foundation of a healthy Tosa Inu life. Health-wise, this breed can be at risk for hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, so it's important to provide a proper diet and avoid intense exercise right before or after meals.

Grooming the Tosa Inu is relatively simple. Their short coat requires regular brushing once a week. Special attention should be paid to the skin folds on their face, which should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Health-wise, this breed can be prone to hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, so ensuring a proper diet and regular vet visits is important.

Nutrition and supplementation

Due to their large body weight, the Tosa Inu requires a high-quality food designed for large breeds, preferably with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. The diet should be well-balanced in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

For puppies, it's crucial to feed them a specialized diet for large, rapidly growing breeds to prevent excessive strain on their joints and skeletal system. Adults require a lower-calorie, yet equally nutritious diet.

The daily dose should be divided into two meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion. It is recommended to avoid intense physical activity immediately before or after meals.

It's worth considering supplements that support the musculoskeletal system (e.g., MSM, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids), immunity (vitamin C, E, zinc), and digestion (probiotics, digestive enzymes). However, consult your veterinarian before administering supplements.

Dogs of this breed may be prone to food allergies – it is worth observing reactions to new ingredients and, if necessary, introducing an elimination diet under the supervision of a specialist.

Constant access to fresh water is absolutely essential, and bowls should be placed at a raised level, which makes it easier for the dog to eat and drink and supports its digestive system. Due to its large body weight, the Tosa Inu requires high-quality food designed for large breeds. It's important that meals are served in a calm atmosphere and in appropriate portions to prevent digestive issues. Feeding your dog after a walk or physical activity can increase the risk of gastric torsion – this is a mistake to avoid.

How much does a Tosa Inu cost in Poland?

The price of a Tosa Inu puppy from a reputable breeder in Poland starts at around 5,000 PLN. Costs may increase depending on the pedigree, the parents' achievements, and the documentation. Remember, buying a dog is just the beginning – maintaining such a large dog also comes with costs.

Physical activity

Tosa Inu are moderately active dogs, but their exercise needs shouldn't be underestimated. Daily, moderate-intensity walks are essential to maintaining a dog's physical and mental well-being. Ideally, walks should total at least 60–90 minutes daily, incorporating both leisurely strolls and energetic sections in a controlled environment.

The Tosa Inu thrives in activities such as:

walks in the forest or meadows
light jogging with a bike (for adult dogs in good condition),
fetch games and tug of war,
mental exercises such as nosework and command training,
walks with elements of obedience training.

It's not recommended to overload your dog with intense exercise at a young age – overexerting yourself too early can lead to joint problems. On hot days, exercise should be done early in the morning or late in the evening, as the Tosa Inu is prone to overheating.

Despite their large size, the Tosa Inu also needs mental stimulation – a lack of activity can lead to boredom and frustration. Therefore, it's worth supplementing physical activity with logical and olfactory games, which satisfy their need for mental activity and build a bond with their owner.

Adjusting their activity level to their age, condition, and weather conditions is key to maintaining the health and well-being of this breed. Tosa Inu are moderately active dogs. They require daily walks and moderate physical activity to maintain their fitness and mental health. They are not suitable for people with a very active lifestyle, but they should not be left idle either.

Legal aspects in Poland

In Poland, the Tosa Inu is listed as an aggressive breed. This means that owning a dog of this breed requires a special permit from the relevant municipal authority. This process involves, among other things, presenting a certificate of no criminal record, which can be obtained from the district court in your area of residence, as well as documenting appropriate conditions for keeping the dog (e.g., a fenced area, experience caring for large dogs). Applications for a permit should be submitted to the municipal office – detailed information is usually available on the municipality's website or from the environmental protection department.

Who is the Tosa Inu for?

The Tosa Inu is a breed for experienced owners who can provide the dog with appropriate living conditions, training, and socialization. This dog isn't for everyone—it requires consistency, patience, and commitment. In return, it offers loyalty, courage, and devotion to its owner.

Choosing a breeding farm

When deciding to purchase a Tosa Inu puppy, it's best to choose only reputable breeders registered with the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP), a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This guarantees legality, breeding standards, and the availability of documentation confirming the puppy's pedigree and health.

A good breeder should allow contact with the puppy's mother and, if possible, the father. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer all questions, provide the parents' tests for hereditary diseases (e.g., hip dysplasia), and allow you to visit the breeder before purchasing. A puppy should be well-groomed, clean, sociable, and kept in a home environment or a well-maintained kennel.

It is also worth paying attention to:

living conditions in which dogs and puppies live
the breeder's attitude towards the animals and his knowledge of the breed
socialization plan – has the breeder already started getting the puppies used to people, sounds, and different surfaces?

Avoid listings on websites without quality control, suspiciously low prices, and breeders without pedigree documentation. The Tosa Inu is a demanding breed, and mistakes when choosing a breeder can have long-term consequences for the dog's health and behavior.

Remember: buying a puppy from a responsible breeder is an investment in its future and your safety.

When deciding to purchase a Tosa Inu puppy, it's best to choose only reputable breeders registered with the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP). A good breeder should allow contact with the puppy's mother, provide health documentation, and demonstrate knowledge and passion for the breed.

Puppy layette

Before your puppy arrives at home, it is worth preparing the basic accessories:

water and food bowls,
high-quality food for large breed puppies,
a bed of appropriate size,
collar and leash,
toys supporting mental development,
coat brush and care products.

PETTO Osaka Cozy dog bed beige

PLN 219.99