Tosa Ken

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Japan

Group: Guard dog

Height: males minimum 23 1/2 in., females 21 3/4 minimum

Weight: 100-200 lbs.

Life span: 12-15 yrs.

Trainability: high

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: yes, with opposite sex dogs, cats if raised with them

What is the origin of the Tosa Ken?

This Japanese breed’s name is Tosa Ken but is also called Tosa Inu. The Tosa was bred as a fighting dog in the middle of the 1800s. Today the Tosa is an excellent guardian.

What does the Tosa Ken look like?

Tosas are massive dogs with great variation in height and weight – 21 3/4-30 inches tall minimum and weigh 100-200 lbs. Ears are smallish and pendant. Eyes are almond-shaped and dark. The tail is long, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The coat is short, dense and lies flat against the body. Colors are red, black, combination of red and black, brindle, brown or black with red markings. Grooming requirement is occasional brushing to rid the coat of dead hair.

What is the temperament of the Tosa Ken?

Tosas are highly intelligent dogs, eager to please. They train easily, but are very sensitive and will not respond to harshness. They should be trained with a positive, consistent method. Tosas are good with children but supervision is recommended due to the size of the dog. They are sometimes dog aggressive but will tolerate cats if raised with them. Tosas should have daily walks, always leashed. A very secure fenced-in yard is necessary. These are powerful, strong dogs and need an owner able to handle them.

What is the Tosa Ken used for?

Fortunately dog-fighting is no longer an acceptable sport and is against the law in most places. However, it is still carried on in Japan, but with very strict rules. Tosas have served as guides for the blind and as herding dogs. The Tosa views as its job to protect home and family and is a loving family companion.

Possible Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, bloat/gastric torsion