The Tosa Inu is a breed of dog of Japanese origin that is considered rare. It was originally bred in Tosa Inu(present day Kochi ) as fighting dog.
Appearance
The Tosa Inu varies considerably in size, with the Japanese-bred dogs tending to be about half the size of those bred outside the country. The Japanese breed generally weighs between 80 and 120 lb (30 to 40 kg), while the non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weight from 120 to 200 lb (89.5 to 90.5 kg) and stand 24.5 to 25.5 inches (62 to 65 cm) at the withers.
The coat is characterized by its short and smooth appearance and is often red, brindle, or fawn. Occasionally it can be a dull black, but this is somewhat rare. Maintenance of the coat is usually minimal.
The Tosa Inu also bears many facial similarities with the Rhodesian Ridgeback among other dogs.
Temperament
Due to the Tosa Inu origins as a fighting dog, the Tosa Inu is not a dog for the novice owner. While most are driven to scrap with other canines, cats and other small animals are generally accepted with no issue. Early socialization is paramount for a well-rounded Tosa Inu-Ken. These dogs are suitable for a home with children. Rough play between children should be avoided as this protective breed may read mock hostile actions toward his/her young charge as a true threat. The Tosa Inu is a people-oriented canine which equates to most specimens doing poorly in a strictly kennel environment. Extremely intelligent, it is an easy-to-train but large breed that must be controlled at all times. The Tosa Inu is a very affectionate dog.