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Tosa and Breeder Information
There is no single correct build or look for a Tosa. To excel at what they were meant to do, depends more on physical conditioning, and just plain "heart". Each person or breeder will have a preference for what they think is "correct" though. After considering all aspects of Tosa movement, and function, I too have my own preferences. They should have a unique blend of speed, strength, stamina, suppleness, sturdiness and size.
Conformation of Tosa I prefer:
-males around 76cm(30") at the shoulder and 64kg(140lbs), females around 71cm(28") and 54kg(120lbs)
-broad heads, but not extreme. following the contour of the skull, around 20cm(8") between the ears for males, a little less for females (huge heads can prevent natural whelping, as in Dogue De Bordeaux and Bulldogs).
-muzzles should be about 40 to 50% of the length of the head (nose to back of skull)
-moderate wrinkling and jowls (you want wrinkles, try a Sharpei or Neo)
-a bit more than 50% of the height from length of leg, not depth of body.
-moderate uptuck, slim waist but not to look like a sighthound
-chest of medium width, not broad like Bullmastiff
-medium bone thickness
-moderate angulation
True Tosa Temperament is something everyone likes to talk about. All this really means is that the dog will face a challenging dog, fight silently without cowering, and not show aggression to their human handlers. Seeing as we in the West are not fighting our Tosas (I hope), here's what I think about Tosa temperament....
What Tosa temperament should be like in my opinion:
-usually same sex dog dominant, but never wildly aggressive. Most are very quick to fight if challenged by another dog (regardless of gender), and will instigate fights as well
-fairly human friendly, accepting of welcome guests, but should offer mild to moderate protection in most family settings
-very tolerant of children, docile, and affectionate with everyone in the household
-strong sense of family, loyal, high level of bonding
-some small animal prey drive is likely
-mostly good with larger animals like horses if socialized early
-medium to high intelligence and trainability.
**NOTE:Tosas directly from fighting lines are more likely to be "too hot to handle" for the average family or dog owner.
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