Tosa Inu
FCI Standard nr. 260 Brief historical summary: Japan has a long history of dog fighting, beginning in the 14th century. With such a history in the background, this breed was produced as a hybrid of Shikoku-ken and Western breeds. Named after the area where they were bred, these dogs are sometimes called "Japanese Mastiffs". The Western dogs used for creating the breed were Bulldogs (1872), Mastiffs (1874), German Pointers (1876) and Great Danes (1924), all of which were used to improve the breed by sequential mating. According to some accounts, St.Bernards and Bull Terriers were also involved, but it is not known in what years they were used. The Tosa's established features of stamina and the fighting instinct typically found in Mastiffs may be attributed to the involvement of such breeds. Temperament: The temperament is marked by patience, composure, boldness and courage. General apearence: Large-sized dog with a stately manner and robust build. The dog has hanging ears, short hair, a square muzzle and hanging tail thick at the root. Head: skull broad, stop rather abrupt.
Nose: Large and black.
Muzzle: Moderately long. Nasal bridge staight.
Jaw/Teeth: Upper and lower jaws strong. Teeth strong with a scissor bite.
Eyes: Rather small, dark brown in colour with a dignified expression.
Ears: Relatively small, rather thin, set high on the skull sides, hanging close to the cheeks. Neck: Muscular, with a dewlap. Body
Withers: High.
Back: Level and straight.
Loins: Broad, muscular.
Croup: Slightly arched at the top.
Chest: Broad and deep, ribs moderately sprung.
Tail: Thick at the root, tapering towards the tip, reaching the hocks when let down. Limbs
Forequarters: Shoulders moderately sloping. Forearms straight, moderately long and strong. Pasterns slightly inclining and robust. Hindquarters: Muscles very developed. Joints of stifle and hock moderately angulated, strong. Gait: Robust and powerful. Coat Hair: Short, hard and dense.
Colour: Red, fawn, apricot, black, brindle. Slight white markings on chest and feet are permitted.
Height at the withers: Minimum height at withers for dogs 60 cm, for bitches 55 cm. Faults
Severe faults: Snipy muzzle. Slightly overshot or undershot bite. Thin bone.
Eliminating faults: Shyness. Extremely overshot or undershot bite.
Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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