Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff) Characteristics And Personality Traits

February 24, 2023
/ BREEDS
/ By Joycey

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in Japan. Here are some of the characteristics and personality traits of Tosa Inus:

Size: Tosa Inus are large dogs, typically weighing between 100 and 200 pounds and standing 24 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Appearance: Tosa Inus have a short, dense coat that can be fawn, red, brindle, or black. They have a large head, strong jaws, and a muscular body.
Temperament: Tosa Inus are known for their loyalty and protectiveness towards their family, but they can be reserved and even suspicious of strangers. They are typically calm and quiet indoors, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Trainability: Tosa Inus are intelligent dogs, but can be stubborn and independent-minded. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted.
Health: Tosa Inus can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are important to keep them healthy.

Overall, Tosa Inus are powerful and loyal dogs that require an experienced owner who can provide them with plenty of exercise, socialization, and training.

Common Health Issues For A Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff) And How Often Should You Screen?

Tosa Inus are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health issues that Tosa Inus may be susceptible to include:

Hip dysplasia: A hereditary condition that affects the hip joints and can lead to arthritis and pain.
Bloat: A potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply.
Eye problems: Tosa Inus can be prone to several eye issues such as entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid), ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid), and cataracts.
Allergies: Tosa Inus can develop skin allergies due to food, environmental factors or other reasons.
Cancer: Tosa Inus can be susceptible to different types of cancers.

It is important to have regular veterinary check-ups for your Tosa Inu to catch any health issues early. Your vet may recommend screening for hip dysplasia and eye exams. It is also essential to maintain your Tosa Inu’s weight and provide a healthy diet, as obesity can exacerbate health issues such as hip dysplasia.

What Do Tosa Inus (Japanese Mastiffs) Like To Eat, How Much And How Often Per Day?

Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff) is a large and powerful breed, and their dietary needs can vary based on factors such as their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It is important to provide a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements to ensure their growth and development.

As with any dog, Tosa Inu should have access to clean water at all times. A high-quality dry kibble with a protein content of around 20-25% is a good option for Tosa Inu. You can also feed them raw or cooked meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as a supplement to their kibble. However, it is important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and bones are removed before feeding, as raw meat can carry bacteria and bones can pose a choking hazard.

The amount of food and frequency of feeding can depend on their age and activity level. Puppies require more frequent meals, usually three to four times a day, while adult Tosa Inu can be fed twice a day. The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Tosa Inu is around 2-4 cups of high-quality dry kibble, divided into two meals. It is important not to overfeed Tosa Inu, as they are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems such as joint pain and heart disease.

It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and frequency of feeding based on your Tosa Inu’s individual needs.

How Often And How Should You Groom Your Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff)?

Tosa Inus have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year. They are considered low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, and generally, they do not require frequent bathing unless they get particularly dirty or start to smell.

Here are some tips on how often and how to groom your Tosa Inu:

Brushing: Brush your Tosa Inu at least once a week to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat. You can use a slicker brush, a rubber brush, or a grooming mitt for this purpose.
Bathing: You only need to bathe your Tosa Inu when they get dirty or start to smell. Use a mild dog shampoo and warm water to bathe them, and make sure to rinse them thoroughly to avoid leaving any shampoo residue.
Nail trimming: Trim your Tosa Inu’s nails every four to six weeks to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort or even pain.
Ear cleaning: Clean your Tosa Inu’s ears once a week to prevent ear infections. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth dampened with an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.
Dental care: Brush your Tosa Inu’s teeth at least two or three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath. You can use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, or dental chews and toys.

Remember to always praise and reward your Tosa Inu for good behavior during grooming sessions, and consult with your veterinarian if you notice any skin, coat, or health issues.

How Often And Long Should You Exercise Your Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff)?

Tosa Inus are large, athletic dogs with high exercise needs. They require daily exercise to stay healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Here are some recommendations for exercising your Tosa Inu:

Daily walks: Tosa Inus need at least one long walk per day to burn off their energy and stay healthy. A daily walk of 30 to 45 minutes is recommended.
Playtime: In addition to walks, Tosa Inus also enjoy playtime with their owners. This can include playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other games that get them moving.
Training: Tosa Inus are highly intelligent dogs and benefit from mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Training sessions can help to tire them out and improve their obedience and behavior.
Yard time: If you have a yard or outdoor space, allow your Tosa Inu to spend some time there each day to run and play.

It’s important to note that Tosa Inus are prone to heatstroke and should not be exercised during the hottest parts of the day. They also do not tolerate cold weather well and may need a coat or sweater when it’s chilly outside. Always monitor your Tosa Inu during exercise and be sure to provide plenty of water to keep them hydrated.

How Important Is Obedience Training And Early Socialization For Tosa Inus (Japanese Mastiffs)?

Obedience training and early socialization are very important for Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiffs). Tosa Inus are intelligent, loyal, and powerful dogs that require proper training and socialization to become well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dogs.

Early socialization should begin as soon as possible, ideally at around 8-12 weeks old. This involves exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, sounds, and experiences in a positive and controlled way. This helps the puppy learn how to interact with the world around them and reduces the likelihood of fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Obedience training is also important for Tosa Inus, as they can be strong-willed and independent dogs. Consistent and positive training can help establish boundaries, reinforce good behavior, and prevent unwanted behaviors such as jumping, digging, and excessive barking.

It’s recommended to work with a professional dog trainer or attend obedience classes with your Tosa Inu to ensure they receive proper training and socialization. Regular training and socialization should continue throughout the dog’s life to maintain good behavior and prevent problems.

About the Author Joycey

All my life I've been in love with one big dopey Mastiff family member after another. No other breed has given so much pleasure, so it's a joy for my team and I to research everything there is to know about them in this blog. We hope you enjoy the reading as much as we enjoy the writing :)

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