ORIGINJapan.DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD05.06.1995.UTILIZATIONFormerly fighting dog, nowadays watchdog.FCI CLASSIFICATIONGr. 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type and Swiss Mountain and Cattle DogsSection 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff typeWithout working trial.BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARYJapan 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.GENERAL APPEARANCELarge-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.BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENTThe temperament is marked by patience, composure, boldness and courage. HEADCRANIAL REGIONSkullBroad.StopRather abrupt.FACIAL REGIONNoseLarge and black; nasal bridge staight.MuzzleModerately long.JawsUpper and lower jaws strong.TeethStrong with a scissor bite.EyesRather small, dark brown in colour with a dignified expression.EarsRelatively small, rather thin, set high on the skull sides, hanging close to the cheeks.NECKMuscular, with a dewlap.BODYWithersHigh.BackLevel and straight.LoinsBroad, muscular.CroupSlightly arched at the top.ChestBroad and deep, ribs moderately sprung.BellyWell drawn up.TailThick at the root, tapering towards the tip, reaching the hocks when let down.FOREQUARTERSShouldersModerately sloping.ForearmsStraight, moderately long and strong.PasternsSlightly inclining and robust.HINDQUARTERSMuscles very developed. Joints of stifle and hock moderately angulated, strong.FEETTightly closed. Pads thick and elastic. Nails hard and preferably dark in colour.GAITRobust and powerful.COATHairShort, hard and dense.ColourSolid colour of red or fawn is ideal, but slight white and red markings also permitted.SIZEMinimum height at withersfor dogs 60 cmfor bitches 55 cm.FAULTSAny departure from the foregoing points should be considered as a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.- Snipy muzzle.- Slightly overshot or undershot bite.- Thin bone.DISQUALIFYING FAULTS- Shyness.- Extremely overshot or undershot bite.N.B.Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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