The Tosa 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.[1]

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 also bears many facial similarities with the Rhodesian Ridgeback among other dogs