Due to its origins as a fighting dog, the Tosa Inu is not a dog for the novice owner. While most are driven to scrap with other canines, cats and other small animals are generally accepted with no issue. Early socialization is paramount for a well-rounded Tosa-Ken. These dogs are suitable for a home with children. Rough play between children should be avoided as this protective breed may read mock hostile actions toward his/her young charge as a true threat. The Tosa is a people-oriented canine which equates to most specimens doing poorly in a strictly kennel environment. Extremely intelligent, it is an easy-to-train but large breed that must be controlled at all times. The Tosa is a very affectionate dog.



In Japan this breed is also called Sumo Dog. Sumo fighters are Japanese wrestlers who engage in a very unusual style of wrestling that is over 1,500 years old. The objective of sumo wrestling is to stay on one's feet despite one's opponent's attacks and not to allow one's opponent to knock one to the floor or drive him from the ring.

This sumo wrestling is also the basis for the traditional Japanese dog fight. The Tosa is thus a "wrestling dog", and the fights are carried out according to sumo rules. The winner is the dog that presses its opponent to the ground with its body, knocks it off its feet, and holds it to the ground. Growling dogs are disqualified and are banned from further competition. Despite some rumors that they don't bite, Tosa fights do involve biting. The loser often will turn their backs away which results in a loss.

Tosa who were successful in the sumo fight received a valuable, beautifully decorated cloth apron with the crowning touch of an elaborately braided, thick hemp rope. What was demanded was not the wild fighter, the mauler, but the physically strong dog, courage paired with skill, patience and stamina





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