American Canine Association

Breeds

Tosa-Ken


History

Bred during the height of the "dog fighting" years in Japan, in the 1800s breeds such as the Bull Terrier, local Japanese fighting breeds, Great Dane, Mastiff, and St Bernard bloodlines were crossed to ultimately outcome in the Tosa-Ken purebred breed. The Tosa-Ken are known as the ultimate dog fighting breed due to their history and when and why they were bred in Japan. The Tosa-Ken breed is banned in many cities and even states across the USA due to the strength and natural natures of this breed, making them a "dangerous" breed to have for countless situations as well as the endless possibilities of the breed ending up in experienced owners hands. An excellent weight pulling and agility breed, loyal to only the few closest to them and an untiring amount of strength and energy. It is an extremely interesting trait of the Tosa-Ken that it was bred to fight in "silence" as that is the Japanese way. You will not ever hear the Tosa-Ken bark, growl or grunt when he or she is about to attack as they are bred to be silent.

Appearance

With a Hulk like appearance, the Tosa-Ken average weight is 99-200 pounds for both males and females. Measuring in at 24-28 inches in height for both males and females. This giant breed is built of nothing but solid muscle, bone and skin. With a giant head sitting on a broad neck, they carry two large pendant shaped ears and a rectangular muzzle. This breed has jaws that are unusually strong and are not meant to be toyed with. Their large paws are thickly padded, more so than other breeds and their 4 legs are tall and thin. Their coat is thick and very short, available in brindle, fawn, blonde, black and red. Some puppies are born in tri color and other shade variations as well. This breed carries a lot of loose skin on their face and neck as the rest of their skin is tight to their body. A long, thick tail finishes the appearance description off of the Tosa-Ken as it typically is relaxed and slightly curved upwards from the ground.

Temperament

If there is one breed that belongs with a warning label not to be adopted or bought by anyone experienced with large, or even terrier type breeds, its the Tosa-Ken. This breed can absolutely not end up in the hands of just anybody with interest to the breed. A phenomenal breed that is intriguing to anyone who appreciates a serious and strong breed, however the Tosa-Ken requires an owner unlike anybody. A very strong, confident, consistent, aware and undoubtedly in charge owner who has the access to many "tools" and the environment to properly train, care and exercise this breed is a MUST. Positive reinforcement training is the ONLY method needed to be used for this breed and the only method that the Tosa-Ken will correctly respond to. This breed is loyal to its owner, loving, sensitive, protective and very alert. They require a ton of physical activity every day and are only recommended for home owners with land that is properly and safely fenced in. Please note again, this breed was bred to fight in "silence", there will never be growling or excitement prior to when they see something they do not like, they are known for their "silent" trait. Other pets are not recommended to be around this breed. Only recommended for adult households.

Grooming

Daily brushing is required and bathing when needed. This breed does shed.

Special Notes

This breed is NOT meant for everybody. Please fully educate yourself about this breed as well as the LAWS in your State and City prior to considering adding one as a family member. Do not add one to your family unless you are able to prior the proper training, exercise, and living facility for this breed for a life long commitment. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.

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