Tosa vs Spanish Mastiff - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tosa vs Spanish Mastiff - Breed ComparisonSpanish Mastiff is originated from Spain but Tosa is originated from Japan. Spanish Mastiff may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Tosa. Spanish Mastiff may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Tosa. Both Spanish Mastiff and Tosa has same life span. Both Spanish Mastiff and Tosa has almost same litter size. Both Spanish Mastiff and Tosa requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Spain
Japan
Height Male:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Mastín Español
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
brindle., Fawn, grey, reddish and yellow, black
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
Shortish and dense
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

spanish mastiffThe Spanish Mastiff is a giant breed that comes from Spain. He has always been a guardian dog.

He is an ancient dog breed, in fact dating back to medieval times. He has always been a guardian of livestock, protecting them from attacks from wolves and other predators.

The first breed standard of this pure breed dog was made by the FCI in 1946. A breeding program was also formed for this dog In 1981.

The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in July 2006.

tosaKnown also as the Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa hails from Japan. In fact, these dogs come from the Tosa Province, so the dog was named after the region where they were bred.

It is why they are sometimes referred to as Japanese Mastiffs. The Tosa is a rare dog breed and unfortunately, the dog is still used in Japan for dogfighting.

Thought to be a dangerous dog breed, it is restricted in some countries.

The breed was developed in the 2nd half of the 19th century, with a number of dog breeds being involved to bring about a more powerful, braver dog.

Description

spanish mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Mastiff weighs between 52 and 100kg and the dog’s height is between 72 and 88cm. He has a thick, heavy coat with rustic colors of fawn, black, grey, reddish and yellow as well as brindle.

He is powerful and muscular with a huge head. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is long. If you were looking for a puppy, the American Kennel Club is the only site which has 100% puppies from AKC-Registered litters.

Temperament:

Large, kind, gentle and intelligent, the Spanish Mastiff is well balanced. When you see him you won’t find a dog that is light on his feet and who jumps around excitedly. He is a dignified, intelligent dog, quiet and calm.

Even though he is so calm, it is still a good idea to have him trained and socialized as his very size could be a problem. When you tell him to lie down, you want him to listen to you. This big, gentle giant is devoted to his human family ad takes the role of guardian and protector seriously.

He isn’t suited to life in the city but is better suited to a large property, also because he has a loud bark.

tosa puppy - descriptionThe Tosa is a large dog, but their sizes vary, and in fact, because of their fighting, they are actually divided into light-, middleweight and heavyweight classes.

Generally, you can say that these dogs weigh in the region of 54 to 90kg and they stand in height at between 62 to 82cm. The head is large, the jaws powerful, the eyes dark brown in color, the ears small, high set and floppy.

The neck is broad wit a dewlap and the tail is long, thick and tapering to a point. The coat is short and thick and is most times a rich caramel color, fawn tan, black or brindle. The dog often has a black mask.

Temperament:

The Tosa is a fairly quiet dog, courageous and fearless. He is going to need a strong, consistent owner who shows leadership with him. Training and socialization will be imperative for this dog.

When he has been properly reared and trained, he makes a good pet, able to get on with members of the family. He takes his role as protector and guardian seriously.

Characteristics

spanish mastiff dog - characteristicsKind, gentle, quietly confident and intelligent are just some of the wonderful characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff.

You can add loyalty and devotion to these characteristics too and the fact that he wants to protect you.

Your gentle giant is guaranteed to make you the most wonderful companion and he deserves the very best treatment there is.

tosa dog - characteristicsThe Tosa isn’t recommended for first-time dog owners, as in the wrong hands, they can become aggressive. Care has to be taken around children too especially undisciplined ones.

He also doesn't come as recommended for small, cramped homes in the city. He’s just too big and he will need to get out and be walked often.

You want to create a home for him that ensures he is the calm, gentle dog he is capable of being, If you’re fair, firm, caring, patient and consistent, then this big dog might be for you. With the right care he becomes a gentle, devoted pet.

Health Problems

spanish mastiff puppies - health problemsIt is good to be wise about some of the common dog problems there are that could plague your Spanish Mastiff. Vets are very familiar with these dog illnesses and they tailor their treatment to suit the needs of your dog.

Remember to get your pet vaccinated against the terrible diseases you get that can kill a dog – rabies, parvo and distemper.

Obesity:

People often think that obesity is something that isn’t dangerous, when in fact it is a serious disease that can cause joint problems, digestive disorders, heart disease, back pain and hip dysplasia.

Dehydration:

Dogs rely on water just like what humans do to keep them healthy and functioning properly.

Water is critically important to every organ and also assists with digestion. Your dog is panting and urinating throughout the day and needs to replace the liquid he loses.

Dehydration in dogs results in loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium.This is bad as these minerals have important functions.

A dog that is dehydrated has loss of appetite, loss of skin elasticity, is lethargic, has sunken eyes, wants to vomit, has a dry nose and thick saliva. No dog should ever be left without a constant supply of fresh, cool water day and night.

tosa puppies - health problemsThe Tosa is a formidable looking molossoid, but even so, this big, calm dog can succumb to illness. Some of these diseases you need to be looking out for include bloat,hip dyslasia and eye conditions.

Bloat for this dog can be life-threatening, and can often be because the dog is too hungry and he gobbles up his food quickly. Bloat is when gas can't escape, the stomach swells and twists – very dangerous. Rather give your dog two smaller meals – one in the morning and one in the evening, or even give several smaller portions throughout the day.

To help with eliminating health issues always choose a reputable Tosa breeder. You’re not likely to find one of these dogs in a dog shelter.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

spanish mastiff dogs - caringThese are giant breed dogs, so you have to be careful with the way you feed them. Large dogs like these are prone to hip dysplasia so you need to choose a food which has ingredients that work to prevent this disease.

You have to be very careful that you don’t overfeed your dog so that the extra weight puts strain on the joints.

This dog will do well with some raw meat added into his diet. Also, include home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach chopped up and added to his dry kibble for giant breeds. Added in twice a week can do him the world of good.

Remember to never leave your dog without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

A good bush of the thick coat twice a week will keep the Spanish Mastiff looking his best.

The nails will also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and to avoid the nails catching onto things. The ears too should be checked regularly to avoid dampness inside the ear which can cause bacteria.

Exercise:

As a fully grown adult, the Spanish Mastiff isn’t a frisky, frolicking dog but he will still require daily exercise. Options for exercise include long walks, hikes, swimming and ball games.

Diet:

tosa dogs - caringThese large, strong dogs do well on good quality food. If you opt to buy him commercially manufactured food, make sure it is the top quality one free of unwholesome ingredients such as preservatives, colorants and useless fillers.

Invest in the best quality ones that have nutritious minerals and vitamins. Try and give your dog some home-prepared food too – boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, spinach, sweet-potatoes and carrots.

Never feed your dog things such as chocolates, peanuts, crisps, grapes, onion and food with spicy flavorings. This will just ensure digestive problems and having to get your dog to the vet.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Tosa’s short coat isn’t going to require too much attention. A good brush twice a week will keep it free from loose hair and keep its shine and gleam. It’s why the dog is looked upon as being low maintenance.

Beyond that, he will need to have his nails trimmed. When brushing him, check him over for parasites – ticks and fleas, check for unusual lumps and look inside his ears for signs of redness.

Exercise:

These dogs are calm and fairly low-energy. Nonetheless, to maintain good health, he will need to be exercised. Ball games outside are always a good idea as well as nice long walks. Hikes into the countryside will be wonderful for this big dog.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Tosa vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Tosa vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Spanish Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Spanish Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Spanish Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Spanish Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Spanish Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Spanish Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Spanish Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Spanish Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Spanish Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Spanish Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Spanish Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Spanish Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Spanish Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Spanish Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Spanish Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Spanish Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Spanish Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Spanish Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Spanish Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Spanish Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Spanish Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Spanish Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Spanish Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Spanish Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison