Tosa vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Cavapoo, known also as the Cavoodle, is a small dog – a mix of a miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

He hasn’t got a long history, but each of the dogs he comes from – the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle – have longer histories. The Cavapoo started being bred in the United States, but he has a short history in America. In Australia, they were first bred in the 1990s.

Today, as a hybrid, the Cavapoo isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club but he is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as the Designer Dogs KennelClub.

Known 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.

The Cavapoo can be found in different colors and he can be blonde, white, brown, white or black or even tri-colored. Sometimes the coat can be a little bit curly but it can also sometimes be a long, silky coat from the Cavalier.

Dogs crossed with poodles, such as the Cavapoo, are known to be hypoallergenic, but there is really no 100% guarantee that he will be hypoallergenic.He has a round face with large, brown eyes and long ears. He can adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

Temperament:

The Cavapoo is a small dog breed that has been bred to be an amicable pet. He gets along well with adults and children as well as other pets in the home. He stands about 28–33cm in height and can weigh anything from 5 to 12 kg.

He is an intelligent little dog, alert and inquisitive. Even a small, non-aggressive dog such as the Cavapoo can do well with training and socialization as he is quick to learn. With this socialization he becomes an obedient, affectionate, well behaved 4-legged family member.

Loyal and friendly, the Cavapoo thrives on human companionship and he just loves to be involved in everything the family is getting up to. He isn’t a dog that can be left on his own too long as this is when he develops irritating behavior patterns such as ongoing yapping and barking.

The 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.

Pet lovers who welcome a Cavapoo into their home aren’t going to be disappointed if they stick to their side of the bargain and provide their pet with lots of love and care.

The Cavapoo suits any kind of family because he is playful, loving, loyal and comes with a balanced and amicable personality.

Keep him happy with good food, clean water and lots of your attention and he’ll respond by being the perfect companion for you.

The 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.

The Cavapoo is considered a healthy little dog who is active and energetic. Because he is a hybrid, he could develop illnesses associated with either of the dog types he comes from. However this is highly unlikely and you can expect up to 15 years from your Cavapoo if you feed him correctly and shower him with lots of love and attention.

One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Ear Problems:

Dogs with long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections. You’ll have cause for concern when you see your dog scratching his ears or shaking his head. There are one or two reasons why your Cavapoo may get an ear infection, and food allergies could be one.

A food allergy can bring about inflammation that can lead to infections. Moisture and excessive wax can also cause an ear infection. You can use cotton wool and some ear cleaner to remove dirt and moisture, but if in any doubt, speak to your vet or get your pet to the vet for advice.

Periodontal Disease:

Small dogs are more prone to dental disease, and your Cavapoo’s teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with a vet-approved special dog toothpaste and brush. This can prevent dental decay which can bring about a whole lot of problems with his teeth but also with other parts of the body.

The 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.

The Cavapoo doesn’t shed much so he won’t need that much grooming, although there are people who take him to a doggy parlor to see that the hair is trimmed into shape. If not, then a good brushing twice a week will ensure the hair doesn’t matt and that it remains free of lots of dead hair.

Diet:

With any dog, and not just the Cavapoo, you want a food that boosts energy and promotes longevity. The Cavapoo breed is energetic and lively, and it is this stamina of his that will require you feeding him top quality food that is rich in nutrients.

Small dogs have a higher calorie need than large dogs because their metabolisms are much faster. Protein and fat are important nutrients for small-breed dogs and these nutrients need to come from high-quality sources. Speak to your vet about the best food for your Cavapoo and always ensure that he has a bowl of clean water available.

Diet:

These 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.