Tosa vs Beago - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Made up of two purebred dog breeds, the Beagle and the Golden Retriever, Beago is kind of new breed. Some say that they were bred on purpose during the 1980s, in a desire to create a smart and loving dog that will be a smaller size than the Golden Retriever since this will make them ideal for indoor life.

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.

Beago is a medium-sized dog with a usually tri-coloured coat that can vary in some colours. They have usually short hairs because sometimes happens that they have longer hairs if the Golden retriever genes are stronger. Their hairs are soft to the touch and they don’t shed a lot and that makes them easy to maintain. They have dark coloured eyes, floppy ears, and they have the body shape of the Beagle, but they are very active and muscular like the Golden Retriever.

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.

Children friendliness

They are very good with children of all age.

Special talents

Hunting, search, rescue dog, agility competitions.

Adaptability

Beago will love living in a house with a bog yard. As well, he will have a happy life in the apartments as long as you take him out for his daily activity. They get along with other pets, so any other dog or cat will be great company for him. They are usually well mannered in public places, if you train them and socialize, but they will always bark if there is someone strange in your house. They are very good with children of all age.

Learning ability

Beage is very smart breed. They will pick up new tricks very quickly and remember it forever. They would love learning new tricks once you include treats as rewards, but you must be careful not to overfeed him.

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.

There are no general health issues with this breed. The health history shows that they have common health problems as any other active dog – problems with hips and elbows. Because of their floppy ears, they are prone to infections and diseases caused by lack of ear hygiene. Some of them have skin allergies. The best advice is always to make regular vet checks. Then you and your Beago can live a happy and long life.

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.

Diet tips

The best tip is to feed them with quality dry food. Canned food can be given once in week or less. They will love cheese and meat in their meal. Since they like to munch, they will eat almost any raw fruit or vegetables. Until you Beago is six months old, feed him tree time per day. Keep the feeding schedule unchanged to form a habit and avoid problems with metabolism.

Points for Good Health

Since they don’t shed a lot, grooming your Beago will be easy. They won’t need an everyday brush, but it will be good if you could brush him two times per week and bathe once in a month. Their floppy ears need regular care as well. They need to be cleaned with the ear cleaning solution at least once a week. They will need regular nail trimming as well. They need quality food because they are very active dogs. Make sure not to overfeed them. Daily activity is a must.

Games and Exercises

Beago is very active breed. They like to spend time outdoors, running, playing fetch, jumping. They will love visiting the dog park or any park that is close to your house. They are very good if taken hiking.

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.