Tosa vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tosa vs East German Shepherd - Breed ComparisonEast German Shepherd is originated from Germany but Tosa is originated from Japan. East German Shepherd may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Tosa. East German Shepherd may weigh 50 kg / 110 pounds lesser than Tosa. Both East German Shepherd and Tosa has almost same life span. Both East German Shepherd and Tosa has almost same litter size. East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance. But Tosa requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
undefined
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
double, dense
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

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

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

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

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

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

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

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

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

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

  1. Tosa vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Tosa vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Tosa vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Tosa vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Tosa vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Tosa vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Tosa vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Tosa vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Tosa vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Tosa vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Tosa vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Tosa vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Tosa vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Tosa vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Tosa vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tosa vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Tosa vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Tosa vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Tosa vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Tosa vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Tosa vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Tosa vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Tosa vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Tosa vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Tosa vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. East German Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. East German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. East German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. East German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. East German Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. East German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. East German Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. East German Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. East German Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. East German Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. East German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. East German Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. East German Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. East German Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. East German Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. East German Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. East German Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. East German Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. East German Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison