Tosa vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tosa vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Tosa is originated from Japan. Huntaway may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Tosa. Huntaway may weigh 44 kg / 97 pounds lesser than Tosa. Both Huntaway and Tosa has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Tosa has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Tosa requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
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New Zealand
Japan
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
smooth or rough
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
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

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

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

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

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

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

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

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

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 the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

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