Tosa vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Moscow Guard dog is originated from Russia but Tosa is originated from Japan. Moscow Guard dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Tosa. Moscow Guard dog may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Tosa. Both Moscow Guard dog and Tosa has almost same life span. Both Moscow Guard dog and Tosa has almost same litter size. Moscow Guard dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Tosa requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
undefined
Russia
Japan
Height Male:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Moscow Watchdog
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
Red and white - bit of black and tan
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
Thick coats of medium length
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, 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:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

Looking much like the Saint Bernard, the Moscow Guard Dog or Moscow Watchdog is large, descending from quite a few giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, different Russian Hounds and the Caucasian Ovtcharka.

The dog has a gentle temperament. Known also as a gentle giant, the Moscow Guard Dog was developed in the Soviet Union and is fairly common in its native country.

The first US-born litter of Moscow Guard Dogs was born in 2015. The Moscow Watchdog hasn’t yet been recognized by the AKC.

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

The Moscow Watchdog is a large mastiff-type dog. He stands at between 64 and 69cm in height ad weighs in the region of 45 – 68kg. He has a thick coat which is medium length, he has floppy ears and a long, plumed tail. The most common colors for the Moscow Watchdog are red and white with a little bit of black and tan around the head.

He is quite a heavy shedder so regular brushing and grooming is recommended.

He takes his role seriously as guardian and protector of his human family.

Large dogs don’t usually live as long as smaller breeds, and with good care your Moscow Watchdog can reach between 9 and 11 years of age. If you want your dog to be a parent, the litter size you can expect is anything from 5 to 10 puppies.

Temperament:

The dogs were used for guarding purposes and they are strong-willed, dominant and independent. They are also gentle dogs but will still require training and socialization to make them obedient and an all-round pleasant dog.

While the Moscow Watchdog is described as a pleasant dog, he isn’t a friendly teddy-bear kind of dog, tending to be fairly aloof. He would do well with an owner who is firm, fair, consistent and strong, as he is strong-willed.

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

The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog and beautiful to look at. Even though he is large and strong, he is gentle and calm and makes a splendid pet.

Because of his large size he is better suited to life in the countryside or the suburbs as compared to smaller properties in the city. Their exercise needs will also need to be met such as a walk every day.

Think carefully before you take such a large dog into your home as he will require a lot of good food. Before investing in any dog, make sure that you have the means to provide him with an excellent home where he gets the best care, because he is willing to give you the very best of himself.

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

The Moscow Watchdog is a healthy dog breed, and with few inheritable health problems, you’re not likely to spend much at the vet with him.

Of course, any dog needs a good diet, adequate exercise, vaccinations, and parasite treatments to stay in top condition. Some of the common diseases to look out for -

Hip Dysplasia:

We always have to mention hip dysplasia as it is so common with all dogs. Its an hereditary condition where lack of hip joint stability causes pain inflammation and lameness in the dog. Your dog, even though he is young, can develop hip dysplasia and then it can lead to early arthritis too. Your dog will need to get to the vet.

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:

This is a large breed dog so you want to make sure that if you feed him from the many commercially manufactured foods there are, it is the high quality one packed with vitamins and minerals and which cater specifically for large breeds to ensure the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

You don’t want to just go on and on giving him dry kibble every day, so occasionally it will be a good idea to give him some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables which can be added into his kibble. This is all the variety your dog needs, as dogs like consistency and simplicity because then they don’t suffer with digestive issues.

Never leave him without a constant source of cool, fresh water.

Exercise:

Contrary to what this dog looks like – large and clumsy, he is actually quite agile and will require a good amount of exercise. He may not look particularly active but he will certainly want a daily walk and he will also require running off the leash in the park or some ball and rope games in the garden.

Grooming:

he Moscow Watchdog has a thick, medium length coat. He doesn’t require professional grooming, but a good brush through once a week will help to condition the coat. Also, the breed is a moderate shedder so removing loose hair keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

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. Moscow Guard dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Moscow Guard dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Moscow Guard dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Moscow Guard dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Moscow Guard dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Moscow Guard dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Moscow Guard dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Moscow Guard dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Moscow Guard dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Moscow Guard dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Moscow Guard dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Moscow Guard dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Moscow Guard dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Moscow Guard dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Moscow Guard dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Moscow Guard dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Moscow Guard dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Moscow Guard dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Moscow Guard dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Moscow Guard dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Moscow Guard dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Moscow Guard dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Moscow Guard dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Moscow Guard dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Moscow Guard dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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