Tosa vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tosa vs Cairn Terrier - Breed ComparisonCairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Tosa is originated from Japan. Cairn Terrier may grow 49 cm / 19 inches shorter than Tosa. Cairn Terrier may weigh 82 kg / 180 pounds lesser than Tosa. Cairn Terrier may live 3 years more than Tosa. Both Cairn Terrier and Tosa has almost same litter size. Both Cairn Terrier and Tosa requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Cairn, Toto Dog
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, 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:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cairn terrierThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

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

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

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

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

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

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

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

Grooming:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

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