Tosa vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Tosa vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonPolish Lowland Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Tosa is originated from Japan. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Tosa. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may weigh 67 kg / 147 pounds lesser than Tosa. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may live 3 years more than Tosa. Both Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Tosa has same litter size. Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Tosa requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
undefined
Poland
Japan
Height Male:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
White, cream, gray, brown and black
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
Straight or wavy, medium length
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, 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:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

polish lowland sheepdogHailing from Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is believed to have descended from herding dogs as well as the Puli and Tibetan Terrier.

Later these dogs were bred with local Scottish dogs to bring about Scottish herding dogs, the Bearded Collie. The dog was accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1959. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a breed in the Herding Group.

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

polish lowland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog. Both males and females stand between 42cm to 50 cm in height and they weigh roughly between 14 and 23kg.

The dog has a double coat which can mostly be white, cream, gray, brown and black. The underdoat is soft and dense with the top coat being straight or wavy and being medium length.

There is quite a bit of hair around the facial area. The eyes are alert and brown and the ears medium size, high set and then drooping down. The tail has always been attractively docked, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is often just left long.

Temperament:

Lively, bright as a button, clever, social and feisty, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is easy to train, becoming obedient and well balanced. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is such a self confident dog and he will fit happily into life in the city or the countryside, loving spending time with his human family.

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

polish lowland sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe PON is an independent, self-willed dog but he can also be entertaining and amusing. He is a social, friendly dog but for many people, his long hair and grooming requirement might prove to be a bit of a handful.

Your dog is energetic, cheerful and playful and when he isn’t around, it will be like some sunshine has gone out of your life. He is faithful and loving towards his human family but is aloof towards strangers. Bring one of these dogs into your home and you’re guaranteed to have a remarkable friend and pet for many years.

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

polish lowland sheepdog puppies - health problemsThese dogs are generally healthy and the dog’s life expectancy is about 12 years. Nonetheless there are some problems to be aware of. For instance, with this dog, hip dysplasia is a real problem.

The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of hundreds of these dogs and found a large percentage were dysplastic.

Hereditary eye disease can also occur with this dog. Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that can cause central vision loss. Many genetic abnormalities can cause degeneration of the image forming part of the eye. Unfortunately these conditions can result in total blindness. Parts of the retina can also degenerate with age.

Skin allergies are also an ever present threat with your dog. Itchiness and pain can be a nightmare for your pet and scratching and licking brings no relief – just aggravates the condition. You will certainly need to get your pet to the vet as skin allergies and skin diseases can make your beloved canine miserable.

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

polish lowland sheepdog dogs - caringYour Polish Lowland Sheepdog is like a big Bear and his long, shaggy coat will require regular brushing, otherwise it could become full of burrs and grass.

Many people prefer to take their dogs to a grooming parlor where the hair is cut, the nails trimmed, the teeth cleaned and the ears checked.

Provide your Sheepdog with a nice warm, dry cozy spot that is his and where he can quietly retreat.

If your Polish Lowland Sheepdog spends time outdoors, make sure he has access to both shade, sun and shelter in case it rains. There must always be a bowl of fresh water outdoors too.

Diet:

It is better to give your adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog 2 smaller helpings of food as opposed to one big bowl. Puppies will need 4 bowls of food a day. Two bowls will ensure your dog doesn’t gobble up his food and create digestive problems and bloat.

High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more delicious for him occasionally by mixing in chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Just a tad of raw meat occasionally can also be of huge benefit.

Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock. Be sure to keep his food and water dishes clean.

Have your dogs spayed or neutered if you don’t want them to have puppies.

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