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The Tosa (Tosa-Ken,
Tosa-Token, Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff), was bred for, and has been used
for many years; as a fighting dog. Historically, the tradition of dog
fighting was popular in many Japanese districts, but especially in the
Tosa district of Shikoku. The product of thoughtful eugenic manipulation
by the Japanese; the Tosa dogs active in fighting, originally; were not
the present-day incarnation. The primogenitor of the modern day Tosa was
the medium sized Nihon-Inu; the indigenous Japanese dog which was
originally bred to hunt wildboar, and the incorporation of Occidental
breeds. In 1854, the Japanese Government repealed the National Isolation
Policy, this reversal began the steady influx of foreign tourism.
Increasingly, traditional Japanese dog fighting began pitting the European
dogs against the indigenous, Japanese Nihon-Inu. The smaller Nihon-Inu
began routinely loosing against the substantially larger Occidental breeds. During World War II, the Tosa's numbers dwindled to near extinction, and few remained in Japan. However, the Tosa began to flourish in Korea and Taiwan where it had been exported, previously. After World War II, the resurgence in the popularity of dogfighting promoted the collaborative efforts of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea to resurrect the Tosa-Inu. This collaborative effort produced an intrinsically fierce fighting animal. In the Japanese style of dogfighting, the Tosa was expected to fight soundlessly, relentlessly, and without cowering. Through selective breeding, the Japanese refined the Tosa into a large, agile, athletic dog; disinclined to barking, intelligent, and fearless. Males are powerfully built, ranging in size from 65 cm. at the shoulder, to more than 76,5 cm; and weighing between 63,5 kg. to over 91 kg. Competitively, however; the optimal combatant ranges between 50 to 68 kg. Females are smaller in proportion. However; Japanese tradition proscribes fighting between females. Although dogfighting in Japan has always been ensconced in pageantry and ceremony, the tradition of two handlers, simultaneously ensconced in pageantry and ceremony, the tradition of two handlers, simultaneously escorting the Tosa into the fight arena; was borne of necessity. Ostensibly, the Tosa's tremendous strength required two handlers. The Tosa has a large, broad skull
with a medium length muzzle. The neck is exceptionally strong, and
generally has a dewlap, however; unlike other heavily jowled mastiffs, the
Tosa is not prone to drooling. The chest is particularly broad with
exceptional spring to the ribs. The thighs are well muscled with only a
slight bend at the hock. The coat is short, and dense; with color ranging
from red, fawn, or dull black. While the embodiment of the ideal human or
canine form is rarely seen; there are stringent physical and aesthetic
qualities which are narrowly defined for the Tosa. Among equal specimens,
red is the preferred color. White markings are only permissible on the
chest, never on the face or muzzle; and the bite must be scissor. The
skeletal structure of the Tosa must be large, small bones are indicative
of an inferior genetic specimen; as are any signs of timidity or reticence
in temperament. The life expectancy of the Tosa is 10-12 years. The most
common health problems are those associated with giant breeds; such as:
joint inflammation, hip dysplasia and intestinal bloat resulting from over-exercise. The average litter size is six to twelve pups, but because of the immense size of the bitch; owners must be vigilant to ensure that puppies are not inadvertently crushed by their mother. There are no exceptional problems associated with whelping, except; due to the contentious nature of the breed, the puppies can inflict substantial injury to littermates during play, which can often appear alarmingly atavistic. In Japan today, dogfighting is still practiced; and the Japanese revere the Tosa as the embodiment of a warrior. Historically, the Samurai were instructed to study the Tosa during combat to learn fearlessness, tenacity, and courage. Surprisingly, the rules governing Japanese dogfights are stringent and complex, and the Japanese have ennobled Tosa dogfights with all the pageantry and ceremony of Sumo Wrestling. In Japan; the Tosa is referred to as the "Sumo" dog because of its' great size and strength. Recondite and metaphorical, Tosa dogfights are not fought to the death. In Japan; unbridled aggression or expedient victories are discouraged in dogfighting. Anthropomorphized to be warriors, in the fight arena; the Tosa is judged: by the duration of the fight, the quality of the opponent, courage, and endurance. A combatant is more highly respected If he fights courageously and for longer durations. Those competitors with many "quick wins" will be ranked lower than the competitor who routinely lasts the duration of the 30 minute bout. GENERAL
APPEARANCE : Large-sized dog with a stately manner and robust build. The
dog has hanging ears, short hair, a square muzzle and hanging tail thick
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