A Japanese Yokozuna.
Picture from Mary's site
This page is written by Les Smith, USA, President of the International Tosa Ken Association
Research: Chuck Straw
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 wild boar, and the incorporation of oaccidental breeds.
Monk.
Picture from Bill Meunier, Pharsyd Tosas-Canada.
In 1854, the Japanese Government repealed the National Isolation Policy, this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. These losses were
devastating for the Japanese, who viewed any defeat as dishonor.
A real Man!
"Sonny", owned by Chuck Straw and Laura Carril of Straw Dog's B.A. Tosa.
Gradually, Tosa district breeders attempted to develop a larger, more truculent fighting
dog, by incorporating European breeds such as: the Mastiff, Great Dane,
Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and Pointer.
In 1876, the German Pointer was
incorporated into the breed because of their concordant temperment, and
highly developed olfactory sense; which is fundamental for predation. The
Mastiff (1874), was introduced because of their exceptional musculature, and
the enormity of their cranial structure. However, this incorporation produced
a ponderous specimen, so Great Danes (1924), were introduced to mitigate the
prodigious size with dexterity and athleticism. Fundamentally, the
Bulldog (1872), was sought for its’punitive bite, powerful front-end, and
truncated-stop; while the Bull Terrier(date unknown), increased tenacity.
Although the coalescence of these breeds produced the Tosa, each successive
incorporation required breeders to breed back to the incipient Tosa for a
minimum of three generations; until the current breed standard was
established.
Kimo, 12 months old.
Picture from Bill Meunier, Pharsyd Tosas-Canada.
Nearly one hundred years ago, this cross- breeding resulted in the incipient
form of the present-day Tosa. The Tosa-Inu was eponymously named for the
district in Japan from which it was developed. Gradually, the Tosa-Inu began
spreading to other districts in Japan as dog-fighting’s popularity grew.
However, the popularity of dog-fighting was spurious, contingent upon the
political view of the time.
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.
Monster, a Mutsu son, this pic was taken 3 years ago at the Cherry Blossom show in
DC
Picture by Matt Zanellotti
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. (25,5 in) at the shoulder, to more than 76,5 cm. (30 in), and weighing
between 63,5 kg. (140 lbs) to over 91 kg. (200 lbs). Competitively, however; the optimal
combatant ranges between 50 to 68 kg. (110-150 lbs). Females are smaller in
proportion. However; Japanese tradition proscribes fighting between females.
Although dogfighting in Japan has always been ensconced in pagentry and
ceremony, the tradition of two handlers, simultaneously escorting the Tosa
into the fight arena; was bourne of necessity. Ostensibly, the Tosa’s
tremendous strength required two handlers.
Kasai at 15 months of age.
Bred by Keenan Pennywel, owned by Mariella Sachs.
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 permissable 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 indicitive of an
inferior genetic specimen; as are any signs of timidity or reticence in
temperment.
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
inadvertantly 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.
Dragon Lady
Picture by Matt Zanellotti.
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. Suprisingly, 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 expediant victories are discouraged in dogfighting.
Anthropromorphized 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.
The following ranks comprise the various fight classes in Japan
Maegashira: Amateur fighter
Komusubi: Professional fighter, 4 rounds
Sekiwake: Fighter rising in the ranks
Ozeki: Pro fighter- 10 rounds Championship contender
Yokozuna: Champion
Yushoken: Individual tournament champion
Honorary Conferations:
Senshuken: National Japanese Grand Champion:
This prestigious title may only be given during the lifetime of the dog. The
combatant must be ranked higher than Yokuzuna, and chosen by judges.
Meiken Yokozuna: Warrior Grand Champion:
The competitor must have three fights as a Senshuken, with a record of no less
than two wins and one draw. This prestigious honor has only been achieved by
thirty two dogs from among more than four hundred fifty National Japan Grand
Champions.
Gaifu Taisho: Best Fighting Technique.
Meiken Yokozuna: Warrior Grand Champion.
Adjudicated to be the most effective fighting technique employed by an
individual combatant in a tournament.
Suprisingly, Despite the sovereignty of the Tosa; it is rarely seen in Japan.
Although the Japanese deify the Tosa, few have actually seen one. In USA,
their numbers are estimated at approximately 500. Originally, the
Tosa first began appearing in the US when wealthy Japanese Nationals brought
them over as pets. The breed attained notority, when a nationally televised
program hosted by actor Jack Pallance, featured the Tosa and their legendary
status in Japan.
A Monster/Dragon Lady
daughter, her name is Dragonfires Aka "Ony".
Picture by Matt Zanellotti.
As a companion, Tosa’s are ineffably affectionate, obedient, and protective,
and despite their great size; they are gentle and deferential to their
owners. Intelligent and affable, they are easily trained; and because of
their agility and sagacity, they have been successful in Schutzhund and
therapy training. However, Tosa’s require excellent socialization, as they
are extremely dog-aggressive. It is never recommended to feed the Tosa with
other dogs in the family, or to purchase two Tosa’s of the same sex.
Finally; Tosa’s require experienced owners who are both physically, and
mentally strong. Tosa’s should be treated with sensitivity, and physical
coercion should never be used for training or correction. It should be
mentioned that the Tosa’s strength will greatly exceed that of their owner’s;
Tosa’s have been recorded at pulling over 1585 kg. (3487 lbs).
Not suprisingly;
because dogfighting is proscribed in the United States, physical attributes,
and not fighting prowess; are the measure of the exceptional Tosa. There are
many competive avenues for the Tosa; the most notable are the American Rare
Breed Association and The Continental Kennel Club. However, the Tosa is a
rare and Noble dog, whose legend is no myth.
Molosserworld would like thank Les Smith for this article, who display his true love for the breed.
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