Are you looking for a dog that could easily weigh more than you? Then look no further because the Tosa Ken is here! Now remember that living with a dog the size of a human isn’t for everyone. He makes his presence felt, even if he doesn’t want to, and has more needs than other dogs. And, think that the bigger the dog, the more of everything: food, saliva, and… poo in the yard. Sorry, it’s the truth.
That said…
This is a loveable dog; if you can handle it, you may love this relationship. But could you read up before you commit? And this is the place you’ll want to start.
Tosa Ken Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Japan
Original Purpose: Fight Dog
Height: 20 to 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 100 to 200 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Currently not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Origin of the Tosa Ken Dog Breed
This dog has been in existence for nearly 1000 years. Yes, older than the thirteen original colonies and even older than the Vikings. And while some people will say that this dog originated in the Nordic region (where modern-day Sweden, Finland, and Norway are), the most substantial evidence seems to place the origin of his dog breed squarely on the island of Shikoku in Japan’s Kochi prefecture.
It is here…
That it appears that the original “native” dogs were crossbred with a dog similar to a bulldog or possibly a Japanese mastiff. So where does it originate from? That’s probably going to depend on who you ask. What is known is that this dog was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1998 as the Tosa-Ken. Other famous organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) do not recognize the dog as a breed. That said, the Tosa Ken can compete in some of their competitions.
Physical Characteristics
As we’ve already pointed out, this is a huge dog – and that’s the most noticeable thing about him. Thankfully, he’s got short hair, so you don’t have to fuss too much over the coat…remember, he’s super big, so even “not much” fussing means a lot when you multiply it times his size!
Personality and Temperament
Just because he was made for dog fighting doesn’t mean this is an aggressive dog. Sure, he can lash out in circumstances when provoked, but most of the time, he’s not just a wild child. Tosa Kens can be easygoing around their families. You need to train your Tosa from when he’s a puppy, preferably with a bit of controlled firmness, to get him to know you’re the leader.
But we should point out that…
Tosa Kens aren’t great with other dogs, so if you are considering one, consider that. Most people who get a dog dream of taking them on walks around the neighborhood, but this isn’t ideal for a Tosa Ken. He won’t greet other dogs or people however you want, and he could get worked up if something seems amiss to him. And, considering his size, it’ll be hard to reign this boy in once he’s upset.
Tosa Kens & Children
As you probably already guessed, this isn’t a great dog to have with kids. Children are usually way more minor than this guy, so there’s a power imbalance from the get-go. Considering his background and potential to get angry or even vicious, would you want to take that risk for the child or dog? We didn’t think so.
That said, however…
If your heart is set on owning a big dog, there are a few other large dog breeds you may want to consider in your search, including:
- Great Danes,
- Bull Terriers
- Or even an Akita.
Potential Health Concerns
Any dog, especially dog breeds, can have genetic health problems. The best way to minimize this risk is to get your dog from a reputable breeder. That said, no matter how great of a breeder, there is a chance that a dog can be born with a genetic problem. Breeders can only try their best to eliminate these things…but they cannot assure it.
Some of the things a Tosa Ken might be predisposed to include:
- Hip Dysplasia – a common hip problem of larger dog breeds.
- Obesity can be genetic, but you have some control over it by controlling your dog’s diet.
And while these are a few genetic issues that could arise, remember that your Tosa Ken could contract any number of sicknesses or meet with an accident that left him with a permanent disability. The cost of treating a Tosa Ken will depend entirely on what’s wrong. It’s reasonable to think that throughout a dog’s life, you may wind up spending between $1000-$ 15000 on healthcare.
This includes…
Checkups and treatments may arise. Sure, it could be a lot less (like, if you never take him to the vet), but let’s be pragmatic: how will you budget for this? This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
