Overview
The Tosa was developed in nineteenth-century Japan by crossing native dogs with Western mastiffs, bulldogs and others to produce a silent, stoic fighting dog. Japanese Tosas are heavy but not enormous; Western-bred dogs can approach the size of a Mastiff. They are calm, dignified and deeply attached to their owners.
In the United Kingdom the Japanese Tosa is one of the types prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. A dog can only be kept legally if it is on the exempt list, which means conditions including a muzzle and a lead in public, insurance, microchipping and neutering. Walking one commercially is a serious responsibility and your insurer may not cover it.
Exercise and walking needs
A Tosa needs around an hour a day of steady lead walking. It is a low-energy dog by temperament and its sheer weight rules out anything fast or repetitive, especially while young and growing.
Every walk in public must be on a lead and the dog must be muzzled under the exemption conditions. There is no off-lead time outside private, secure ground with the owner's agreement.
On the walk
- Legal conditions: Check the exemption certificate exists and that the muzzle and lead rules are followed every single time. A breach is a criminal matter for the person in charge of the dog.
- Strength: A dog this size and build cannot be held by force if it decides to move. A strong harness, a short lead and quiet routes with no surprises are essential.
- Other dogs: Bred to fight other dogs, however calm the individual. Never walk it with other dogs and avoid close passes on narrow paths.
- Heat: Heavy mastiff types overheat fast and the muzzle makes panting less efficient. Walk early and short in summer and carry water.
Tips for professional walkers
- Ask to see the exemption paperwork and confirm with your own insurer before you agree to walk the dog.
- Use a basket muzzle the dog is already comfortable in and check the fit before every walk.
- Pick routes with wide verges and few dogs, and go at times when the park is empty.
- Keep sessions short and calm; the dog's temperament is usually quiet and you want to keep it that way.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs, and can I see the certificate and insurance?
- Which muzzle and harness does the dog accept, and how does it behave when muzzled?
- How does it react to other dogs and to strangers, and what should I avoid completely?