The overall appearance of the Tosa should be that of a massive but dynamic and flexible athlete, with a large, broad head, a boxy muzzle and clearly observable dewlap. Contrary to the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) which require red as the preferred color, the traditional Tosa breeding in Kochi City accepts a variety of colors, solid or brindle, black with markings, or pied.
It is very difficult to find good quality Tosa's outside Japan with the typical Tosa character as sought after by the Japanese breeders: a dog that is calm and quiet, but vigilant and conscious of its own strength and with an innate sense of prudence, that will only react in case of emergency,
Some careful breeders in the Netherlands, Germany and the United States are carrying on the legacy of the true Tosa inu. Prospective buyers should be particularly careful in selecting a responsible and reputable breeder who breeds to this genuine character of the Tosa Inu.
then demonstrating great courage and unequalled strength.
Even in Japan things are changing. Many influential people do not wish to promote the positive, humble side of the Tosa, as they fear that if the breed is perceived as other than a fighting breed, it will be more easily replaced by another breed at the shows.
