<b>Appearance</b>
Tosa Inu appearance
Weight: 83 - 200 lbs (37-91 kg)
Height: 22-30 inches (55-75 cm)
Coat: Short hair
Activity level: Low
Learning rate: High
Temperament: Brave, fearless, sensitive, bold, consistent, aggressive, suspicious, intelligent.
Guard dog ability: Moderate
Watch-dog ability: Moderate
Fighting Ability: Very High
Litter size: 4-8 puppies
Life span: 10 - 12 years

The Tosa varies considerably in size, with the Japanese-bred dogs tending to be about half the size of those bred outside the country. The Japanese breed generally weighs between 80 and 120 lb, while the non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh from 130 to 200 lb (89.5 to 100 kg) and stand 24.5 to 32 inches (62 to 82 cm) at the withers. (Citation needed, as many heavyweight Japanese fighting dogs are recorded around 200lb) The coat is characterized by its short and smooth appearance and is often red, brindle, or fawn. Occasionally it can be a dull black, but this is somewhat rare. Maintenance of the coat is usually minimal.


<b>Temperament</b>
The Tosa is loyal to his master and very good with children and of people it knows, is known to attack if there is a threat, and is very protective of other family pets.The breed has a personality marked by direct, fearless willingness to protect what it considers its "den" (i.e. house, car, and property in a home situation) and "pack" (i.e. human family in a home situation). It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, watchdog, guide dog for people who are blind, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.

Proper socialization as a puppy is one of the two key factors which determines what a dog's temperament will be as an adult. Genetics is the other. They go hand-in-hand; there is no guarantee that a dog with poor genetics can be trained to be stable and friendly, and by the same token the best genetics are meaningless if the dog is not well-socialized as a puppy. Ideally, a Tosa should be alert and fearless in defense of its den and pack, but loving and non-aggressive within the home environment.The Tosa is very affectionate.