"OctopusTosa-Inu"

  How to keep a Tosa

Actually, there is a big difference between the keeping of a Tosa and the keeping of any other big sized, dominant dog breed. It is advantageous, if you already have experience in dog keeping. That does not mean that keepers without experience are bad keepers or that we would not sell dogs to those. Much more important is your motivation, your knowledge and the amount of time you spend with your dog.

Actually, there is a big difference between the keeping of a Tosa and the keeping of any other big sized, dominant dog breed. It is advantageous, if you already have experience in dog keeping. That does not mean that keepers without experience are bad keepers or that we would not sell dogs to those. Much more important is your motivation, your knowledge and the amount of time you spend with your dog.

You have to face those kind of questions, if you call any of the contact addresses. It is very important to us to get an idea of who you are. We will screen you carefully before we sell a dog to you. Possible questions could be: Why are you interested in such an unknown dog breed like the Tosa? What are you especially fascinated about? Have you had dogs? What kind? Do you have a family? Where do you live? What do you do? What does your partner think about dogs, especially Tosas? What are your hobbies? If you answered those questions to our satisfaction, we would like to get to know you. A meeting will be arranged at your house in order to check on the provided information and to intensify the contact. Please do not consider that as a harrassment. We just want to make sure that our dogs find a good home for a lifetime.

We invest a lot of time and efforts, sensitivity and love in keeping and raising our dogs. We are proud of it. We have a strong connection with our dogs, therefore it is natural that we stay in touch and help you with any questions or problems you might have.

The following test shall indicate, if you are the right person to keep a Tosa. You are, if you can answer all questions with "yes":

• Time for the dog at least 3 hours per day

• Enough space and the possibility for the for the dog to move, walk and run

• No pure kennel-keeping. Tosas need to be near you

• Sensitivity and knowledge of dogs

• No other dogs in the household, if possible. If so, no dominant ones. Dogs of the opposite sex, if possible

• Consider relatively high purchase cost

• Tolerant neighbours. Tosas bark sometimes. Maybe your fence has to be intensified, because your Tosa does not like the neighbor´s dog...

• Take your dog on vacation with you or you have to find a suitable temporary home

• You have to go through a long and intense socialization phase, since Tosas are "Late Bloomers".

We also have to inform you about health problems and risks. Unfortunately, a quite sustainable number of Tosas suffers from Canine Hip Dysplasia. The Japanese have never paid attention to that defect. Although we pay attention to the defect, but the number of dogs in Germany is too small to guarantee that none of them suffers from the defect. Nobody can guarrantee that. Another problem that aplies to all big sized dog breeds is the bloat. You can take precautions against them suffering and dying from it: Feed several meals a day and let your dog relax after his meal.

On a cosmetic note, ugly, hairless, thick, dark spots mostly on the dog´s joints are calluses caused by lying. A soft mattress or something similar is the precaution you can take here.

The public opinion is a different problem. It is scary how many prejudices people often have, when they realize that the dog you walk is a so-called "fighting dog". It helps, if you face them with confidence and a positive attitude to show them that they are wrong and to correct them in an objective way. Doing so, a caring attitude and consideration are very important.

If you have not been irritated or put off by what you read and say" Yes, I fell in love with Tosas, they are the right dogs for me", then we should absolutely get to know each other. Probably, you will get a wonderful dog whose company you will enjoy a lot.

Note: Tosas are someting very special and cannot be compared with any other dog breed. They deserve only the best, of course.