Tosa-inu [1] , or Tosa-ken [2] , or Tosa [3] ( 土 佐 犬 tosa-ken ) , or Tosa-token [2] ( 土 佐 闘 犬 , “Tosa fighting dog”) , - the only breed of molossians from Japan . Bred at the end of the XIX century in the province of Tosa (hence the name) on the island of Shikoku for dog fighting. Very rare, both at home, where it is a national treasure, and beyond. Used as a fighting dog, as a bodyguard and companion. Also known as kari , the Japanese mastiff [2] [4] .
Tosa Inu | |||||
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Other name | tosa, tosa-ken, tosa-token, kari, japanese mastiff | ||||
Origin | |||||
A place | Japan | ||||
Time | XIX century | ||||
Specifications | |||||
Growth |
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Weight | 40–90 kg | ||||
Wool | short, coarse and dense | ||||
Color | red, fawn, apricot, black, brindle | ||||
Life span | 8-12 years old | ||||
Other | |||||
Using | fighting dog, guard dog, companion | ||||
IF classification | |||||
Group | 2. Pinschers and schnauzers, Molossoid breeds, mountain and Swiss cattle dogs | ||||
Section | 2. Molosses | ||||
Subsection | 2.1. Mastiffs | ||||
room | 260 | ||||
Year | 1964 | ||||
Content
Breed History
The history of the Japanese fighting dog begins with the Edo period , when dog fights began to be held in the principality of Tosa to raise the morale of the samurai. At home, the Tosa-inu is considered to be the prototype of the small laikoid Koti -inu - Spitz-shaped dogs weighing up to 23 kg, which had external resemblances to modern Akita Inu , which were specially bred for such fights, as well as for wild boar hunting [2] [4] [ 5] .
After the policy of national self-isolation was canceled in Japan, a stream of Europeans rushed into the country, and the fighting dogs that arrived with them, contrary to the rules and traditions, began to unconditionally win in the rings of local champions. In this regard, it was decided to create a new breed, which, on the one hand, could defend the honor of Japanese dogs, and on the other, comply with the traditions of ceremonies and aesthetics of the battle [2] .
Active breeding work began in the 1860s and implied an improvement in physical and combat characteristics, as well as a decrease in pain sensitivity. Bull terriers like the modern pit bull or Staffordshire [# 1] were taken as the basis. In 1872, the blood of the old-type bulldogs was added to the pit bull and akita mestizo mix, however, the size and structure of the skull of the resulting specimens did not suit the Japanese breeders and two years later they resorted to crossbreeding with the English mastiff . The result was good growth and an impressive head of the dog, accompanied by a loss of mobility and the acquisition of excessive anger towards a person. This could lead to a dog attacking the judges in the ring during the fight, which is unacceptable. In 1876, the livestock was stabilized by crossing with a German pointer , and in 1924, the blood of the Great Dane was added to increase mobility and emphasize the athletic appearance. Since the breed was still quite far from the necessary conditions, before starting the development of the breed standard, inbreeding was carried out for three generations [2] [4] [6] .
The Second World War did not inflict damage on the Tosa Inu, comparable to the fact that it suffered large breeds in Europe, although according to some reports, the content of Tosa was punishable by death at that time. Some breeders hid their dogs in remote areas of the northern provinces, which allowed them to maintain the breeding core and continue breeding. According to another version, the best breed samples were exported to Korea and Taiwan [2] [4] .
In 1964, Tosa Inu was recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) and assigned to the group of Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs; Molossians sections; subsections of mastiffs [7] .
Sales of Tosa Inu from Japan abroad are extremely rare, the bulk of the livestock is concentrated, including in South Korea , Taiwan and Hawaii . At the same time, according to Japanese breeders, dogs outside the Land of the Rising Sun are noticeably inferior in quality to the aboriginal ones. In Europe, the first representative of the breed was registered approximately in 1976, the first litters were received in Sweden and Germany by 1982. At the same time, the breed appeared in the United States of America , where it found sporting applications in wave pulling: the maximum weight taken by the tosa was 1585 kg. The first puppies came to Russia in the early 1990s from Korea. There are several dogs in England, although according to the 1991 law, the Tosa Inu, along with the pit bull terrier , Brazilian fila and the Argentinean dog , is among the prohibited breeds [2] [4] [8] .
In 1998, the breed was recognized by the American Joint Kennel Club (UKC) [9] .
Japanese Dog Fighting tradition
Tosa Inu is inextricably linked with the Japanese tradition of dog fighting, which can still be seen in the province of Tosa. Dog fights in the ring, as well as the ceremonial associated with them, are held according to all historically established canons and rules. Despite the fact that each of the participants has outstanding fighting qualities, the organization of the battle process minimizes the risk of injury to the dog. Only adult males are allowed to participate in such fights [2] [4] .
The career of a Japanese fighting dog has much in common with that of a sumo wrestler . Fighters compete in four weight categories - from 30 to 40 kg (light weight), from 40 to 45 kg (average weight), from 45 to 55 kg and more than 55 kg (heavy weight), and also have different ranks: maegashira ( yap . 前頭 ) - beginner; komusubi ( yap. 小結 ) - professional, participant in 4 battles; sekivake ( Japanese 関 脇 ) - participant in 4-5 battles; Odzeki ( Jap. 大関 ) - a participant who has spent more than 10 fights, claiming the title of champion; Yokozuna ( 横 綱 ) - champion; yuseken ( 優勝 犬 ) - winner of the tournament [2] [5] [10] .
External images | |
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Tosa Japanese fighting dog in a ceremonial apron on the 1999 Cambodia Kingdom postage stamp |
The ceremony is crowned by a parade of participants at which the yokozun, dressed in luxurious handmade aprons, the cost of which can be about 30 thousand dollars, put two handlers on woven silk leashes. The fight takes place in a rounded ring in the presence of the chief judge and his two assistants. To win, you need to push the enemy out of the ring, knock him down, push him to the ground, hold him, not allowing him to rise. For barking, screeching, growling, biting, moving away from an opponent by more than three steps, an immediate defeat is awarded. A duel can last no more than half an hour, although it usually takes about 10 minutes. The criteria for determining the winner, first of all, are reduced to assessing the spirit of the fighter, and then his technique and the duration of the battle. Participants who demonstrate lengthy technical fights rise higher in the title hierarchy. The champion of the ring receives a cloak decorated with samurai symbols, and a hemp wreath [2] [11] .
In addition to the ranks, there are special titles:
- sensyuken - corresponds to the title of "national champion", is selected from dogs of a rank higher than the yokozuna and awarded for life;
- yokozuna meiken - The Great Warrior, awarded to a sensyuken who won two of three matches with rivals of equal rank, only 32 dogs out of more than 450 sensyuken were awarded this title;
- gaifu taisho - awarded to a dog that showed the best technique in the ring [2] [10] .
Winning dogs are usually not sold, only a few deals occur, in which huge prices appear. The best fighters, delivered to the palace of the imperial family, are bred in a specialized nursery [2] .
Appearance
A large-sized dog with a magnificent appearance and massive build, hanging ears, short hair, square muzzle and a tail hanging thick at the base [12] .
The skull is wide, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is quite sharp, the muzzle is moderately long, the nose is straight, the nose is large and black, the jaws are strong, the teeth are strong, and the scissor bite [# 2] . The eyes are small, dark brown in color, with an expression of dignity. The ears are relatively small, adjacent to the cheekbones. The neck is muscular, with a chest [12] .
Withers pronounced, back horizontal and straight; loin broad, muscular; groats sloping; the chest is wide, deep, the ribs are moderately curved, the abdomen is well matched. The tail is high set, thick at the base, tapering towards the end; its tip reaches the hock. Forelegs with straight strong forearms and strong metacarpals, hind limbs with well-developed muscles and regular angles of joints. The paws are arched, with well-developed fingertips and strong, small, black claws [12] [14] .
The coat is short, dense and coarse. Color is red, fawn, apricot, black, brindle; small white marks on the chest and paws are allowed [12] .
Height at the withers of males is 60 cm, bitches 55 cm, weight 40–90 kg [2] [5] .
Temperament
Calm, reliable, patient, manageable and attentive dog with a distinctive Molossian dog.territoriality , ultimate independence and purposefulness. Possesses exceptional strength and fearlessness. Tosa is very devoted to the owner, distrustful of strangers and aggressive towards relatives. The training of this serious fighting dog requires the owner to be firm and persistent. Historically, this breed did not promote or develop hatred and anger towards a person, in neutral territory it is absolutely loyal to him if it is not a question of a physical threat to the owner, his child or his own puppies [1] [4] [15] .
The tosa is genetically embedded in the ability to give an independent assessment of the situation, so even if the owner does not have time to give the appropriate command, the dog will act decisively. Even without special training, Tosa is a good bodyguard. In the family, this brave dog is affectionate and gentle, and according to the data of American researchers, in Japan purebred Tosa Inu was used as a nanny. The Japanese Kennel Club considers the Tosa to be companion dogs, while emphasizing its intelligence and high controllability [2] [4] .
Health, maintenance and care
Tosa Inu have good health and endurance, as well as an innate ability to endure and tolerate pain, which makes it difficult to understand that a dog is sick. Among the diseases that the representatives of this breed most often suffer from are dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, disorders of the cardiovascular system and allergic dermatitis . The average life expectancy is from 8 to 12 years [4] [16] [17] .
Tosa Inu is not very suitable for urban conditions; in order to provide the necessary volume of physical exercises that they need, it is better to give preference to rural areas. To start training, as well as socialization, it is necessary from a very early age, primarily for males. The sooner a Tosa puppy begins to communicate with people and animals, learns to understand the facial expressions and poses of other dogs, the more chances are to raise a worthy companion from him. Teaching a tosa, one cannot insult her and apply physical influence, she perfectly understands other forms of prohibitions and censures. You should not get such a dog if the family has an unbalanced or insecure person [1] [4] [15] .
Tosa is one of the dogs of the sports warehouse, therefore, for the development of its muscles, additional load will not be superfluous, for which a dog that has reached the age of two can be walked in a harness with loads. Walking with games in the fresh air in time should be at least 1.5-2 hours [4] .
It is important to choose the right diet for the dog. For this, there are feeds developed for tosa with the necessary set of minerals and trace elements, and the addition of gelatin and other special additives will contribute to the correct formation of the bone in a young dog and maintain a good middle-aged form. Tosa is a very clean dog, so you need to wash it once a month. In winter, you can wipe the wool with clean snow, and in summer with fresh grass, which will help clean it from pollution and remove stale odor. You should also regularly comb out the hair, brush your ears and cut your claws [4] .
Comments
- ↑ The James Hinks program for breeding the English bull terrier started in 1860, so the participation of these dogs in the creation of the tosa is excluded [2] .
- ↑ A scissor bite is considered to be a bite in which the lower incisors are adjacent to the inner side of the upper incisors, and the lower fangs enter the gap between the upper upper incisors and the upper fangs, providing a strong grip [13] .
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 Crookover. Dogs. The most complete encyclopedia . - M .: Eksmo, 2013 .-- S. 260 .-- 464 p. - ISBN 978-5-699-59539-6 .
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Tsigelnitsky E. Tosa-inu // Friend: Journal. - 2002. - No. 3 (98) . - S. 38-41 . - ISSN 1609-0527 .
- ↑ Tosa (Doc). Russian Cynological Federation. Date of treatment March 10, 2018.
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Zvonkova Yu. Tosa-inu // Friend: Journal. - 2005. - No. 5 (136) . - S. 50–55 . - ISSN 1609-0527 .
- ↑ 1 2 3 Chiba M., Tanabe Y., Tojo T., Muraoka T. Japanese dogs: Akita, Shiba, and other breeds. - Kodansha International, 2003. - P. 54-55. - 94 p. - ISBN 4-7700-2875-X .
- ↑ 世界 の 犬: 2G 使役 犬: と: 土 佐 - TOSA (Japanese) . Japanese Kennel Club. Date of treatment March 10, 2018. Archived on March 8, 2017.
- ↑ FCI breeds nomenclature. TOSA (260) Federation Cynologique Internationale. Date of treatment March 10, 2018. Archived on August 19, 2017.
- ↑ Dangerous Dogs: Deal with the Deed, Not the Breed . Kennel Club. Date of treatment March 10, 2018. Archived July 19, 2017.
- ↑ Tosa Ken . United Kennel Club. Date accessed March 10, 2018. Archived March 10, 2018.
- ↑ 1 2 Tosa sumo wrestling . Tosa Inu Kennel Ken Kamikaze. Date of treatment March 12, 2018. Archived on August 30, 2017.
- ↑ Martens V. The Spirit of the Samurai // Your Dog Business: Magazine. - 2001. - No. 2-3.
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 TOSA. FCI-Standard No. 260 Federation Cynologique Internationale. Date of treatment March 10, 2018. Archived on September 8, 2017.
- ↑ Animals in the House: Encyclopedia / Ed. Collegium: V. G. Grebtsova , M. G. Tarshis , G. I. Fomenko . - M .: Big Russian Encyclopedia, 1994. - S. 226. - 304 p. - ISBN 5-85270-118-1 .
- ↑ Rezko I. Dogs . - M .: AST, 2013 .-- S. 46. - 192 p. - (All breeds). - ISBN 978-5-17-080827-4 .
- ↑ 1 2 May J. All about the most popular dog breeds. - SPb. : Crystal, 2009 .-- S. 137. - 160 p. - ISBN 978-5-9603-0019-3 .
- ↑ Pagett J. Control of hereditary diseases in dogs / Ed. M.R. Pogosbekova. - M .: Sofia, 2006 .-- S. 217. - 280 p. - 3000 copies - ISBN 5-9668-0013-8 .
- ↑ Health Concerns // Japanese Tosa . - Kennel Club Books. - 2003. - ISBN 978-1-59378-336-5 . (eng.)
Literature
- Mishikha O. Relatives of the English mastiff. Tosa nihon inu // Friend: magazine. - 2006. - No. 3 . - S. 36 . - ISSN 1609-0527 .