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Tosa-Pei Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Tosa-Pei so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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Tosa-Pei dog profile picture
OriginJapan flagJapan China flagChina
Other Names
What other names does the Tosa-Pei have?
Shar Tosa
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Japanese Tosa and Shar-Pei mix

Tosa-Pei Size and Weight

Size
Is a Tosa-Pei small, medium or large dog?

How big do Tosa-Pei get?

What is the average size of a Tosa-Pei?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Tosa-Pei weigh? How much should a Tosa-Pei weight? What is the normal weight of a Tosa-Pei? How much does a full-grown Tosa-Pei weight?
Male: 88-176 lbs (40-80 kg), Female: 84-120 lbs (38-54 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Tosa-Pei?
Male: 132 pounds (60 kg), Female: 102 pounds (46 kg)
Height
How tall is the Tosa-Pei? Tosa-Pei height:
Male: 22-24 inches (55-62 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (54-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Tosa-Pei?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Tosa-Pei Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Tosa-Pei puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Tosa-Pei in the United States? How much money is a Tosa-Pei?

Where to buy a Tosa-Pei with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Tosa-Pei. If you have a Tosa-Pei for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Tosa-Pei gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Tosa-Pei? How many Tosa-Pei are there in the world?
Average: The Tosa-Pei is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Tosa-Pei Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Tosa-Pei? Is the Tosa-Pei breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Tosa-Pei ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Tosa-Pei dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Tosa-Pei?
Tosa-Pei dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Tosa-Pei good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Tosa-Pei dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Tosa-Pei dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Tosa-Pei dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Tosa-Pei dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Tosa-Pei can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Tosa-Pei will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Tosa-Pei Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Tosa-Pei have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingIndependentSensitiveIntelligentAffectionateDevotedAggressiveFearlessBraveReservedSuspicious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Tosa-Pei sensitivity:
Tosa-Pei dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Tosa-Pei a good family dog?
Average: Tosa-Pei dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shar Tosa need? Tosa-Pei social needs:
Tosa-Pei dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Tosa-Pei to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Tosa-Pei roam?
Tosa-Pei dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Tosa-Pei have high prey drive?
Tosa-Pei dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Tosa-Pei dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Tosa-Pei Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Tosa-Peis, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Tosa-Pei dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Shar Tosa bark?
Low to Average: The Tosa-Pei rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Tosa-Pei good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Tosa-Pei in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Tosa-Pei indoors.

Tosa-Pei Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Tosa-Pei dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Tosa-Pei be left alone? How long can you leave a Tosa-Pei alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Tosa-Pei Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Tosa-Pei has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Tosa-Pei? How much bite force does a Tosa-Pei have? How strong is a Tosa-Pei bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Tosa-Pei bite force: The Strongest. The Tosa-Pei bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Tosa-Pei measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Tosa-Pei dogs is impressive, and their Tosa-Pei bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Tosa-Pei PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Tosa-Pei bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Tosa-Pei puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Tosa-Pei bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Shar Tosa? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Tosa-Pei? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Tosa-Pei has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Tosa-Pei do?
Tosa-Pei dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Tosa-Pei dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Tosa-Pei Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Tosa-Pei dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Tosa-Peis are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Tosa-Pei breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Tosa-Pei breed? Most common health risks of Tosa-Pei:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationCancerHypothyroidismBloatEntropionElbow DysplasiaDemodectic MangeOsteochondrosis DissecansGlaucomaSeborrheaCutaneous MucinosisFeverPyoderma
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Tosa-Pei breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Tosa-Pei see the vet?
Rare
The Tosa-Pei should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Tosa-Pei dogs live? How old can a Tosa-Pei be? What is the age limit of the Tosa-Pei? How many years can the oldest Tosa-Pei live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Tosa-Pei?

How long is the lifespan of a Tosa-Pei?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Tosa-Pei: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Tosa-Pei Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Tosa-Pei have? What is the activity level of the Tosa-Pei?
Tosa-Pei dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Tosa-Pei need? How much exercise do Tosa-Pei dogs require per day?

Do Tosa-Pei dogs need a lot of exercises?

Tosa-Pei dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Tosa-Pei breed need?
Tosa-Pei dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Tosa-Pei Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Tosa-Pei need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Tosa-Pei breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Tosa-Pei? How much food should I feed my Tosa-Pei?
4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Tosa-Pei risk for obesity:
High: The Tosa-Pei breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Tosa-Pei more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Tosa-Pei weight regularly.

Tosa-Pei Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Tosa-Pei have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseHard
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Tosa-Pei coats?
Black Red Blue Cream BrownFawnYellow Brindle Apricot
Grooming
How to groom the Tosa-Pei and how often? How often should I take my Tosa-Pei to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Tosa-Pei doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Tosa-Pei is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Tosa-Pei dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shar Tosa? Do Tosa-Pei dogs shed a lot?
Tosa-Pei dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Tosa-Pei need a bath? How often should you give a Tosa-Pei a bath? Can I bathe my Tosa-Pei every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Tosa-Pei breed hypoallergenic?
No
Tosa-Pei dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Tosa-Pei has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Tosa-Pei drool?
The Tosa-Pei drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Tosa-Pei.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Tosa-Pei Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Tosa-Pei dogs get along with other pets? Are Tosa-Pei dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Tosa-Pei dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Tosa-Pei temperament with other people:
Tosa-Pei dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Tosa-Pei dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Tosa-Pei temperament with children:
Tosa-Pei dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Tosa-Pei dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Tosa-Pei breed live with a cat?
Tosa-Pei dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Tosa-Pei good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Tosa-Pei dogs get along with other dogs?
Tosa-Pei dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Tosa-Pei is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Tosa-Pei breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Tosa-Pei breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Tosa-Pei dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Tosa-Pei dogs good office canines? Do Tosa-Pei dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Tosa-Pei is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Tosa-Pei dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shar Tosa temperament with senior people? Are Tosa-Pei dogs good for elderly owners?
Tosa-Peis are not the best breed for elderly people.

Tosa-Pei As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Tosa-Pei is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Tosa-Pei be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Tosa-Pei is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Tosa-Pei is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Tosa-Pei is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a boat dog?

Not really

Tosa-Pei breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Tosa-Pei be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Tosa-Pei breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Tosa-Pei dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Tosa-Pei Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Tosa-Pei pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Tosa-Pei breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Tosa-Pei: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Tosa-Pei have in a litter? How many puppies can the Tosa-Pei breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Tosa-Pei have? How many puppies can a Tosa-Pei give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Tosa-Pei Recognition

AKC Group
Is Tosa-Pei recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Tosa-Pei recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Tosa-Pei breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Tosa-Pei Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Tosa-Peis are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Tosa-Pei doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Tosa-Pei dogs are low shedders.
  • Watchdog Ability: Tosa-Pei dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Tosa-Pei dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Tosa-Pei dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Tosa-Pei drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Tosa-Pei breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthiness: Tosa-Pei dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Child Friendly: Tosa-Pei dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Tosa-Pei dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Tosa-Pei is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Tosa-Peis are not the best breed for elderly people.

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