Comparison: English Mastiff and Tosa

English Mastiff and Tosa are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

English Mastiff
Photo: Flickr user ocean yamaha . Photo uploaded to commons by user ltshears, CC BY 2.0, source
Tosa
Photo: BUKADAI..JPG : Ludivine HOUDAS derivative work: Caronna ( talk ), CC BY-SA 3.0, source
English MastiffTosa
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomJapan
CategoryGiant–
Height at withers70–80 cm–
Weight55–100 kg–
Life span6–10 years–
Recognition features
  • One of the heaviest breeds, often over 70 kg
  • Dark mask, broad head, drooping lips
  • Short fawn, apricot or brindle coat
  • Large, robust, stately dog with hanging ears and a square muzzle
  • Short, hard, dense coat; red, fawn, apricot, black or brindle
  • Patient, composed, bold and courageous temperament
CoatShort dense coat; fawn, apricot, brindle.Short, hard, dense coat; red, fawn, apricot, black, brindle; slight white markings on chest and feet permitted.
PurposeAn ancient British guarding and war breed; today a calm home guardian.A Japanese mastiff-type dog, formerly a fighting dog, now a watchdog; created by crossing the Shikoku-ken with Western breeds.

Breed page: English Mastiff · Breed page: Tosa

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.