Tosa vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Tosa vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonWest Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Tosa is originated from Japan. West Highland White Terrier may grow 52 cm / 20 inches shorter than Tosa. West Highland White Terrier may weigh 80 kg / 176 pounds lesser than Tosa. West Highland White Terrier may live 4 years more than Tosa. Both West Highland White Terrier and Tosa has almost same litter size. West Highland White Terrier requires High Maintenance. But Tosa requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Miscellaneous dogs
undefined
United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Westie or Westy
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Colors Available:
White
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
Coat:
‎Double
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

west highland white terrierThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

tosaKnown also as the Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa hails from Japan. In fact, these dogs come from the Tosa Province, so the dog was named after the region where they were bred.

It is why they are sometimes referred to as Japanese Mastiffs. The Tosa is a rare dog breed and unfortunately, the dog is still used in Japan for dogfighting.

Thought to be a dangerous dog breed, it is restricted in some countries.

The breed was developed in the 2nd half of the 19th century, with a number of dog breeds being involved to bring about a more powerful, braver dog.

Description

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

tosa puppy - descriptionThe Tosa is a large dog, but their sizes vary, and in fact, because of their fighting, they are actually divided into light-, middleweight and heavyweight classes.

Generally, you can say that these dogs weigh in the region of 54 to 90kg and they stand in height at between 62 to 82cm. The head is large, the jaws powerful, the eyes dark brown in color, the ears small, high set and floppy.

The neck is broad wit a dewlap and the tail is long, thick and tapering to a point. The coat is short and thick and is most times a rich caramel color, fawn tan, black or brindle. The dog often has a black mask.

Temperament:

The Tosa is a fairly quiet dog, courageous and fearless. He is going to need a strong, consistent owner who shows leadership with him. Training and socialization will be imperative for this dog.

When he has been properly reared and trained, he makes a good pet, able to get on with members of the family. He takes his role as protector and guardian seriously.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

tosa dog - characteristicsThe Tosa isn’t recommended for first-time dog owners, as in the wrong hands, they can become aggressive. Care has to be taken around children too especially undisciplined ones.

He also doesn't come as recommended for small, cramped homes in the city. He’s just too big and he will need to get out and be walked often.

You want to create a home for him that ensures he is the calm, gentle dog he is capable of being, If you’re fair, firm, caring, patient and consistent, then this big dog might be for you. With the right care he becomes a gentle, devoted pet.

Health Problems

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

tosa puppies - health problemsThe Tosa is a formidable looking molossoid, but even so, this big, calm dog can succumb to illness. Some of these diseases you need to be looking out for include bloat,hip dyslasia and eye conditions.

Bloat for this dog can be life-threatening, and can often be because the dog is too hungry and he gobbles up his food quickly. Bloat is when gas can't escape, the stomach swells and twists – very dangerous. Rather give your dog two smaller meals – one in the morning and one in the evening, or even give several smaller portions throughout the day.

To help with eliminating health issues always choose a reputable Tosa breeder. You’re not likely to find one of these dogs in a dog shelter.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Diet:

tosa dogs - caringThese large, strong dogs do well on good quality food. If you opt to buy him commercially manufactured food, make sure it is the top quality one free of unwholesome ingredients such as preservatives, colorants and useless fillers.

Invest in the best quality ones that have nutritious minerals and vitamins. Try and give your dog some home-prepared food too – boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, spinach, sweet-potatoes and carrots.

Never feed your dog things such as chocolates, peanuts, crisps, grapes, onion and food with spicy flavorings. This will just ensure digestive problems and having to get your dog to the vet.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Tosa’s short coat isn’t going to require too much attention. A good brush twice a week will keep it free from loose hair and keep its shine and gleam. It’s why the dog is looked upon as being low maintenance.

Beyond that, he will need to have his nails trimmed. When brushing him, check him over for parasites – ticks and fleas, check for unusual lumps and look inside his ears for signs of redness.

Exercise:

These dogs are calm and fairly low-energy. Nonetheless, to maintain good health, he will need to be exercised. Ball games outside are always a good idea as well as nice long walks. Hikes into the countryside will be wonderful for this big dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tosa vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Tosa vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Tosa vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Tosa vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Tosa vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Tosa vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Tosa vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Tosa vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Tosa vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Tosa vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Tosa vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Tosa vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Tosa vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Tosa vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Tosa vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tosa vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Tosa vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Tosa vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Tosa vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Tosa vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Tosa vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Tosa vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Tosa vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Tosa vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Tosa vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. West Highland White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. West Highland White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. West Highland White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. West Highland White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Yorkshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Poodle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rottweiler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Boxer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Doberman Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bully vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Abruzzenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Affenpinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Aidi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Airedale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Akbash Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison