Tosa vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Tosa vs Hovawart - Breed ComparisonTosa is originated from Japan but Hovawart is originated from Germany. Tosa may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Hovawart. Tosa may weigh 39 kg / 86 pounds more than Hovawart. Both Tosa and Hovawart has almost same life span. Both Tosa and Hovawart has same litter size. Both Tosa and Hovawart requires Low maintenance.

History

tosa - historyKnown 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.

hovawart - historyThe Hovawart, is a German Black Forest breed developed as a guard dog for large estates in the medieval era. They first appeared in history in the early 13th century as heroes who saved the German son of a castle lord, despite being injured themselves. The boy they saved grew up to be a German legend. He wrote the oldest German code of law that remained from medieval times. In it he names the Hovawarts as a dog that if you are responsible for hurting, stealing or killing it, you must pay for it or replace it. No other dog had this protection.

In the late fifteenth century Hovawarts were featured in Heinrich Mynsinger’s “The Five Noble Breeds”. This guard dog breed was esteemed on a level with the hunting dogs – their health a question of life or death for their owner. In the 1500’s the popularity of the breed began to fade. The GSD or German Shepard Dog began to replace the Hovawarts as the preferred guard dog.

By the early 20th century the breed had almost disappeared but were saved by breed enthusiasts in the early 1900’s. Zoologist Kurt Konig was prominent in this effort and went looking in the Black Forest area for dogs working on farms. Using the dogs, he found on these farms, Konig began a breeding program crossing the them with Newfoundland’s, Kuvazoks, Leonbergers, GSD, an African hunting dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By 1922 the first litter of these pups was entered officially into the German Breeding Registry. In 1937 the Hovawart was recognized by the German Kennel Club. However, many members of the breed died in World War II as they were used widely by the military and not many were left by 1945. Once again breed enthusiasts came to the rescue forming a Coburg Hovawart club. This club still exists and in 1964, for the second time, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. Other countries also began to take notice of this working breed.

The Hovawart has many skills in addition hunting and guarding. The Hovawart does not work for people, he works with them as he is a very independent thinker. He is also good at search and rescue and tracking. An owner of this breed must be stronger, smarter, more alert, intentional and consistent than his Hovawart. These are not dogs for the faint of heart or first-timers.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Germany
Height Male:
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
62 - 82 cm
24 - 33 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Tosa-Inu, Japanese Mastiff
Hovie
Colors Available:
Caramel, fawn tan, black or brindle
gold and black, gold, blonde
Coat:
Short, smooth, dense
long dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

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.

hovawart puppy - descriptionThe Hovawart is a proud and majestic dog and his looks match his character. He looks a bit like the Golden Retriever with a powerful and broad forehead. His skull and muzzle are the same length and his nose is black. His oval eyes are a medium to dark brown and his ears are high set and triangular.

Their chests are strong, broad and deep. The breed has strong legs straight in front with round, strong and compact feet. They are heavy boned with dense, long coats that lie flat and have a slight wave to them. The coat can be black and gold, blond or black.

Characteristics

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.

1.Children friendliness yes, they are good with children.

Special talents

hovawart dog - characteristicsThey have a great sense of smell and a well-balanced personality.

Adaptability

They are not indoor dogs and should have a yard to run in. They do not tolerate hot weather well. They do great out in the country.

Learning ability

They are intelligent independent thinkers. They lengths well with positive reinforcement.

Health Problems

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.

hovawart puppies - health problemsThough their isolation protected them from genetic health issues for centuries, once they were being rejuvenated and mixed with other breeds some common issues began to show up. These include:

  • Underactive thyroid
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness
  • Osteochondritis – causes joint pain in shoulders mostly
  • Liver Shunts

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

hovawart dogs - caringFeed breed specific high quality dry food for puppies. Feed 1-2 cups in 3-4 meals per day

Feeding the adult

Again Feed breed specific high quality dry food for adults. Feed 2-3 cups per day in 1-2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – Stamina

Games and Exercises

The Hovawart needs plenty of exercise. Remember this is a mountain farm dog used to working all the time. Walk or jog with them daily. They can excel at field trials, obedience, search and rescue, agility, flyball, therapy dog, and service dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  4. Maremma Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  5. Sarplaninac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  6. Mountain View Cur vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  7. Native American Indian Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  8. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  9. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  10. Mucuchies vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  11. Shepherd Husky vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovak Cuvac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  13. Southern Hound vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  14. Taigan vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  15. St. John's Water Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  16. Tornjak vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  17. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  18. Tibetan Mastiff vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  19. Hovawart vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Hovawart vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  21. Hovawart vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  22. Hovawart vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  24. Hovawart vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  25. Hovawart vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  26. Tosa vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Tosa vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  28. Tosa vs Sindh Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  29. Tosa vs Tamaskan - Breed Comparison
  30. Wolfdog vs Tosa - Breed Comparison
  31. Tosa vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  32. Tosa vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Tosa vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. Tosa vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  35. Tosa vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  36. Tosa vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Tosa vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  38. Tosa vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Tosa vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  40. Tosa vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  41. Tosa vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  42. Tosa vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  43. Tosa vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  44. Tosa vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Tosa vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Tosa vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  47. Tosa vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Tosa vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Tosa vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  50. Tosa vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds