Tosa Ken
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years[3]
Temperament
Quiet, Obedient, Calm, Vigilant
[2]A comparatively recent large Japanese breed
The UKC standard describes development through crosses between Japanese native dogs and foreign breeds from the mid-19th century. Citing the Japan Kennel Club, it names the Shikoku, Bulldog, Mastiff, German Pointer and Great Dane among the contributing breeds.
[1]Large and powerful, yet agile
It is a large, short-coated dog with a broad head and boxy muzzle, and a body slightly longer than tall. The UKC standard calls for agility alongside its powerful build.
[1]A short coat in several colours
The UKC prefers a rich solid red but also accepts other red and fawn shades, red-and-black brindling, dull black, brown, black with red markings and pied. White markings are penalized according to their extent, and white away from the chest or above the feet is discouraged.
[1]