Character

Toasas are known for their bravery, composure and courage.
Their character reflects many attributes of the Japanese mentality in a fascinating way. They openly show their pride, thus appearing distant sometimes. To unfairness they often react in their own arrogant way.
Despite they are opinionated and very self confident, they love the members of their family and show great loyalty towards them. Therefore Tosas are not suitable for the Schutzdienst. They realize special situations too fast, so that it is almost impossible to motivate them to do those exercises. However, an exame as how to accompany people is to be recommended, especially since those sportive dogs pass it easily.
Whereas Tosas are open and kind to their family members and familiar people, they are usually distant, but never agressiv to strangers. They let them pet them, but they will not become their friends. Tosas show their affection by taking the initiative and asking for gently touches. Doing so, they will always remember that person, but they will only obey their master or mistress.
It is usually no problem, if there are other animals in the household. Tosas accept everything which belongs to their environment. But it ist easyer to live with an Tosa without any other Dog. An axception is the relationship between male dogs and bitches.
An intense socialization is inevitable to avoid it.
Tosas should be talked to with a soft voice. However it has to be in a consistent and authoritarian way. There is no use in yelling at Tosas or beating them. They do not easily forgive such a treatment and punish you with ignorance and contempt. Because of their sensitivity they notice quickly, when you are mad at them or when they made a mistake.
According to the Japanese saying "The most silent are the most bravehearted" Tosas are pleasantly calm dogs, which behave very inconspiciously. They hardly bark, but are nevertheless reliable protectors. They are not easily to be deprived of their composure and they love their daily routine. Should you like bike riding or jogging, your Tosa will be delighted to join you (please not before he is 15 months old). If you can sometimes just go for a short distance, the Tosa will not at once feel unfullfilled and unsatisfied.
Tosas are suitable to be kept in a big enough appartment , as well as in a house with a garden. They are not suitable to be exclusively kept in kennels, because their sensitive psyche would become severely damaged. Tosas belong to a family. It does not matter, of how many people your family consists, Tosas do everything with you and you can take them with you everywhere you go. Your Tosa will thank you with love, faith and unconditional devotion as long as he lives.