Tosa

The Tosa Inu is the only Molossoid breed originating from Japan, developed in the Tosa region (present-day Kochi Prefecture) from the 19th century onward, crossing native Japanese dogs with European breeds such as the English Mastiff, the Great Dane, the Bulldog, and the Bullmastiff. It was bred specifically for dog fighting, a Japanese tradition still legal in certain forms. It is considered a "samurai of dogs" — noble, silent, and courageous.

A well-bred Tosa is a calm, serene, and very dignified dog. It rarely barks without reason — Japanese fighting dogs were trained for silence during combat. It is extremely loyal to its owner but requires intensive socialisation with people and other animals. Its physical strength and guarding potential make it unsuitable for inexperienced owners.