MyDogBreeds
Tosa is originated from Japan but Australian Red Heeler is originated from Australia. Tosa may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than Australian Red Heeler. Tosa may weigh 74 kg / 164 pounds more than Australian Red Heeler. Tosa may live 3 years less than Australian Red Heeler. Both Tosa and Australian Red Heeler has almost same litter size. Tosa requires Low maintenance. But Australian Red Heeler requires Moderate maintenance
Known 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.
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.
When George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802 he set about ‘creating’ a tough working- or herding dog. By crossing Australia’s native Dingoes with Collies as well as with other herding dogs, the robust Red Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Today he is a thick-set dog, ideally suited to working livestock.
Ranchers, particularly, were impressed with the breed’s toughness and they were sought after on cattle stations. The name actually comes from them when the dogs are herding animals, they nip at their heels to get them moving.
The Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler breed are the exact same dog, but just different colors. These Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia in the mid-1800s and adapted well to the harsh desert environment of the outback.
The 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.
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.
The Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular dog with ears that are pricked and with dark, alert eyes. The tail is long. The neck, shoulders and legs of the Red Heeler are strong and muscular. The dog is longer than tall – the length of the body is greater than the height at the withers. A well fed, well exercised, well cared for Red Heeler will weight roughly 15–22 kilograms.
There are 2 coat colours of the Reeler – red and blue, but there are are lesser varieties such as chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings. It is interesting to note that with both the Red- and the Blue Heeler, puppies are generally born white, with the coat turning to red as they mature.
These Australian Cattle Dogs display patches of solid colour, and you might well find masks over one or both eyes and a white tip to the tail. Both the Red and Blue Heeler can have a white star on the forehead which is referred to as the Bentley Mark. The Heelers have a double coat - short, straight outer hairs while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. Despite their short coat, they shed a lot.
The 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.
Your Australian Red Heeler needs plenty of exercise but also plenty of companionship too from his human family. He is an affectionate, playful pet but is reserved with people he doesn’t know. When socialized he is patient with children in the home but he does still have the tendency to herd them and nip at their heels. The dog builds up a strong bond with his human family, and is protective toward them, being happy to be close to his owner’s side.
Red Heelers need activities and lots of room to play, and they therefore won’t adapt to apartment living. If you don’t live on a farm, don’t neglect your working dog as he will need lots of rough and tumble games and activities to keep him from boredom. Treat your Australian Red Heeler with the love, patience and kindness and you’ll bring out the very best from this active, loyal fur-friend of yours.
The 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.
The Australian Cattle Dog is quite often affected by progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition where the rods and cones in the retina of the eye deteriorate later in life, and it could lead to blindness. This eye illness is an autosomal recessive trait, and even if the dog doesn’t develop the condition himself, he can be a carrier of the affected gene.
The Heeler is just bursting with personality and energy and a study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges described fractures and ligament tears as one of the most common conditions treated with the Australian Red Heeler.
You love your Australian Red Heeler and you want to take good care of him. Check with your vet because at 8 weeks he should be starting with his first puppy vaccinations.
To keep your best friend healthy and happy, watch his diet, ensure he gets plenty of exercise, brush his teeth regularly to remove plaque build-up, and always call your veterinarian when you see he is ill and isn’t his usual boisterous self.
These 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.
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.
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.
The Australian Red Heeler is a low maintenance dog. He does shed quite a bit so you’ll need to brush his coat at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep his coat lustrous. When your dog has been in a particularly dusty area, you you wipe his coat down with a damp cloth. As with all dogs, you’ll want to check his teeth, ears, eyes and nails regularly to avoid health problems.
If you care for your working- and herding dog you’ll train him to that he becomes a good family dog and companion. The Red Heeler has plenty of energy and stamina and if he grows up untrained and un-socialized, you could see him becoming aggressive towards other animals and even your own children. He certainly becomes over-protective of his territory if not socialized. Train him as he is an intelligent breed and responds well to training.
Any vet will tell you of the critical importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your dog. He’s an active, smart dog with loads of energy and you want to keep his diet consistent with this energy. Speak to your vet about what food would suit your pet best, because a high quality diet appropriate to his age, his body size and his energy levels will be important. Along with high quality foods which include a good intake of raw meat, your dog must always have access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.