MyDogBreeds
Tosa is originated from Japan but Ibizan Hound is originated from Spain. Tosa may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Ibizan Hound. Tosa may weigh 61 kg / 135 pounds more than Ibizan Hound. Both Tosa and Ibizan Hound has same life span. Tosa may have less litter size than Ibizan Hound. Both Tosa and Ibizan Hound requires Low 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.
This lean, speedy and agile hound dog looks and acts very much like a Pharaoh Hound except the Ibizan Hound is larger and a different color. The image of dogs that look like the Ibizan have been seen since 3400 BC in Egypt. The dogs were probably brought by sailors to Ibiza and surrounding islands. They came about 700-900 BC. It is believed that they actually came for the island of Elvissa and Spain, where they speak Catalan. It was also known in France as the le chanigue. There job was the same. To hunt rabbits.
They were fast hunting greyhound type dogs. They hunted for rabbit for the Ibizaners and themselves. These dogs hunt by day and by night. They are not just sight hounds, they also hunt by smell and hearing, in packs or by themselves. They use their sight to find and corner the prey. Then they act like retrievers and bring it back to the hunter. Their function and look is very similar to several other dogs such as the Pharaoh Hound, the Greyhound, the Portuguese Podengo, the Cimeco dellEtna and the Podence Canario. The Ibizan is larger than any of these, but all these breeds are considered to be “primitive”.
Within the breed itself there are smooth, wire and longhaired Ibizan Hounds. The Smooth is by far the most common. A great jumper, nimble runner built for stamina, the Ibizan Hound was just what the island people needed. The breed lived in isolation on the island for many centuries, under a variety of rulers including the Romans, Egyptians, Vandals, Carthaginians, Chaldeans, Arabs and Spanish. Because of the harsh island conditions, the farmers only allowed the best hunters among the Ibizan Hounds to procreate thus assuring a breed that is unchanged from ancient stock.
By 1950 the Ibizan Hound was brought to America. Because this dog is not a pet but a working machine, it took awhile for the breed to become popular enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1979. Still the Ibizan Hound is a rare breed with the female being a better hunter than the male. One of the most common activities of this breed in the U.S. is lure coursing. These events are sponsored by AKC and ASFA as well as racing events in the NOTRA and LGRA.
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 breed is agile, elegant, athletic and graceful. At the same time the Ibizan Hound is a fierce hunter travelling at unreal speeds to catch his rabbit prey. They are a hardy breed with a lean and long neck, and a lean, muscled body with laid back shoulders. The ears are specific to the breed, with a broad base leading to long, beautiful ears. They have tan eye rims, nose, foot pads, and ears. The eyes themselves are an amber with an intelligent and alert expression.
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.
They love children but be careful they do not knock them over and don’t let the children play to rough.
Exceptional jumping ability, speed and stamina.
Must have a large fenced yard and a place to run full out.
Very intelligent with excellent learning ability.
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.
Despite being isolated on the islands for all those years, the Ibizan Hound has several tendencies toward medical issues:
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.
Your Ibizan Hound is an athlete and needs to be fed like one. As a puppy he needs high quality breed or group (hound) specific food. Feed her 3-4 times a day based on calories. A puppy needs about 866 calories each day.
If your dog participates in sports as adults, they need between 1450 and 2900 calories each day. The exact amount depends on how much activity the dog is engaged in. Feed at least 2 times a day.
Great speed and stamina
Your Ibizan Hound is a working athlete. He needs a lot of exercise and he needs a chance to run full out so access to land is essential. It can be a large back yard, or it can be a dog park. No matter what it is, it is essential for the Ibizan Hound. She will also require long walks at least a couple times a day. However, do not over exercise your puppy. They are great jumpers as well as runners.
The sport of lure coursing was made for the Ibizan in the same way that it was made for the Greyhound. They are good at Flyball and agility as well.