MyDogBreeds
Tosa is originated from Japan but Pug is originated from China. Tosa may grow 46 cm / 19 inches higher than Pug. Tosa may weigh 81 kg / 179 pounds more than Pug. Both Tosa and Pug has almost same life span. Both Tosa and Pug has almost same litter size. Both Tosa and Pug 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.
It is believed that Pugs originated in China, but not much is known about the early history of these dogs. There are some dog experts who believe that the dogs were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.
These dogs then went from Holland to England in 1689. The American Kennel Club registered the Pugs in 1885.
In 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was established.
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.
Pugs are small dogs standing at roughly 25cm and 36cm in height and weighing between 6 and 8.5kg. They are categorized as a toy breed.
The head is large in size compared to the body. It’s the eyes which are quite distinct – being particularly large and prominent, almost bulging. The face is fairly wrinkled too with the muzzle being short or blunt and black in color.
The coat of the dog is smooth and short with colors mainly being fawn, but black is also seen. The ears are medium sized and floppy while the tail curls up tightly over the back.
The Pug is unusual to look at and also has an unusual personality. He is an entertaining dog with his clownish antics but he happens to be intelligent too, and will respond well to training and socialization.
With their short coats they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs, although the short, double coat does shed quite a bit. They’re also not your typical live-wire and can quite easily be found lounging around.
Of course they can’t be left to do this too often as obesity can easily set it. Pugs will certainly need some physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re playful dogs and get on well with children and other pets, especially if there are games to be enjoyed.
They are loyal, affectionate pets with their human owners and make a good pet for those living in the city or in the countryside.
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.
The Pug just loves spending time with his human family. They’re good with other dogs too and with children.
They’re even tempered and will make anyone a splendid family pet, so long as they’re not heavy into things like jogging and cycling.
He is alert and can make you a good watchdog. With all the love he comes with, the comical Pug can make you a most wonderful pet and friend.
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.
Every dog, regardless of breed, can develop health problems. Good nutrition, exercise and love and care go a long way to ward off diseases and ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.
The Pug can also develop certain health problems and we look at one or two -
This is inflammation of the brain and it causes seizures. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure. This neurological disease is luckily rare. Usually it attacks young Pugs of 2 or 3 years of age. Seizures, neck stiffness, loss of co-ordination, lethargy are all signs of this disease.
Sad though it may be, the best way forward would be to put your dog to sleep, but in any case your vet will discuss all options with you.
With this disease, your Pug can have breathing problems, which can be aggravated if the Pug is overweight or the weather particularly hot. Don’t exercise your Pug too vigorously on a hot day.
Stenoic nares is a medical term for narrow nostrils in a dog, and this is precisely what the Pug battles with. If the Pug battles too much with breathing problems, corrective surgery is possible.
Pugs often have to contend with some serious dental problems, and this is because their teeth are crowded. He may require more dental attention than other dogs.
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.
Grooming your Pug’s coat will simply require a brush twice a week. They’re fairly heavy shedders these Pugs so you can’t neglect the brushing.
It’s your chance to check the inside of his ears for signs of redness and to also check that his eyes are alright. You’ll also need a damp cloth to wipe his face and get rid of debris caught in the wrinkles. Run your hands over his body and make sure there aren’t any unusual new lumps. Keep his nails trimmed too.
Your Pug will need the best food there is to give his health the best chance. Remember that if you buy commercially manufactured dog food, to buy the very best one there is. Some of the poorer quality ones don’t come with the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and they also have lots of bad colorants and preservatives.
Also, be careful to read the packaging. Your Pug is a toy breed so you can’t be buying him food for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or German Shepherds.
Consistency and simplicity is what your Pug wants from you. Home-made food is always an excellent choice for your pet’s diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy for him. For your Pug, chop it all up and maybe twice a week add it into the dry kibble.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will also ensure his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.