German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog
VS
Tosa
Tosa

German Shepherd Dog vs Tosa

Compare German Shepherd Dog and Tosa side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
German Shepherd Dog
Tosa
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 65 cm
70 – 75 cm
Weight
33 – 37 kg
60 – 90 kg
Life expectancy
9 – 13 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
1/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
3/5
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Characteristics

German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large
Tosa
Low grooming
Easy to train
Giant

Summary

About German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium‑large, athletic working breed, highly intelligent and trainable. Loyal and naturally protective, it needs extensive daily mental and physical exercise. It has a double coat with notable shedding and is widely used in police, military, and search and rescue roles.
About Tosa
The Tosa is a large, powerful Japanese breed, calm and dignified at home yet naturally protective. Loyal and often devoted to one person, it needs experienced handling, early socialisation and consistent training. Short-coated but high-commitment, it faces legal restrictions in some countries.

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