Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
VS
Tosa
Tosa

Shiba Inu vs Tosa

Compare Shiba Inu 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
Shiba Inu
Tosa
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
36 – 42 cm
70 – 75 cm
Weight
7 – 11 kg
60 – 90 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Health
3/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
1/5
Shedding
5/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics

Shiba Inu
Stubborn
Small
Tosa
Low grooming
Easy to train
Giant

Summary

About Shiba Inu
Ancient Japanese spitz-type hunting dog, small yet muscular with foxlike face, curled tail and plush double coat in red, black and tan or sesame with urajiro. Independent, catlike, loyal but reserved, strong-willed, high prey drive, needs early socialisation, firm positive training and regular exercise.
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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