Shikoku vs Tosa

Compare Shikoku 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

Shikoku

Tosa

Breed type

Purebred

Height

48 – 52 cm

70 – 75 cm

Weight

16 – 25 kg

60 – 90 kg

Life expectancy

10 – 12 years

Child friendly

3/5

Energy level

3/5

Intelligence

3/5

Trainability

4/5

Health

4/5

3/5

Grooming needs

2/5

1/5

Shedding

3/5

2/5

Barking level

4/5

3/5

Aggressiveness

3/5

Characteristics

Shikoku

Low grooming

Easy to train

Medium

Tosa

Low grooming

Easy to train

Giant

Summary

About Shikoku

The Shikoku is an ancient Japanese medium‑sized hunting spitz from Shikoku Island, bred for boar in steep mountains. Athletic, loyal, and reserved with strangers, it has a dense sesame double coat, strong prey drive, and needs experienced, active owners and regular mental and physical work.

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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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