Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Tosa
Side by side
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tosa
Adult weight
Males 48–60 kg (106–132 lb); females 40–50 kg (88–110 lb)1
Males 45–90 kg (99–198 lb); females 40–70 kg (88–154 lb) (breed club figure)2
Fully grown
13 months, both sexes3
Shedding
Moults most as the seasons change
Sheds through the year
Grooming
A brush once a week
Exercise
A moderate amount
Class
Watchdog
Watchdog
Which suits you
Size
The Tosa is a little larger on average: about 61 kg (135 lb) as an adult, against 50 kg (109 lb) for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Shedding
Their coats shed differently: the Anatolian Shepherd Dog moults most as the seasons change, the Tosa sheds through the year.
Temperament
They differ most on voice (Anatolian Shepherd Dog: very vocal; Tosa: quiet) and on intelligence (Anatolian Shepherd Dog: learns readily, likes games; Tosa: easy-going, simple routines).
Alike
Both are rated the same on affection: likes its own space.
Neither is the better dog in general. Which suits you depends on your home, your days and the care you can give.
What they're like
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Pinschers & molossoids · Giant
In temperament it is calm, watchful and independent, devoted to its own people and reserved with strangers. Its guarding is largely instinctive rather than trained.
Tosa
Pinschers & molossoids · Large
In temperament it is quiet, patient and steady, reserved with strangers, and brave rather than excitable.
Breed traits
Day to day
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tosa
Activity
A good daily walk and play
A good daily walk and play
Intelligence
Differs
Learns readily, likes games
Easy-going, simple routines
Handler demand
Needs an experienced owner
Needs an experienced owner
With people
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tosa
Affection
Likes its own space
Likes its own space
Loyalty
Sticks close to its people
Sticks close to its people
Independence
Decides for itself
Decides for itself
Around the home
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tosa
Sensitivity
Hardy, takes a busy home in its stride
Hardy, takes a busy home in its stride
Voice
Differs
Very vocal
Quiet
Prey drive
Chases; needs managing
Chases; needs managing
Puppy growth
Reference curves · both sexes
Summary
Detail
The Tosa grows to the heavier adult, about 65 kg against the Anatolian Shepherd Dog's 50 kg.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tosa
More comparisons
Compare the Anatolian Shepherd Dog with
Sources
- 1
- 2American Kennel Club. Tosa breed page. ↑
- 3Hawthorne et al., 2004. Body-weight changes during growth in puppies of different breeds. Journal of Nutrition 134(8 Suppl): 2027S–2030S (WALTHAM). ↑
- 4
- 5Morrill et al., 2022. Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science 376: eabk0639 (Darwin's Ark). ↑
- 6Dogs Trust. Finding a good, responsible breeder. ↑
- 7American Kennel Club. Screening puppy buyers: how top breeders find the best homes. ↑
Parts of this page were written by AI ·