Fascinating
Information about the Tosa-Ken
On November
5, 2005 while out side Tokyo Japan at the national tournament, I
witnessed something I thought to be quite extraordinary. As we (Yoko and I) were
walking we noticed a sizable crowd around an obvious Pit Bull Tosa cross. All
the elders and high officials were around talking intently about this Tosa Mix.
This Tosa mix had a red nose with a blue tent to his color. This Tosa mix
exhibited very odd coloring but never the less obviously a mix between a Tosa
and an APBT.
Yoko and I
were told later that this dog in question was entered in to the tournament. They
did allow him to stay, but on one condition. This dog was NEVER to be seen again
at any Tosa tournaments in Japan, period. They did not see it fare for the other
competitor that could have possibly drove 12 hours or more to not be able to
compete that day, this is why they aloud the mix breed to continue that day. The
mix did however loose his match as well.
The owner of
the mix breed was however told on no circumstances is he to ever bring a dog
like that to a tournament again or he will be disbarred permanently.
I would like
to take the time now to explain what the Japanese look for in the Tosa as far as
type is concerned. First and
foremost the Japanese look for Temperament. From that point they prefer a black
nose, flat set ears that taper to the end, scissor bite and a solid color (but
not mandatory). They want the Tosa to look like a Tosa and act like a Tosa with
true Tosa spirit. I thought it to be quite remarkable the timing for such a
situation to happen while I was there. There has been much speculation on mixing
the Tosa with the APBT. I find this to be a definitive answer to that question.
They do not prefer this mix and it is not accepted with the elders. I have also
found and seen only a few that you could obviously see had some APBT influence
never go past the 15 minute mark. They seem to quit at that point. The mix will
go hard for 15 minute and if by chance they win at that point they win. But, if
the opinionate has heart and wind past the 15-minute mark you will see an
obvious change in the mix dog. The mix will start to look for a way and
eventually run. When I refer to a
regular mix this is only a 25% mix of a pit with a Tosa being 75%.
Myself
personally, I prefer a dog that never quits, that will not run when given the
opportunity to do so. The people that I deal with and myself agree on that fact.
I also incorporate that into what I look for in a protection dog. What if you
are in a situation and there is a fight, do you want your dog to run, just
because the 15 minutes are up and he has not won. My answer would be no. This
tournament was and I will say the most enlightening turn of events with many
things coming to the table.
I hope this
has education some on the inside dealings of the Japanese and their Tosa dogs.
The people of Japan and their dogs are truly extraordinary.
I will be placing over 60 pictures of the trip and also video of over 3
hours worth. I have been given an amazing opportunity to educate people outside
Japan on the true essence of the culture and the Tosa; I will try and do my best
with this valuable information. I will be writing more articles soon.
In the
next few days I will have a full translation of the number of Tosas entered in
the national 179th tournament in Tokyo, Japan. From what regions and
the name of the club the people are from. I will have many names and pictures of
all of our friends including a two-day visit with Sudo at his home with his
wonderful family. I was blessed to be able to sit at the same table as Grandpa
Sudo sat, as well as the many many gifts from Sudo. This will be a real treat
for those of you who love the Tosa. I also have more studbooks old and new. I
have single leads and the 4” collars in green and black all hand made in
Japan. The other things I have will be gifts to my dear friends.
One more
thing. Back in the 80’s I believe the Sudo family published a book on the Tosa
and the care of it in English as well as Japanese. There are only two copies
left in English and we will try and get them republished for you.
God bless
Michelle French
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Pictures of 2005 November National Tosa-Ken Tournament
179th National Iwai
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I thought this was an amazing crate to transport tosas. Look at the craftsmanship,
stunning
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These Stickers represent the different clubs the particular person is affiliated
with.
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A few of the many flags and vehicles that were at this National Tournament.
This is to show the Tosa-Ken is alive and well in Japan.
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The flags are a donation from people, each flag will have their name,
kennel name and where they are from. The more flags present at a
tournament the more honor is bestowed upon the sponsor.
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This is one of the many trucks present by larger breeders. I love the
organization of the dogs kept. 1a
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1b
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1c
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More Tosa Trucks. The people of Japan are very proud of their Tosas.
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This is the gifts that will be given at the end of the tournament. The
Tosa going to the longest i.e. 29 minutes and 59 seconds, the owner will
be able to pick first form teh many gifts, his or her choice.
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viewing area for the tournament
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Tosa trailer
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A Dodge van with Tosas
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This is where Hiroshi Sudo, Sudo San's middle son cares for the tosas
as they come form teh ring. Hiroshi is a certified veterinarian in Japan
with a beautiful clinic outside Tokyo. 2a
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2b
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