Why are Tosa Inu dogs Banned in the UK?

ESKK: Why are Tosa Inu dogs banned in the UK?
There weren't even any in the country at the time of the ban.
That's pretty ridiculous if you ask me.

Photo Credit: DieselDemon/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by Richard platt
A litter did come in before the ban out of a dog called Ishi from the actor Jack Parlance kennels.
I owned one of them and have to say still miss him today all these years on !!
The ban was pathetic as they are fantastic dogs !!

Answer by hatsa
The story goes that the UK police tested them for police work. The Tosa didn't go for the sleeve but for the face/neck... If this was the reason it was even more ridiculous then other reasons hihi. I don't think any Tosa ever hit UK soil prior to the ban!!! I know there are Tosa in the UK now... ll non-registered or under a Boerboel passport. A real Boerboel is way more dangerous to have around then a Tosa!!

Answer by Carl
Tosa’s were in the UK.
Out towards Croydon, I think in a pet shop if I remember correctly, I think it was a boy, girl, and pup. And they were waiting for the outcome of the decision around the ban, your talking 22-26yrs ago now.

Answer by Sadsad
I have first-hand experience with the Tosa, it is a loving loyal gentle breed, never harmed anyone or anything. He would only retaliate to other dogs that threatened him. they are very easy to train and eager to please. A great family dog, the best dog I have ever owned. always greeted visitors with friendly manners. Great with my kids, it was an honour to have him as part of our lives….. only for the experienced dog owner.
I don’t believe in the current legislation, should bring back dog license but need to pass a test to own any dog as any dog can be lethal.

Answer by Franco
I fully agree with Sadsad, I have a Tosa Inu and I can confirm each of his single words.

Answer by Pat
I have Tosa Inu in Poland. I had to get a license first (purebred tosa dogs have never bitten anyone in Poland if you ask police reports but still are on the list of aggressive breeds). My dog is a loving and gentle creature. He loves children, small dogs, and cats. Learns fast and is very curious about the world. He is also very clean. He always licks his intimate places before going to bed and louses cats who sleep with him. He doesn't like aggressive dominant dogs but he accepts well-behaved ones. He had never tried to attack a human being but he won't let strangers in. His barking is enough for people to wait for us to let them in. Tosas are majestic, beautiful, strong, calm and smart dogs. But if the owner gets attacked by any human or animal, tosa will turn into the devil and may kill the attacker. So if anyone wants a puppy of this breed, he must to train him properly and avoid situations of the hostile environment. Tosas are fighters and they will protect you for all costs.

Answer by Tom Baxter
Well I have a Tosa and yes she is quite big (60kg) and yes she is dominant to other dogs especially alpha females but this does not mean she attacks them! I have 4 kids – lived on a farm in Devon for 5 years with pigs, ducks, chickens, horses and have used her as a gun dog. They are are very confident dogs – very loving, and exceptionally tolerant with very soft mouths (ideal for retrieving birds). I have had a labrador previously and a german shepherd and the Tosa at least our one is more intelligent (not difficult with a lab admittedly!) than a shepherd and a touch more independent.

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It’s a dog like any other just a bit bigger and more cuddly – they are very trainable and I cannot recommend them enough – if you get the opportunity get one – the only caveat being you really need to socialize them well as obviously the males especially will be quite dominant to other dogs and so they need to either be brought up with other dogs or preferably lots of animals and people around them so that they know their place and are comfortable in their own skin as they are very strong indeed and unlike a lot of other large mastiffs have phenomenal levels of endurance – my dog frequently joins me on 20-mile bike rides when the average speed is around 15mph (not fast!) and not many (if any) large breeds could do that – they also love the ocean and waves in particular – I have longboarded with her on the front and it is great fun for all involved.

Cats, however, are like any self-respecting dog – a step too far and if she sees one she’s off the same for wild boar and deer so you’ll have to be patient for them to return… Interestingly in the ring in Japan they get disqualified if they bark (so they are very quiet dogs and useless as guard dogs), they also get disqualified if they turn their back, and also can only use the mouth to pin the other dog down – it is completely different to pit fighting – just look at the pictures of the winning dogs from the tournaments where they have been in up to 7 rounds they frequently don’t show any injuries – due to the fact that the mouth is used to grip and then push – not to bite and tear – the dog gets disqualified for biting the other dog anywhere other than around the neck – it is much more like Sumo wrestling – it is a travesty they are banned in the UK they are considered excellent family dogs in Japan and in my experience they are a superb breed for an active family and very good around other animals and love people to a fault. Fortunately, where I live now in France they are not banned….
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