Dog fighting has been a fixture in Japanese culture since the 14th century. In an effort to produce the best fighting dog in the world, the Japanese took a medium-sized native dog and crossed it with a number of breeds including Bulldogs, Mastiffs, German Pointers, and Great Danes. The resulting dog was called the Japanese Tosa Inu. He is also called simply the Tosa Inu, the Tosa Ken, and the Tosa Token. 

The "Sumo Wrestler of the Dog World", the Tosa was bred to fight in the Japanese style - silently, relentlessly, and to the death without cowering. Today pit fighting is illegal and these dogs, who are rare even in their own country, are used largely for protection and companionship.

The Tosa Inu is a large-boned dog who stands up to 25.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 100 and 200 pounds. His short, smooth coat is usually solid red but can be black and fawn or brindle. The Tosa Inu may also have white markings. Grooming needs are minimal.