English Foxhound vs Tosa
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Tosa Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tosa combines impressive physical strength with a dignified bearing. Standing tall with a muscular build, broad head, and deep chest, these dogs showcase a short, dense coat in various solid colors. Their calm demeanor masks incredible strength, while their patient and vigilant nature makes them exceptional guardians. Distinguished by their noble expression and balanced proportions, Tosas move with surprising grace despite their substantial size.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Foxhounds are more energetic than Tosas, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Foxhounds require less grooming attention compared to Tosas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Foxhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Tosas.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Tosas adapt better to apartment living, while English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Foxhound and Tosa, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Foxhound | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Foxhound | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm |
| Weight | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Foxhound | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Foxhound | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is known for being affectionate, gentle, sociable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is characterized by being fearless, patient, vigilant, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Foxhound and Tosa, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Tosas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
Pros & Cons
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
Tosa
Pros
- Loyal guardian
- Patient temperament
- Calm demeanor
- Low barking tendency
Cons
- Requires experienced owner
- Size management challenges
- High food costs
- Not suited for small spaces
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Foxhound and Tosa, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.