Tosa vs American Eskimo Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
American Eskimo Dog
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Eskimo Dog Overview
American Eskimo Dogs showcase a striking pure white double coat and distinctive wedge-shaped head with alert, dark-rimmed eyes. Their compact, well-balanced frame carries a proud bearing, complemented by a plumed tail carried over the back. These intelligent companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, with their distinctive spitz-like features reflecting their Nordic heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Tosas are less energetic than American Eskimo Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to American Eskimo Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Eskimo Dogs.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Eskimo Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Tosas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tosa and American Eskimo Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 9-19 inches 23-48 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg | 6-35 lbs 3-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tosa | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Playful, Perky, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is known for being fearless, patient, vigilant, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Eskimo Dog Temperament
The American Eskimo Dog is characterized by being playful, perky, smart, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Tosa and American Eskimo Dog, 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
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can 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 prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Eskimo Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Eskimo Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Eskimo Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
American Eskimo Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Legg-Perthes
- Patellar Luxation
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
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
American Eskimo Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with families
- Low drooling
- Adaptable to different homes
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Frequent grooming needed
- Can be vocal
- High exercise needs
- May be reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Tosa and American Eskimo Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.