Tosa vs Bohemian Shepherd
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
Bohemian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Bohemian Shepherd Overview
Bohemian Shepherds showcase a balanced blend of strength and agility, with a medium-sized, well-muscled frame and distinctive double coat. Their alert expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs. Featuring a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and intelligent dark eyes, these dogs carry themselves with natural grace and confidence.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Tosas are less energetic than Bohemian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to Bohemian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bohemian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bohemian Shepherds 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 Bohemian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 19-22 inches 49-55 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg | 37-60 lbs 17-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tosa | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Bohemian Shepherd Temperament
The Bohemian Shepherd is characterized by being friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent, 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 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 Tosa and Bohemian Shepherd, 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
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 2/5
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.
Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bohemian Shepherds 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, Bohemian Shepherds 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
Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
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
Bohemian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Devoted family companion
- Versatile working abilities
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
- Moderate grooming needs
- Strong herding instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Tosa and Bohemian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.