Tosa vs Drever
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
Drever
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.
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Tosas are less energetic than Drevers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to Drevers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Drevers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers 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 Drever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 15-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tosa | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Drever Temperament
The Drever is characterized by being loyal, even-tempered, determined, 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 Drever, 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
Drever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Drever
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Drever
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.
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers 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, Drevers 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
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
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
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Tosa and Drever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.