The "Runt of Tosa" -

 

Tosa Chibi means literally the "Runt of Tosa". It is applied to a short, stocky form of the Chibi (runt), a variation of the Ko-Shamo.

The people of Tosa, modern day Kochi Prefecture, are known for creating exaggerations and extremes in animal breeding. The people of Kochi are known traditionally as "Igossou." This local term refers to eccentric, strong-willed nonconformists. From the short-legged Ohiki, to the long-tailed Onagadori or the extravagant and fragile Tosa-Kin goldfish, the people of Tosa are renowned animal breeders with a flair for exaggeration of traits.

 

The Tosa Chibi is just one more example of their remarkable breeding skills. This prefectural variant of the Chibi is a sub-class of the Ko-Shamo variety. The Chibi in general is a smaller, but thicker built type within the Ko-Shamo breed class. The Tosa Chibi is an exaggeration on this and takes the Chibi form to an extreme.

 

The Chibi has a remarkable disposition for such a small fowl. They do not realize their size. Instead, they have a small, little fighter-spirit. We had a form of the Tosa Chibi a few years ago. He was a stunning black-edged dark red that took my breath away. He would literally dance in front of you when you put him down! It was MAGICAL!!!

 

Above - a deep red, black-laced Chibi and a Tosa Chibi hen. They have all the fire and verve of a large Shamo, but in a tiny format. Superb!

 

An extremely rare, short-legged white TOSA CHIBI. (This picture is of an unknown photographer. If you took this picture, I would like to give you credit for it. Please contact me.) This breed was once thought extinct in Japan, but during the extensive travels of a colleague of mine, this group of "krueper" legged TOSA CHIBI was discovered in a small country show. Handed down from father to son to grandson, this breed has been saved from extinction, but also from any notice.