The Coton de Tulear is a small breed of dog that originated in Madagascar where it was developed to be a lovable companion. This is a rare breed that is known by a handful of different names including the Coton de Tulear, Coton and the Cotie. The Coton has been dubbed Madagascar’s national dog. The Coton de Tulear has been in existence since about the 15th century when they arrived on the Island of Madagascar. There are many theories as to how these little dogs arrived on the Island. While some people think that they accompanied wealthy ladies on sea voyages, others believe that they were used to kill vermin on ships. In any case, Cotons became popular rather quickly, especially among royalty and wealthy families. However, it was not until the 1970s that a Frenchman brought some of the dogs to France and began stabilizing the breed. Cotons were named after their cotton-like hair and the city of Tulear in Madagascar.
The Coton de Tulear is named after a city in Madagascar for its cotton-like fur. This is a small dog breed that is slightly longer than tall and has short legs. Its muzzle is short, its ears are medium-sized and pendant, and it has a prominent black nose. The Tulears coat is fluffy and profuse ad usually white. Grooming requires some time and attention, especially in keeping the coat clean. They need to be brushed daily. Coton de Tulears are small dogs that can weigh between eight and 15 pounds when full grown. They are known best for their long, cotton-like hair that can be white, black and white or tri-colored. White dogs may have cream markings on their ears. The nose of the Coton should be black, and the eyes should be small, round and dark. The Coton de Tulear has a sweet expression and long, floppy ears that hang just past the mouth. While some Cotons are a bit short-legged, others are tall. Tall Coton de Tulears are quite rare. The tail of the Coton is left naturally long, is heavily plumed and is carried high over the back.
Personality
Cotons are sociable, friendly and affectionate dogs. They like to play and are energetic. They can adapt well to many environments and will do well in most living situations as long as they get taken for daily walks. They also love to swim. Cotons are intelligent and eager to please, so they are easily trainable. They are friendly towards children and other dogs. The Coton de Tulear is a happy, active little dog that loves to play and spend time with its human family members. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and do not like being separated from them. Cotons love everybody and will welcome strangers happily. Because of this, they do not make good watch dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 14-19 years |
| Nicknames: | Coton de Tulear, Coton, Cotie |
Coton De Tulear Build Information
The Coton de Tulear is named after a city in Madagascar for its cotton-like fur. This is a small dog breed that is slightly longer than tall and has short legs. Its muzzle is short, its ears are medium-sized and pendant, and it has a prominent black nose. The Tulears coat is fluffy and profuse ad usually white. Grooming requires some time and attention, especially in keeping the coat clean. They need to be brushed daily. Coton de Tulears are small dogs that can weigh between eight and 15 pounds when full grown. They are known best for their long, cotton-like hair that can be white, black and white or tri-colored. White dogs may have cream markings on their ears. The nose of the Coton should be black, and the eyes should be small, round and dark. The Coton de Tulear has a sweet expression and long, floppy ears that hang just past the mouth. While some Cotons are a bit short-legged, others are tall. Tall Coton de Tulears are quite rare. The tail of the Coton is left naturally long, is heavily plumed and is carried high over the back.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Cotons are sociable, friendly and affectionate dogs. They like to play and are energetic. They can adapt well to many environments and will do well in most living situations as long as they get taken for daily walks. They also love to swim. Cotons are intelligent and eager to please, so they are easily trainable. They are friendly towards children and other dogs. The Coton de Tulear is a happy, active little dog that loves to play and spend time with its human family members. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and do not like being separated from them. Cotons love everybody and will welcome strangers happily. Because of this, they do not make good watch dogs.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Due to the texture and length of the Coton de Tulear’s coat, the hair can become matted rather quickly if you do not brush it daily. If you wish, you can have your pet shaved to make it easier to groom. You should only need to give your dog a bath once or twice per month as needed. Make a habit of checking your Coton’s ears two or three times a month for any excess wax buildup. Never stick a cotton swab into your pet’s ears. If it becomes necessary to clean them, use a cotton ball or the tip of a rag to wipe any debris out of the ear. If you need to clip your dog’s nails, use a guillotine clipper to trim the tips.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Coton De Tulear Common Health Conditions
Overall, Coton de Tulears are healthy dogs that can live anywhere from 14 to 19 years. However, there are a few health issues that have been reported in the breed. The most common of these issues are as follow: Luxating Patellas, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Heart Problems and Spinal Disc Disease. Have you been looking for a sweet little dog that will be just as happy cuddling on your lap as it is when playing with a favorite toy? If so, the Coton de Tulear just may be the best dog for you! Cotons are affectionate dogs that love to be close to their owners whether they are just playing or taking it easy in a comfy chair.
Coton De Tulear Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Coton de Tulear is related to such other breeds as the Bichon Tenerife, Tenerife Terrier, Bichon Frise and the Maltese. Cotons are not recommended for families with small children. When properly socialized, Cotons get along great with other household pets.
| Training: | Easy to train |
