Read About Coton de Tulear

"Cotons" are similar to other small dogs, but are unique unto themselves. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Summary:

1. Size:

   Small dogs

2. Weight:

   12-15 lbs.

3. Coat:

   Their most prominent feature, Cotons de Tulear boast fluffy, cottony coats with long, light-textured hair.

4. Shedding:

   The Coton is a low- to no-shed dog.

5. Temperament:

   Intelligent, sweet, loving little dogs with great loyalty to their families.

6. Obedience:

   Very obedient dogs.

7. Ease of Training:

   Because they are intelligent and willing, Cotons should be relatively easy to train.

8. Way with Children:

   Cotons are excellent with children.

- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Not recognized by the AKC, but accepted as one of their Foundation Stock Service® dogs.

2. Size & Weight:

   10-12"; 12-15 lbs.

3. Coat:

   Their most prominent feature, Cotons de Tulear boast fluffy, cottony coats with long, light-textured hair.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Eyes on Cotons are round and rimmed with black, and are spaced nicely. The nose and lips are black, and the triangular ears are droopy, thin, and covered (like the rest of the dog) with long, soft hair.

5. Body:

   Under all that hair, there's a trim little body with lightly-muscled forelegs and their topline is slightly curved.

6. Colors:

   white, champagne and white, and tri-color. All-white is often favored.

7. Life Expectancy:

   14-16 years

8. Popularity:

   The Coton is a very rare dog.

9. Habitat:

   The Coton does well in any setting, provided it gets lots of interaction and attention.

- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Madagascar

2. Historical Information:

   The breed was reintroduced to Europe and America in the past 20 years. Prior to that, this bichon-type dog was exclusively found (for centuries, remarkably) in Tulear, in southern Madagascar. The dog appears to be related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese, but is differentiated from both of those breeds. The bichon-type may have a history dating back a thousand years, so this may be a venerable type indeed!

- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   Intelligent, sweet, loving little dogs with great loyalty to their families.

2. Behavior:

   Alert, winning little dogs with a novel non-bark noise, Cotons are excellent pets.

3. Habits:

   Few bad habits are reported of this breed, apart from ceaseless dedication to their families.

- Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Cotons de Tulear are generally healthy dogs.

2. Exercise Needs:

   While they enjoy swimming and a great deal of play, Cotons will adapt to almost any lifestyle.

3. Grooming Needs:

   This breed requires careful grooming, with removal of excess hair between the pads and in the ears. It only needs to be bathed once or twice a year, however. Some say that the coat needs little care apart from a through combing every so often to eliminate dead hair.

4. Travel Needs:

   Small dogs, Cotons de Tulear are good travelers.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Cotons de Tulear are excellent with other pets and with children.

- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Clear eyes, cottony coats, and tons of energy. Puppies sometimes have darker coloration that may well fade as they mature.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   An appropriate crate, door gates and backyard dog fencing will keep him safe. Lots of toys and room to run will keep him happy.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Puppies are small and explore a lot. Be sure that there is anything that your dog can get into, pull out, or chew is safe for him.