Coton de Tulear

If you are looking for a happy, charming dog, the Coton de Tulear may be the perfect choice for you. Small and sweet, this breed gets along well with children and other pets, is a people-pleaser, and does well with apartment living, as long as he gets some exercise each day.

Developing on the island of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear was brought to America in 1973. Due to Madagascar’s history of piracy, it is believed that these dogs may have evolved for companionship or to hunt rats aboard pirate ships. Regardless of how they developed, they have a long history of providing human companionship, which is evident in their agreeable and highly trainable nature. Their long lifespan and loving personality make them wonderful companions.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the breed’s history, appearance, care, temperament, health, and more.

Quick Facts About the Coton de Tulear

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Origin: Madagascar
• Size: 8 to 15 pounds, 9 to 11 inches tall
• Coat: Long, soft, cotton-like
• Colors: White, black & white, tri-color
• Temperament: Loving, playful, intelligent
• Life Span: 14 to 17 years
• Hypoallergenic: Low-shedding, allergy-friendly

History Of The Breed

The Coton de Tulear is a rather rare breed that originated in Madagascar around the 16th century and was almost immediately considered a royal dog when they became the favorite pets of the tribal monarchy. Known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar and the official dog of Madagascar, they were popular among the wealthy. There are many legends and folklore associated with their history, especially with how they came to be on the island of Madagascar. They are thought to be descended from the Cotons from Reunion Island, and it is said that the ancestor of the Coton de Tulear is the now-extinct Bichon Tenerife, which was possibly brought to the islands by sailors or even pirates.

Appearance

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog, but never frail. They are sturdy and athletic. His proportions should create a rectangle; a too-long back or too-short legs are considered faults. Its coat is long, dense, and fluffy with a unique cottony texture. The breed is most often white, although they can have markings, such as white and gray, white and yellow, and they can even be tri-colored. It has dark, round eyes with a lively, intelligent sparkle. The cottony soft texture of their coat is thought to be the result of a single genetic mutation during the early years of the breed’s development.

Temperament & Personality

It would be difficult to find a breed more loving and loyal than the Coton de Tulear. Their kind, gentle nature allows them to make fast friends with all family members, including children and other pets.

They are eager to please, making training simple as long as you remain positive. Their kind personality doesn’t respond well to harsh, negative training. If you want others to enjoy your pup as much as you, socialize with your pup from an early age. Without this socialization, your pup may become shy and cautious around strangers.

The breed’s forgiving nature and love for humans make them a great choice for adoption. Regardless of the previous situation, most pups will develop a strong bond with their new family with just a little time and patience.

Size And Weight

Females mature to a height between 9 and 10 inches, while males mature to between 10 and 11 inches. Females mature to between 8 and 13 pounds, while males mature to between 9 and 15 pounds. Though small, the breed is sturdy and athletic, not delicate.

Health and Lifespan

Generally healthy, Cotons live 14–17 years, making them one of the longer-lived breeds. However, there are a few health issues they are prone to. Skin allergies can lead to issues with their ears or bacterial infections of their skin. They may also develop issues with their eyes, such as progressive retinal atrophy, and joint issues such as hip dysplasia and luxating patella. It is always best to choose a responsible breeder who will perform genetic tests to screen for conditions.

Grooming and Maintenance

These dogs have a beautiful coat, but unfortunately, it is very high-maintenance. The Coton de Tulear doesn’t leave hair around the house, making it a great choice for those with allergies; however, loose hair gets trapped in the coat. Without frequent brushing, it is easy for the pup to mat up. The dog should get a professional grooming about every 4 to 6 weeks for trims and maintenance. You should also bathe your dog once a month or as needed. Its ears should be cleaned, its nails trimmed, and its teeth cleaned regularly.

Training

The breed is easy to train as long as you show patience. Your pup will sense frustration, which will cause him to shut down and slow the learning process. In addition to regular obedience training, this breed is quick to learn tricks and relishes performing for its family. They excel at obedience and even agility training. You should also provide mental stimulation in the form of puzzle toys to keep them from boredom.

Exercise Needs

The breed enjoys activity but doesn’t require a huge amount of exercise like many larger breeds. Some time spent playing in the yard or on regular walks provides the activity it needs. It will be active in the house, eager to follow you from room to room, keeping you entertained. The dog also does well in apartments, as long as it gets some daily exercise.

Diet and Nutrition

Plan to feed your pup three meals a day until at least three months old. This helps keep blood sugar levels even and prevents hypoglycemia. Your veterinarian may recommend a low-protein or low-phosphorus diet for your dog to prevent his kidneys and liver from working too hard.

Cost of Owning a Coton de Tulear

You can expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. It will cost a lot less to adopt a dog from a rescue organization, but they are hard to find at rescues. Monthly expenses for grooming, food, and healthcare can add up to $100–$150 per month.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Coton de Tulear

Puppies

Coton de Tulears generally have between two and five puppies in their litters. The small litter size, as well as the small gene pool, drives up the price of the breed. You may find that puppies or young dogs are more affordable from a rescue.

Coton de Tulear And Children

The Coton de Tulear gets along well with children and is always ready to play. Because the breed is small, it is important to teach your children how to play with the pup gently so he isn’t injured or scared. With care, your children and pup will become best friends.

Dogs Similar To Coton de Tulears

Dog breeds most similar to this breed are the Maltese, Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Bolognese.

• Maltese: Smaller, with a silkier coat that often reaches the floor.
• Bichon Frise: Curly coat, slightly larger.
• Havanese: Cuban cousin with a silkier coat.
• Bolognese: Another rare cotton-coated companion breed.