Coton de Tulear Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Let’s face it, Coton de Tuléars are incredibly hard to resist. Their joyful personalities, expressive puppy-dog eyes, and utter devotion to their owners make them one of the most sought-after small breeds of all. If they’ve captured your heart, you might be wondering how much it will cost to welcome one into your home. Let’s explore how much Coton de Tuléars cost in 2024 and discuss the factors that influence their prices.

How Much Does a Coton de Tulear Puppy Cost?

The Coton de Tuléar is a small breed of dog that originates from Tuléar in Madagascar. Their name directly translates to “cotton of Tuléar,” and because of this, many people have nicknamed this breed the cotton dog. Depending on where you’re located and the pedigree of the dog, prices will differ slightly. As a general rule, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 for a house pet. However, those looking for Coton de Tuléars with special pedigrees or training will have to pay a bit more. The high end of this range caps out at around $4,000 for show-quality dogs. Adoption is much more affordable, and prices range between $75 and $250. However, you’ll have to keep a close eye on shelters and rescues, as purebred animals get picked up quickly.

As with any purebred dog, the reputation of the breeder will influence the final cost greatly. Try to steer clear of breeds offering prices far below the average range. For example, if you see someone advertising puppies for $500, this could be a red flag that the breeder is engaging in unethical behavior. Puppy mills and backyard breeders can offer lower prices, but this comes at a great cost when it comes to the dog’s health. These animals are often affected by different genetic diseases, and many suffer from lifelong conditions or die prematurely. Although buying from a reputable breeder costs more upfront, you’re really paying for peace of mind which is invaluable.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Coton de Tulear

Up until somewhat recently, Coton de Tuléar breeders were far and few between. According to the American Kennel Club, “In 1995, there were only 16 Coton breeders in the U.S. The breed was finally recognized by the AKC in 2014. In 2020, the Coton was the 81st most popular dog breed, out of 195.” Although many breeders have emerged to help meet the growing demand for puppies, supply is still scarce. In fact, this breed has been in danger of disappearing altogether several times throughout history due to its limited gene pool. Because of this, the cost of Coton de Tuléar puppies is higher compared to other breeds.

Those living in an area with a higher density of Coton de Tuléar breeders will benefit from competition among them, which will drive prices down. Conversely, those living in areas with few breeders may have to pay more due to high demand and low supply. In addition, the average cost of living where you’re located will play a role in the final price as well. It’s best to shop around a bit before settling on one breeder. Take your time to do research about the reputations of breeders close to you. It’s also good to ask those who already own dogs of this breed for word-of-mouth recommendations.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Coton de Tulears

As with any breed, it’s important to set up an appointment for an initial health screening after you bring them home for the first time. Many breeders urge their clients to do this as a part of their health guarantee, which we’ll discuss more later. This initial check-up will cost about $75. During this time, you can ask the veterinarian to microchip your dog for about $50. This is an excellent safety net to have in the event your dog becomes lost. Depending on the breeder you purchase your Coton de Tuléar from, they may have already given their puppies their first set of vaccinations. If not, this will cost about $100, and any set of booster shots will cost about $40.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Coton de Tulears

At maturity, many Coton de Tuléars will grow up to weigh somewhere between 8 and 12 pounds. At this size, petMD recommends that dogs eat somewhere between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of dry food per day. Depending on which brand of food you choose, prices can vary greatly. In general, feeding will cost somewhere between $25 and $75 per month. Wet food and treats are not included in this price, and on average, incorporating these elements will cost an additional $25 to $50.

Specialized diets such as a prescription diet or raw diet will cost more, and prices can climb as high as $200 per month. Talk to your vet about your Coton de Tuléar’s specific dietary needs to determine the best nutrition plan for them. In addition, owners should budget an additional $200 to $300 to cover the cost of supplies. Be sure to put aside money for a grooming kit, toys, food and water bowls, a crate, and a bed.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Coton de Tulear

Although the Coton de Tuléar is generally regarded as a very healthy breed, having pet insurance is still recommended. If you bought your puppy directly from a reputable breeder, chances are they offered some sort of health guarantee on their puppies. This is a promise from the breeder to the buyer that their animals are unaffected by any genetic disease to the best of their knowledge. In the event that a Coton de Tuléar receives a diagnosis covered by the health guarantee, the buyer will become eligible for some form of monetary compensation. These warranties only last for a limited amount of time, typically three years from purchase. Purchasing pet insurance at the time of expiration can function as a contingency plan to preserve the health of your pet. Plans start at as little as $20 per month.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Coton de Tulear

While some people find that their Coton de Tuléar might be a bit stubborn, this breed is very intelligent and trains very well. These dogs thrive through positive reinforcement and encouragement. These dogs love their owners more than anything else in the world, and pleasing their humans is the greatest motivator of all. Because of this, being gentle during training is paramount. As long as owners are consistent with their approach, desired results will likely be achieved. If you find yourself beginning to become frustrated with this process, consider taking your Coton de Tuléar to a professional. For individuals who lack the time or patience, training classes are an excellent alternative to training at home. Depending on where you go, each class will cost about $40 to $60 per session.

Final Thoughts

While it might be difficult to find a Coton de Tuléar to add to your family, the challenge will definitely be worth it. Owners sing the praises of this charming breed, and each year, more people fall under their spell. The first year after bringing a Coton de Tuléar puppy home will be the most expensive. Prospective owners should save up no less than $5,000. The following years will be more affordable, and taking care of your Coton de Tuléar will cost about $1,000. Purchasing a dog is a long-term commitment both emotionally and financially, so be sure you’ll be able to provide for your Coton de Tuléar their whole life!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography