Coton de Tulear Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

You know what they say: dogs are a man’s best friend. One of the most lovable, cheery, and adorable dog breeds is the Coton de Tulear. If you recently adopted a pup from this breed, you’ll want to understand the appropriate Coton de Tulear progression. 

This article will cover the expected growth of Coton de Tulears during their first two years of life, as well as common milestones and training tips for owners.

Coton de Tulear Summary

The Coton de Tulear is a small, energetic dog with a soft white coat. This happy pup is full of love and makes for the perfect family dog, as it’s great with children. Additionally, Coton de Tulears originated on the island of Madagascar and were brought to America in 1973. Their names actually came from the Madagascar city Tuléar, or “Toliara.”

Coton de Tulear Growth and Weight Chart by Age

Understanding the average weight ranges for your dog is essential to understanding its overall health and well-being. Keep in mind that individual dogs may vary, but these are the average weights and milestones of Coton de Tulear pups.

When Will My Coton de Tulear Stop Growing?

For Coton de Tulears, growth typically slows down at around 12 months of age. While your pup might gain a few extra pounds or inches, there shouldn’t be much more growth after a year. 

At this point, you should also feed your Coton de Tulear less frequently. Aim for twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. Depending on the type of dog food, your dog’s health history, and any weight management goals, you might follow different portion sizes for your pup. Make sure you take your furry friend for regular check-ups with a vet (at least once per year) to ensure it’s growing at a healthy rate.

How Big Will My Coton de Tulear Be When It’s Fully Grown?

The average adult Coton de Tulear ranges in size and varies depending on genetics and diet. This dog breed is typically considered small compared to others. On average, the adult male Coton de Tulear is around 11 inches tall and weighs 13-15 lbs while the adult female is around 10 inches tall and weighs 11-13 lbs.

When Should My Coton de Tulear Be Spayed or Neutered?

Some breeders will neuter or spay their pups before selling them, while others will provide recriminations on when to get the procedure done for your dog. The ideal timing for spaying or neutering a dog depends on a variety of factors, including breed and size. Some vets will recommend you spay or neuter your dog before it reaches sexual maturation, while other experts recommend waiting until after 12 to 18 months of life once they’re fully developed (this is especially the case for larger dogs). 

There might be some variation depending on your dog’s specific health needs, but since they’re a smaller breed, most vets will recommend this procedure between six to nine months for Coton de Tulear. This procedure has many benefits, including lowering cancer risk, preventing pregnancies, increasing lifespan, improving behavior, and more.

When Should My Coton de Tulear Be House Broken?

Coton de Tulears are one of the easier breeds to train, as they respond well to positive reinforcement. You can begin potty training your puppy as soon as you bring it home, but this process does require some patience and consistency. Be sure to reward your pup when it follows your commands so it knows it’s doing the right thing. By around four to six months, your dog should be housebroken.

When Should My Coton de Tulear Stop Eating Puppy Food?

There comes a time in every dog’s life when they must transition from puppy food to adult dog food. Between nine months to a year of age, you can stop feeding your Coton de Tulear puppy food and begin purchasing dog food. While you might be tempted to switch earlier, this can actually negatively impact the dog’s growth and development. A great adult food option for Coton de Tulears is the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food.

When Will My Coton de Tulear Start Losing Teeth?

Coton de Tulears puppies typically lose most of their baby teeth between four to six months. During this time, the dog should be growing adult teeth, all of which should be grown by month six. Keep in mind that the teeth process can be painful for dogs, so consider providing chew toys or frozen food to help ease the process. 

When Should I Start Training My Coton de Tulear?

Start training your puppy as soon as you bring it home for the best results. This can help establish good habits and prevent behavior issues down the line. 

As mentioned earlier, Coton de Tulears are relatively easy to train, responding appropriately to positive reinforcement. That being said, using approval instead of punishment is crucial for successful training sessions. Your Coton de Tulear pup will learn best in a supportive, upbeat environment rather than a high-stress, tough-love one. 

In terms of socialization, attempt to introduce your puppy to new faces and places before four months of age. Waiting too long can lead to issues like separation anxiety or fear of other humans/dogs.

What Cues Should I Teach My Coton de Tulear First?

Seeing as Coton de Tulear pups prefer positive reinforcement, you should start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel” while providing rewards for good behavior. From there, the training can progress to more complex cues.

When Will My Coton de Tulear Calm Down?

Coton de Tulears are especially hyper dogs with tons of energy to go around. That being said, many owners wonder when their adorable pup will finally calm down. Coton de Tulears should begin to relax within the first few years of its life.

Of course, certain factors play into this timeline, such as the individual dog’s personality and lifestyle factors like exercise and training. To get through the more hyper phases of the puppy years and adolescence, keep up with consistent training and socialization. If you aren’t seeing any progress, consider taking your dog to obedience classes or training programs.

Common Health Issues Your Coton de Tulear Might Experience

Coton de Tulears are relatively healthy dogs, but your pup might be still prone to a few diseases or conditions. Some of the most common health issues for Coton de Tulear include eye problems, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, spinal disc diseases, and canine degenerative myelopathy. 

Pictures of Coton de Tulear as Puppies

Pictures of Coton de Tulear at 6 Months

Pictures of Fully Grown Coton de Tulear