The Coton de Tulear is a small, long-haired, companion dog with a white cotton textured coat, round, dark eyes and a lively, intelligent expression. Introduced to France long before its official recognition in 1970, the Coton de Tulear quickly acquired a prominent position amongst the companion dogs. The Coton is of a happy temperament, stable, very sociable with humans and with other dogs. He adapts perfectly to all ways of life.
The Coton has a happy, stable temperament and he is very sociable with humans and other dogs. He is intelligent and very devoted to his family. He loves to run and play games such as catching frisbees and chasing balls. He is known by the nickname of "anti-stress dog." While the Coton adapts perfectly to all ways of life and climates, he prefers to be an indoor dog.
The most prominent physical feature of this breed is its beautiful coat. Maintaining its cotton-like texture means regular grooming. To avoid matting and potential skin irritations, you must check the coat carefully after any time spent outdoors and remove all burrs, dry grass or thorns. Brush and comb at least twice a week. Many Cotons are talented swimmers and take to the water quite naturally.
Photo courtesy of Coton de Tulear des Jardins de Gossypium
Coton de Tulear Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Madagascar |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs; Coton de Tulear (without working trial) |
| Utilization: | Companion Dog |
| Classification: |
American Kennel Club: Miscellaneous Class
Kennel Club (UK): Toy Dogs
United Kennel Club: Companion Breeds
Other Registries: Coton de Tulear Club of America, American Coton Club |
| Personality: | The Coton de Tulear is intelligent, alert, curious and easily-trained. This dog is extremely willing to please and is very loyal to his family. |
| Size Category: | Small |
| Height: | 12.5 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: | Ground color: White. A few slight shadings of light grey color (mixture of white and black hairs) or of red-roan (mixture of white and fawn hairs), are permitted on the ears. |
| Other Names: | Coton |
| Average Litter Size: | 5 |
| Life Span: | 12-18 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
They need regular brushing and bathing since the coat can easily mat and tangle. |
| Shedding: | None |
| Social skills: |
Coton de Tulears usually get along with other small animals but can be suspicious of strange dogs. |
| Suitability for Children: | Cottons are wondeful with children, but early socialization is still recommended |
| Exercise Needs: | While the Coton is an ideal apartment dog, he needs room to run to maintain his happy disposition and to stay healthy. |
| Train Ability: | The Coton de Tulear can be difficult to house break. He benefits from early obedience training. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | Very healthy. No genetic diseases are currently known to breeders. |