Coton De Tulear: Characteristics, Grooming, Health, Training

Group: Toy category in both the AKC and the KCGB. It is not officially recognized by the AKC but is in its Foundation Stock Service and will be recognized when the requirements are met.

Also Known As: Coton De Tulear is also called Coton Tulear. Its nickname is Coton.

About Coton De Tulear

History of the Breed Madagascar is the country of origin of the Coton Tulear. It is presumed that in the 16th century sailors had brought the ancestors of the Coton to the port city of Tulear (present day Toliara) in Madagascar from Spain and Portugal. It is opined that the Coton is related to the Bichon dog family. The breed had become virtually unknown over the course of time and has been reintroduced to Europe and America in the last 20 years. Even then however the Coton remained a favorite companion of the wealthy residents of Tulear (Southern Madagascar) for centuries.

Description of the Dog

‘Coton’ is the French equivalent of cotton. The most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its cottony or fluffy coat for which it has got its name. The dog has a long topcoat. Its fluffy hair covers its thin forelegs and hind legs too alongside nearly the whole of the dog’s body. The ears are fluffy too. They are set high, triangular in shape and hang down alongside the face. Some dogs have slightly yellowish markings on their ears. The dogs are colored either white or black and white. The breeders prefer the pure white colored dogs.

The dog’s muzzle is straight and leads into facial features that are dark and prominent and are all set against profuse hair. The neck is strong and slightly arched. There is no dewlap on the neck. The dogs have a lively, intelligent, bright and merry expression. Though small the breed is well developed and strong. The feet are small and arched and usually have black pads. The tail is set low and is tapering. As the dog moves the tail curls and is carried over its back.

Height

Male: 10-12 inches tall
Female: 8.5-10.5 inches

Weight

Male: 9-15 lbs
Female: 9-13lbs.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Coton de Tulear dogs are friendly, affectionate and gentle. They are also very intelligent, playful and alert. These are sociable dogs that get along very well with children and other pets (including dogs). They are very attached to their owners and their homes. They stay eager to please their owners always with tricks and surprises. Some Cotons have the habit of walking on their hind legs. They do so to please people around them.

The Coton is a quick learner. It responds well to training. It does not have a mind of its own. It does as it is trained to do. Since the dog loves to please people it is easier to train it with praise rather than with punishment. However, the dog can be a little stubborn at times and may not housebreak easily.

Coton dogs usually love meeting new people and stay curious about strangers. However, some dogs exhibit shyness or cautiousness in new situations. With proper training the dog usually overcomes such shyness or cautiousness.

Coton Tulaer dogs are vocal animals. They grunt, bark and make other noises for having fun or otherwise. However, the nature of barking and staying alert goes a long way to make the Coton excellent as a watchdog.

Activity Level

Exercise Needs

Being physically very active the dogs get the exercise necessary for them even while staying indoors. However, they enjoy accompanying their owners for long runs or walks. The dogs enjoy swimming too. Coton Tulear dogs have been known to follow their masters on horseback for many miles. The dogs may be engaged in various dog sports like agility skills trials and catch. It is best if the dogs are taken out at least for a walk everyday apart from being provided other exercising opportunities.

Living Conditions

Coton Tulear dogs can become well –suited to apartment life. The dogs remain active even while being indoors. Hence they get enough exercise even while remaining at home. Though a small yard may be set for them to stay and move around they may even do fine without it.

Grooming

The dog has long, light-textured hair. The loose dead hair needs to be brushed and combed out regularly. There may be excess hair between the pads of the feet and the inner ears. These need to be removed. Time to time trimming of the coat will also help keep it healthier. However, one must not scissor the coat. Washing of the dog should be restricted to only twice a year.

Health Issues

The breed has not been known to be prone to any particular health-related concerns or issues. In general these are healthy dogs. Some dogs however had been reported to develop stomach issues.

Life Expectancy: About 14-16 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – Coton De Tulear Club of the United Kingdom

US – United States of America Coton de Tulear Club - diamnkrest @ ao l. com
Coton de Tulear Club of America - cotons @ prodigy . net,
cotonnews @ aol . com
American Coton Club, AKC contact - Ron Hiskes, roncoton @ cotondogs . com