Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear, named after the seaport town of Tulear, was once the preferred royal dog of Madagascar's nobles. Located about 250 miles off the southeastern coast of Africa, this island nation has a population primarily descended from Indonesian peoples rather than Africans. Due to its historical ties with France stemming from colonial rule, Madagascar developed strong connections with French-speaking nations in western Africa. Consequently, French is still widely spoken among Malagasy elites, giving their charming little white dogs a distinct French accent.

The island's aristocrats were fiercely protective of their fluffy companions, even enacting laws that prohibited commoners from owning Cotons. "They were also extremely reluctant to allow any of their pets to leave the island," noted a canine historian, resulting in the dogs remaining isolated from the outside world and consistently breeding true for centuries.

1. Coton de Tulear, first Westminster winner- Source: AKC

However, it does not delve into how these delightful lapdogs ended up fending for themselves on an isolated island. There are enchanting tales of a shipwreck near Madagascar, where a cargo of small white dogs swam ashore to safety, formed a feral pack, and mated with local dogs to create the Coton. While this story is charming, its veracity remains uncertain. It is known that small white companion dogs, like the Maltese, were coveted luxury items traded by seafaring merchants throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa in ancient times.

The Coton de Tulear remained in splendid isolation until the 1960s when French tourists stumbled upon the breed. It quickly gained popularity in the United States and Europe, leading to generations of selective breeding that refined the Coton into the breed we recognize today. The AKC officially registered its first Cotons de Tulear in 2014.They’re related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese and make fantastic companions, getting along well with kids.

These sweet and stylish dogs thrive on family time and form strong attachments to their owners. The Coton de Tulear will create strong bonds with their family members and dislike being separated. They prefer human companionship but can also coexist peacefully with other pets. Known for their intelligence, they are easy to train and respond well to praise and food rewards for good behavior. Typically friendly with strangers, they readily offer their love and attention to anyone who shows them kindness. 

• Potential Challenges

The Coton de Tulear can face several potential challenges, particularly related to their strong attachment to their families. If left alone for extended periods, they may exhibit excessive barking and destructive behavior, stemming from separation anxiety. This breed thrives on companionship, so ensuring they have social interaction is crucial; if you're often away from home, consider having another pet to keep them company.

Additionally, while they are generally good with children, they may shy away from younger kids who can be inadvertently rough, potentially causing stress for the dog. Proper training and supervision are essential to help prevent any negative interactions. Moreover, socialization is key; exposing them to various environments and people will help them develop into well-adjusted dogs, ready to handle different situations without fear or anxiety.

They possess a small yet sturdy build, complemented by a cheerful facial expression that perfectly matches their delightful personality. These dogs feature beautiful, rounded dark eyes and bodies that are slightly longer than tall. The Coton de Tulear has a topline that gently arches above the loin, and their tail is naturally held low, with a slight upward hook at the tip.

• Size

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog breed that generally stands 10 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 9 to 13 pounds, making them a sturdy yet compact companion.

• Coat color

The Coton de Tulear's coat is one of its most distinguishing features. It is long, soft, and thick, boasting a fluffy, cotton ball like texture. By adulthood, the coat typically reaches about four inches in length. While the primary color is white, it may have slight shadings of light gray or red-roan (a blend of white and fawn hairs) on the ears. Puppies are born either completely white or with spots of yellow, brown, rust, or black on their heads, ears, and occasionally their bodies. As they grow, these spots fade, leaving behind color variations ranging from light to medium champagne or gray.

1. White and red-roan Coton de Tulear- Source: Pixabay
2. White Coton de Tulear- Source: AKC

The Coton de Tulear exhibits some gender differences between males and females. Males tend to be slightly larger, standing between 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 13 pounds. In contrast, females are generally smaller, ranging from 8.5 to 11 inches in height and weighing 8 to 11 pounds.

Additionally, female Cotons may display more dominant and independent behavior compared to their male counterparts, who are often described as being more affectionate and playful. These distinctions can influence their personalities and interactions within the household.

Feed your Coton de Tulear 3/4 cup of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. The amount your adult dog requires can vary based on factors such as size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Just like people, dogs are individuals, and their food needs may differ. For example, a highly active dog will need more food than a less active one. Additionally, the quality of dog food you choose plays a significant role; higher-quality food provides better nutrition and requires less quantity to sustain your dog. To maintain your Coton's health, measure their food and feed them twice a day instead of leaving food out continuously.

The Coton de Tulear is generally a healthy breed. While some conditions have been observed in Cotons, they are not widespread within the breed. With proper care and regular veterinary visits, these dogs can enjoy a long and healthy life.

• Luxating Patella: It is a common issue in Coton de Tulears and many small breeds, where the kneecap slips out of place. Symptoms include sudden lifting of a hind leg, a hunched posture, and popping noises when the knee bends. Mild cases can often be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and weight loss, while severe cases may require surgery. It's crucial to discuss health testing with your Coton de Tulear breeder to understand potential risks.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is a genetic condition that causes gradual vision loss in Coton de Tulears. Signs may include hesitance to enter dark rooms or avoidance of going outside at night. While there is no treatment for this inherited disorder, blind dogs can still lead happy lives with extra care and attention.
• Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: It affects the Coton de Tulear, leading to weakness in the hind legs as the disease destroys spinal cord nerves. Symptoms usually manifest in middle to older age (over 8 years), including dragging paws and unsteady walking. Though not painful, there is no cure for the nerve damage, making regular veterinary check-ups important for monitoring overall health.

The Coton de Tulear is a hardy dog that enjoys playing in all kinds of weather, including snow and rain, but should always live indoors with his family. This adaptable breed suits various living environments, from apartments to ranch houses, and any yard should be fenced to prevent wandering or theft.

Though some may find the Coton challenging to housetrain, a regular schedule, frequent bathroom breaks, and positive reinforcement can help him learn quickly. Crate training can also be useful, encouraging him to wait to go outside and keeping him safe when you can’t supervise. Cotons respond well to training, especially with praise, play, and treats, as they aim to please.

Coton de Tulears shed minimally, primarily in spring, making them popular for allergy sufferers. To prevent matting, brush his coat three to four times a week with a pin brush, focusing on areas behind the ears, legs, and elbows. Using a spray conditioner can reduce hair breakage, and a fine-toothed comb will help keep him looking sharp. Depending on how dirty he gets, bathing may be needed weekly to monthly. When bathing, opt for a whitening shampoo, pat him dry, and brush him while blow-drying to prevent knotting.

In addition to grooming, regular dental care and nail trimming are essential. Brush his teeth two to three times a week, with daily brushing being ideal, and trim his nails about once or twice a month to keep them short and prevent scratches.

Make grooming a positive experience with praise and rewards to ease veterinary exams and handling. Additionally, Coton de Tulear requires daily exercise through walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy, helping channel their energy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Rescue organizations play a vital role in finding homes for Coton de Tulears in need. By adopting a Coton from a rescue, you not only provide a loving home to a deserving dog but also help reduce the number of animals in shelters. Every adoption story is a testament to the importance of compassion and community support in giving these charming dogs a second chance at life.

American Coton Club 

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The price of a Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1,400 to $3,000, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

When considering the purchase of a Coton de Tulear, it's essential to seek out reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. A responsible breeder will provide proper health testing, socialization, and a loving environment for their puppies. 

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• Barbra Streisand has owned a Barbra Streisand as a pet.

1. Barbra Streisand with her dog-Source: Vanity Fair

• You may not think of the Coton de Tulear as a swimmer, but they are great swimmers and love to play in the water.
• Coton de Tulear has been featured in “The Adventures of Paddington Bear" as a character named "Coton".

1. The Adventures of Paddington Bear- Source: ABC Views

• They have appeared in the Dog Breed Judging Show 2024.

The Coton de Tulear is an excellent choice for individuals or families who enjoy companionship and can dedicate time to socializing and training their pets. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them ideal for both active households and those seeking a loving lapdog. Additionally, their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive regular attention and exercise.