Coton De Tulear

Thinking about purchasing an Coton De Tulear? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Coton De Tulear breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Coton De Tulear owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Coton De Tulear and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Coton De Tulear Breeder:

When were your Coton De Tulears born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Coton De Tulear, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Coton De Tulear and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Coton De Tulear Profile

The Coton De Tulear is a loyal, friendly, and playful dog. It will follow its master to do practically anything, and are good pets for families with children or older couples. Originally from Madagascar, the Coton De Tulear tends to be very affectionate and loyal and will follow its master to the very end. They are small, fluffy dogs that are either pure white, tri-colored with black and yellow patches, or simply black and white. The breed was descended from the Bichon-type dogs, which do not shed a lot. Cotons are known for their comical ability to walk on their hind legs. They are adoring of humans, and quite silly at times. Their hair may need regular grooming, but their happy personalities make up for the trouble of grooming. Previously known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar", until the 20th century it was illegal to own this breed unless you were of high economic status. A joyful and active pet, the Coton de Tulear makes an original and enjoyable companion for years to come.

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 8.5 - 12.5 inches.
Weight: 8 - 15 lbs.

Colors: Either all white, tri-colored in white with grayish-black and yellow patches, or simply black and white. Slight lemon or gray color on ears acceptable; dark pigmentation.
Coat: Single coated. Approximately 3-3½ inches long, fine, slightly wavy, texture of cotton, shown in natural state.

Temperament: Coton De Tulears are very devoted to its master, the Coton always wants to be in their presence and tries its best to please. They are joyful, playful and sometimes clownish. They have been known to walk on their back legs. They are lively, gentle, and affectionate. They are very alert, cheerful and agreeable. They are friendly to all but are especially attached to their family. They are friendly with children and other pets as well. They are also intelligent and can adapt to almost any environment.
With Children: Very Good, Cotons love to play.
With Pets: Very Good.

Watch-dog: Good. They are very alert.
Guard-dog: Very Poor, they would rather make friends than defend themselves or anyone else.

Coton De Tulear Care and Exercise: Its long coat requires relatively little care, but still needs periodic grooming. Daily brushing and average exercise are all this pup needs.
Training: Cotons love to please, making training easy. They are more than willing to do as you say and go where you go. Positive reinforcement is probably best with this breed.
Special Needs: Attention, grooming and training.
Learning Rate: High. Coton de Tulears are very intelligent, as well as obedient. They love to please.

Activity: Medium.
Living Environment: Cotons are very adaptable and can live in most environments. They are well suited to an apartment if needed, and are very versatile. The best owner for this breed would be a family who can give it attention in a city, rural or suburban environment.

Coton De Tulear Health Issues: No genetic defects. Other health concerns include eye problems, kidney disease and thyroid disease.

Life Span: 12 - 16 years.
Litter Size: 3 - 6 puppies.

Country of Origin: Madagascar
Coton De Tulear History: The Coton de Tulear is a relative to the Bichon-type dogs that originated in France as well as the Italian Bolognese. There are a couple of theories about its arrival in Madagascar: arriving with French troops, or from a shipwreck off of the island. Regardless of its mode of arrival, the Coton was brought from France to Madagascar and the island of Reunion before the 17th century. On the island of Reunion the dog became know as the Coton de Reunion, but is now extinct. The dog brought to Madagascar survived, however, and this is how we currently have Cotons. The Coton de Tulear was named after the French word for cotton, coton, as well as the main city in Madagascar, Tulear. The breed was popular in Madagascar and rose the aristocracy, as it was a criminal offence to own a Coton unless one was of royal distinction. The breed became Madagascar's official island dog, named the Royal Dog of Madagascar. It was used mainly as a companion dog in the Tulear region of Madagascar. It dates back to the 1600s, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 80s that it really became known in Europe and North America. Today the breed is slowly populating Britain and America, but is still quite rare, especially on its home island.

Class: Toy
Registries: CKC, KC, FCI, AKC (1/2004)

Coton De Tulears

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008