Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear is small dogs breed weighing between 8-15 pounds and standing 9-11 inches tall. They are known for their cotton-like coats, charming personalities, and agility.

Coton de Tulear Breed overview

Coton de Tulear is a highly affectionate and playful breed that is well-suited for families, couples, or individuals living in apartments or smaller living spaces. They form strong bonds with their human family members and are great with kids and other dogs. While they require regular grooming to keep their cotton coat healthy and free from matting, they are not high-maintenance regarding exercise needs or mental stimulation. They can be sensitive to their human family members' emotions and require companionship, ample socialization, and training to become well-behaved and well-adjusted adults. Overall, Coton de Tulear is an excellent choice for novice dog owners looking for a friendly, adaptable, and intelligent breed.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Coton de Tulear

Nutrition

Cotons require a balanced diet with proper amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Like all breeds, they should have access to fresh water at all times.

Talk with your veterinarian about the best diet plan for your Coton based on their activity level, age, and overall health.

Health

Coton de Tulears are generally healthy, but like all breeds they are susceptible to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye problems, and allergies.

Regular vet visits and proper grooming are important in keeping your Coton in good health.

Training

Cotons are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, like all breeds, they require consistent and patient training to succeed. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed.

Socialization and obedience training should begin at an early age to ensure a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog.

Exercise

Cotons are relatively active and enjoy regular exercise, but don't require a lot of space. Short walks or playtime in the yard are usually sufficient.

The breed also enjoys playtime with their owners and interactive toys.

Grooming

The Coton de Tulear breed requires regular grooming to maintain their distinctive cotton-like coat. They should be brushed weekly to prevent matting, with baths as needed.

It's recommended to take your Coton to a professional groomer every few months for a thorough grooming.

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Coton de Tulear Traits & Characteristics

The Coton de Tulear breed standards dictate that the dog should weigh between 8-15 pounds and stand between 9-11 inches tall. They have a distinctive cotton-like coat that is white or predominantly white, with some light shading in the ears that can be gray, black, or a mix of the two. The coat should be soft, fluffy and slightly wavy.

The head is rounded, with dark, round eyes, and droopy ears that are set high on the head. The feet are large and round, and the legs should be straight and sturdy. The tail is short and carried high over the back.

Cotons have a relatively large chest and ribs with a straight topline.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Coton de Tulear is an affectionate breed and loves to be around their human family members. They are known for their ability to form strong bonds and are great with kids and other dogs.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Cotons are friendly and playful with children, making them an ideal family pet. They are gentle, patient, and will tolerate play, but like any breed, should always be supervised around children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Cotons are generally friendly with other dogs and enjoy socializing, but like any breed, early socialization and training is essential to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted around other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Cotons are friendly with everyone they meet, but some may be reserved with strangers until they get to know them. Early socialization can help them become more friendly and confident around unfamiliar people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Cotons are playful and energetic, and love to engage in games and activities with their human family members. They require daily exercise and playtime to meet their energy needs and prevent boredom.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Cotons have a moderate level of alertness and are aware of their surroundings, but they are not as vigilant or watchful as some breeds. They are intelligent and can be taught to perform tasks and respond to commands.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Cotons are highly adaptable and can adjust to different environments and lifestyles, making them a great choice for families, couples, or individuals living in apartments or houses. They do not require a lot of space or a specific type of living arrangement.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Cotons have a cottony soft coat that doesn't shed much, making them a great choice for people with allergies who don't want a lot of hair to clean up. However, grooming is required to prevent matting and tangles.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Cotons have a high-maintenance coat that needs regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Keeping their coat clean and healthy is essential to their overall well-being.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Cotons do not drool much, if at all, due to their small size and dry mouth, making them a great choice for people who are sensitive to excess saliva or drool-related issues.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Cotons are a small breed, weighing between 7-18 pounds and standing between 9-12 inches tall. They are easy to pick up and carry and are well-suited for people living in smaller living spaces.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Cotons have a moderate level of energy and require daily exercise and playtime to meet their needs, such as taking walks, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive play with their human family members.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Cotons require daily exercise and playtime to meet their moderate energy needs, including daily walks, playtime in the yard, or interactive play with their human family members. They can also benefit from participating in obedience or agility training.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Cotons were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a specific job or task to perform. However, they can excel at obedience training and agility due to their intelligence and desire to please their human family members.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Cotons were not bred for hunting and do not possess strong hunting instincts or skills. They are better suited as family pets and companions.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Cotons have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance and can engage in playful activities and exercise without getting overly fatigued. They require regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Cotons are generally healthy and have a long lifespan, but like any breed, may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and dental problems. Regular veterinary care and dental cleanings can help prevent and manage these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Cotons can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or do not receive enough exercise. Monitoring their food intake, providing daily exercise, and limiting treats can help prevent weight gain and associated health issues.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Cotons may require extra warmth and protection in colder weather due to their small size and cottony coat. They are not well-suited for outdoor living in colder climates and should have access to a warm, dry shelter.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Cotons are sensitive to extreme heat and may require extra cooling and protection in hot weather. They should have access to shade, water, and indoor air conditioning to prevent heat-related issues.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Cotons are well-suited for living in apartments or smaller living spaces due to their small size, moderate energy level, and adaptable nature. They do not require a lot of space or a specific type of living arrangement.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Cotons have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, and may require supervision or a securely fenced yard to prevent them from getting lost or injured. They are curious and will explore their environment if given the chance.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Cotons are sensitive to their human family members' emotions and may become stressed or anxious if their owners are experiencing emotional upheaval. They can also be sensitive to negative reinforcement or harsh training methods.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Cotons can tolerate being left alone for short periods of time, but may become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and do best when someone is home with them most of the time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Cotons are not excessive barkers and usually only bark when necessary, such as when they hear someone at the door or when they want attention. However, like any breed, they may bark more if they are not properly socialized or trained.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Cotons are intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, such as puzzle toys, interactive play, or training exercises. However, they are not high-maintenance when it comes to mental stimulation needs.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Cotons are a great choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly, adaptable, and trainable nature. They are generally easy to care for and make great family pets.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Cotons are intelligent and eager to please their human family members, making them relatively easy to train. However, they may have a stubborn streak and require consistent, positive reinforcement training.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Coton de Tulear is an affectionate breed and loves to be around their human family members. They are known for their ability to form strong bonds and are great with kids and other dogs.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Cotons are friendly and playful with children, making them an ideal family pet. They are gentle, patient, and will tolerate play, but like any breed, should always be supervised around children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Cotons are generally friendly with other dogs and enjoy socializing, but like any breed, early socialization and training is essential to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted around other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Cotons are friendly with everyone they meet, but some may be reserved with strangers until they get to know them. Early socialization can help them become more friendly and confident around unfamiliar people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Cotons are playful and energetic, and love to engage in games and activities with their human family members. They require daily exercise and playtime to meet their energy needs and prevent boredom.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Cotons have a moderate level of alertness and are aware of their surroundings, but they are not as vigilant or watchful as some breeds. They are intelligent and can be taught to perform tasks and respond to commands.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Cotons are highly adaptable and can adjust to different environments and lifestyles, making them a great choice for families, couples, or individuals living in apartments or houses. They do not require a lot of space or a specific type of living arrangement.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Cotons have a cottony soft coat that doesn't shed much, making them a great choice for people with allergies who don't want a lot of hair to clean up. However, grooming is required to prevent matting and tangles.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Cotons have a high-maintenance coat that needs regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Keeping their coat clean and healthy is essential to their overall well-being.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Cotons do not drool much, if at all, due to their small size and dry mouth, making them a great choice for people who are sensitive to excess saliva or drool-related issues.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Cotons are a small breed, weighing between 7-18 pounds and standing between 9-12 inches tall. They are easy to pick up and carry and are well-suited for people living in smaller living spaces.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Cotons have a moderate level of energy and require daily exercise and playtime to meet their needs, such as taking walks, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive play with their human family members.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cotons require daily exercise and playtime to meet their moderate energy needs, including daily walks, playtime in the yard, or interactive play with their human family members. They can also benefit from participating in obedience or agility training.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Cotons were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a specific job or task to perform. However, they can excel at obedience training and agility due to their intelligence and desire to please their human family members.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Cotons were not bred for hunting and do not possess strong hunting instincts or skills. They are better suited as family pets and companions.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Cotons have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance and can engage in playful activities and exercise without getting overly fatigued. They require regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Cotons are generally healthy and have a long lifespan, but like any breed, may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and dental problems. Regular veterinary care and dental cleanings can help prevent and manage these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Cotons can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or do not receive enough exercise. Monitoring their food intake, providing daily exercise, and limiting treats can help prevent weight gain and associated health issues.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Cotons may require extra warmth and protection in colder weather due to their small size and cottony coat. They are not well-suited for outdoor living in colder climates and should have access to a warm, dry shelter.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Cotons are sensitive to extreme heat and may require extra cooling and protection in hot weather. They should have access to shade, water, and indoor air conditioning to prevent heat-related issues.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Cotons are well-suited for living in apartments or smaller living spaces due to their small size, moderate energy level, and adaptable nature. They do not require a lot of space or a specific type of living arrangement.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Cotons have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, and may require supervision or a securely fenced yard to prevent them from getting lost or injured. They are curious and will explore their environment if given the chance.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Cotons are sensitive to their human family members' emotions and may become stressed or anxious if their owners are experiencing emotional upheaval. They can also be sensitive to negative reinforcement or harsh training methods.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Cotons can tolerate being left alone for short periods of time, but may become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and do best when someone is home with them most of the time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Cotons are not excessive barkers and usually only bark when necessary, such as when they hear someone at the door or when they want attention. However, like any breed, they may bark more if they are not properly socialized or trained.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Cotons are intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, such as puzzle toys, interactive play, or training exercises. However, they are not high-maintenance when it comes to mental stimulation needs.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Cotons are a great choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly, adaptable, and trainable nature. They are generally easy to care for and make great family pets.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Cotons are intelligent and eager to please their human family members, making them relatively easy to train. However, they may have a stubborn streak and require consistent, positive reinforcement training.

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History of the Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear breed originated in Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa. The breed is believed to have descended from a small white dog brought to Madagascar by sailors in the 16th or 17th centuries, which then developed in relative isolation over the centuries into the breed we know today.

The breed was originally owned only by the aristocracy because of their charming personalities, agility and distinctive white coat. It wasn't until the 70's that the breed was introduced to the United States.

Coton de Tulear Puppies

Cotons are relatively small breed and usually have small litters of only 3-4 puppies and the puppies are born with a dark coat that lightens as they age. The puppies are active from the moment they are born and are playful and curious.

It is important to choose a reputable breeder when looking for a Coton de Tulear puppy to avoid potential health issues that can arise from poor breeding or inbreeding.