The coton de Tulear are adorable little dogs that bond strongly with their humans. The coton de Tulear is one of the best companion dogs, and owners describe them as having almost human qualities.
While the name may seem formal or daunting, they're very lovable dogs. They're nicknamed the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," and their name is pronounced "co-TAWN day too-LEE-are," derived from the French word for cotton and a city where they're well-known in Madagascar.
These lively little dogs have dark eyes and expressive faces that make them super adorable, and another bonus is that their cotton-soft coat is generally considered hypoallergenic.
Characteristics of Cotons de Tulear
The coton de Tulear is a happy dog, and their fun personalities make them enjoyable companions. They're small but robust and have a bright white coat.
Their job as a breed is to bring their owners enjoyment, comfort, and companionship. They form a tight bond with their owners. Some people say their cotons are smart and playful without being demanding or possessive. They're often regarded as jesters who can perform tricks for the pure enjoyment of their owner.
The coton de Tulear is considered an intelligent, energetic dog. They can also be lighthearted, calm, and easygoing. They're remarkably aware and have been known to express unique vocalizations.
The coton de Tulear has a naturally long, white, dry, cotton-like coat. They tend to carry their tail in a happy manner, curved over their back.
They're a sweet breed that cocks their head when you speak to them. Some even try to respond like they're having a conversation with you.
The coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy dog. Their ears droop down, entirely covered in white, fluffy fur. Their typically dark eyes stand out from their signature white coat.
Their fur has the same texture as cotton, and puppies have even softer coats than adults. Their coats are always dense and often wavy.
They may have tan, fawn, or black hair as a puppy, but as they get older, their coat turns entirely white.
A coton de Tulear male will stand between ten and 11 inches tall, whereas a female will stand between nine and ten inches. This is a small breed, and males weigh anywhere between nine and 15 pounds, while females weigh between eight and 13 pounds.
The coton de Tulear lifespan can be between 15 and 19 years.
Caring for a Coton de Tulear
The coton de Tulear doesn't shed very much. This makes them allergy-friendly dogs. They do tend to lose extra fur in the spring, and though they don't shed too much, they need the occasional brushing a few times a week. This keeps their long fur from getting matted. When brushing, you should focus on their ears, legs, and elbows. Fur in these areas gets knotted easily.
Puppies will need to be brushed more often than adult dogs. By seven to 15 months, their adult fur will start to come in. You can get them professionally groomed if you want them to look trim and proper.
In addition to caring for their coats, you should tend to your dog's teeth, cleaning them daily to prevent infection.
They only need baths when they're dirty. This can be once a week, once a month, or every other month.
The coton de Tulear is a sweet dog and loves being around their owner and getting their attention. They quickly grow fond of you and your family, which makes them want to please you. This helps in the training process. Since they're incredibly smart, they can pick up new tricks pretty quickly.
They also love to entertain, so they may goof off and try to get affection from other people in the room.
The coton de Tulear is a dog that thrives on love and attention. They’re a companion dog first and foremost.
Health Problems to Watch for With Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear breeders have worked hard to keep the breed relatively free from genetic health issues. Occasionally, though, eye problems and hip dysplasia can occur in the breed. Luxating patellas and spinal disc disease are two other common conditions in the coton de Tulear.
Recommended health tests for breeders include:
Make sure you do your research before buying a purebred coton de Tulear. You will want to make sure your dog is coming from a reputable breeder. This will help alleviate some of the worry of them developing health problems later in life.
You should ask the breeder if they conduct any of the above tests. You'll also want to ensure they're caring for the puppies and the breeding dogs to ensure you're supporting a reputable breeder.
Any dog can develop health conditions. However, the coton de Tulear is less likely than some to develop severe health issues.
Still, you will need to prepare for health care for your dog as they get older. Since they're a smaller breed, they are likely to live longer. With older age comes more problems like canine cancer or eye problems.
Basic care for any dog includes a core set of vaccinations, which you can discuss with your vet, and year-round medication to prevent heartworm infections.
Special Considerations for a Coton de Tulear
The coton de Tulear is an active dog. They need a moderate amount of exercise. They enjoy walks with their owners at a slow speed. They don't need long, strenuous walks or activities. Chasing a tennis ball in the backyard is good enough for the coton de Tulear to stimulate their minds and bodies.
However, you don't want a bored Coton de Tulear. If they get bored or unhappy, they can become destructive. They shouldn't be left alone for long periods at home because they crave their human's presence.
When they are left to their own devices, make sure they have plenty of exciting toys to keep them occupied. This leads to less destructive behavior.
The coton de Tulear is an alert dog and can be territorial. If they're not socialized at an early age, they can be aggressive. However, proper obedience training and socialization make them great on-the-go companions wherever you want to take them. Early exposure to new places, people, and dogs also helps reinforce manners and obedience training.
Cotons can make excellent therapy dogs if appropriately trained. This is due to their sympathetic nature and keen observations.
If you're looking for the next companion for you and your family, look no further. The Coton de Tulear is a wonderful dog for families who want a pet around to love and spend time with them even if they don't necessarily have time for strenuous activities and training.
Bear in mind, though, that the coton de Tulear can get separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They're not an extremely vocal breed, but they can be pretty loud if they're sad and lonely.
When training, try to use positive reinforcement. They don't do well with getting scolded or negative reinforcement. They feel connected to their owners, and getting punished will confuse them and make them sad.
Like most dogs, the coton de Tulear needs more than physical exercise. Their intelligent nature craves mental stimulation too. You can stimulate their minds with puzzle games, training, and other activities that don’t require you to leave the house.
The coton de Tulear is a small dog that will do well out in the country or living the city life in a high-rise. They're adaptable, cute little dogs that need love and affection.
History of the Coton de Tulear
The cotons were named after the seaport town of Tulear. This was where they became noble lapdogs of Madagascar royalty. Madagascar has strong ties to French-speaking nations in western Africa, where the moniker 'coton' (meaning 'cotton' in French) came from.
It's alleged that the ancestors of the coton de Tulear were brought to Madagascar in the 16th and 17th centuries. It's believed that some form of the coton arrived on pirate ships since Madagascar was a haven for pirates during this time. It's not known if these dogs were brought aboard the ship to control the rat population or to provide companionship on the long voyage.
The coton is closely related to the Bichon Tenerife and Tenerife terrier. While there is a legend about the coton de Tulear once being a feral dog, they don't display a high prey drive. They've spent the bulk of their history as companion dogs, with their size and temperament serving them well in this regard.
Madagascar aristocrats went so far as to prohibit commoners on the island from owning this sweet little dog. They also didn't want the coton de Tulear leaving the island. This kept the breed isolated from the rest of the world for centuries.
It wasn't until the 1960s that the coton de Tulear made its way to Europe. French tourists discovered the breed and immediately brought them back to France. From there, generations of selective breeding have turned the coton de Tulear into the lovable dog you now know.
