Information on the Coton De Tulear Breed

The Coton de Tulear is an elegant rare breed also known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar” and is related to the French Bichons and Italian Bolognese. The name Coton De Tulear describes the Coton’s coat and point of origin. Coton is the French word for cotton which is a good description for the unique coat of the Coton De Tulear and Tulear is the name of the port town in Madagascar from where the Coton De Tulear originates.

History – Origins. It is believed that the origins of the Coton de Tulear may have been France and that the initial stock made their first appearance in the group of islands in the Indian Ocean known as the Mascarene Islands (Reunion and Mauritius) possibly by way of shipwreck. How the Coton De Tulear got to Madagascar is unclear but it is speculated that European sailors and merchants probably introduced the Coton De Tulear to Madagascar from Reunion sometime in the 16th Century. Eventually the dogs of Reunion became extinct but the dogs imported to Madagascar were embraced by nobles of the local Merina tribe, interbred with wild hunting dogs and thrived. The Merina tribe operated on a caste system of nobles and freeman, the Coton De Tulear was restricted to nobility for many years which led to its rarity but ironically most likely guaranteed its existence. Until The Coton De Tulear was reintroduced to Europe and the America’s it was widely unknown.

Traits: The Coton de Tulear is bred and raised to be a companion dog. Coton’s exhibit delightful personalities, they are very friendly, gentle, affectionate and alert, their compact size, dark eyes, long lashes, and super charm, quickly win the hearts of all that come in contact with them. The breed is known to be friendly, but needs to be socialized at an early age due to shyness in some puppies. Coton’s bond easily to the humans in their life, are very affectionate and are known to be kissing machines.

Coton De Tulear are very intelligent and athletic and do well in various areas of dog sports such as agility skills trials and catch. They love to swim, run and enjoy long walks, although active they adapt well to whatever the family's situation and can be very athletic or couch potatoes.

. Cotons are very sociable dogs that get along well with children, other dogs and animals and become much attached to their home and master; as such the Coton makes a great watchdog. One of the Coton De Tulear’s most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs the Coton’s antic’s will enhance any home willing to spend the time necessary to play with and groom their Coton De Tulear.

Appearance: The Coton de Tulear is an adorable fluffy little, white ball, sometimes with patches of color. They usually stand from around 10 to 12 inches and weigh from 10 to 15 lbs. The Coton has a characteristic dry, fly-away cottony coat that will stand up unsupported if lifted from the body, the coat is oil and dander free and has no odor, which many people find is hypoallergenic.

Coton puppies are often born with color that fades as the puppy reaches adulthood. Patches of yellow and black, notably on the ears are often seen. However, most Cotons will be predominantly white by the time they reach adulthood. Three color varieties are common: White (all white with perhaps cream-biscuit/champagne patches on the ears and saddle region); Black and White (brilliant black patches which sometimes appear to gray with maturity), and Tri-color (white, tan, and black pups which generally turn off-white with a dusting of black hairs later in life). Coat length is about 3-5 inches and does not reach the ground from the belly. In its native Madagascar the Coton De Tulear’s long coat protects it from the equatorial sun.

Cotons are not toy dogs, but rather muscular small dogs with excellent angulation for speed, maneuverability, and endurance.

Grooming and Exercise: The long, oil free, light-textured hair requires regular grooming every other day or so. Excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears should be removed. The coat should not be sheared. Coton De Tulear sheds little to no coat making Coton’s a breed that is good for allergy sufferers. Due to the Coton’s oil free coat it remains relatively clean without a bath for a long time but most owners prefer a monthly bath or trip to the groomers.

Should I own a Coton:The Coton requires the love and devotion of its owners. Anyone who is away from home often or who might be tempted to board their pets for long periods of time should not consider a Coton as a pet. In general, Cotons are long-lived typically 14 -16 years on average, therefore a Coton purchased for a child will easily live long past the youngster's graduate degrees, and early career. Make certain you are willing to commit to a Coton's care for almost as long as you'd commit to care for a child. Cotons tend to do very well with both children and other pets. In general, we do not recommend any dog for a family with children who are too young to realize that a pet requires understanding and a certain gentle, slow approach. All dogs require training; consider enrolling you and your puppy in a basic dog training course.