Coton de Tulear Information
If you’re looking for a funny, smart, impossibly charming dog who loves to entertain and provide comfort, the Coton de Tulear is your pup. Pronounced “coTAWN day two-LEE are,” this sweet dog boasts a fluffy white coat that feels as soft as cotton – hence the name. For only weighing 8-13 pounds and standing a mere 9-11 inches, the breed is surprisingly robust. You have to have a heart of stone not to smile when you see their adorable, happy faces!
While the history of this breed is not well known, it is strongly believed that they descended from a line of dogs who survived a shipwreck near the Madagascar coast. Talk about an adventurous past.
Coton de Tulear History
The Coton de Tulear hails from the island of Madagascar. Madagascar is located 250 miles off the southeastern coast of Africa.
It is thought that the dog was brought to the island by pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries and then mated with a dog native to the island. The dogs may have travelled with the pirate ships to help catch rats or as companions on the long voyages. Madagascar was a favorite location for pirates and still has pirate landmarks and graveyards today.
The breed is the island of Madagascar’s national dog. They are named for the seaport town of Tulear. Its closest relatives are the Bichons, such as the Bichon Tenerife.
Coton de Tulear Training & Temperament
Cotons are outgoing but territorial. They should be socialized from a young age so they are comfortable in any setting. They’re happy to learn anything but expect excitement in their training. The breed is playful, affectionate and loyal. They love to run, swim and play.
Coton de Tulear Exercise
The Coton needs a medium amount of exercise and attention. It’s best to give them a daily walk for their energy level and to maintain their health. They do well playing fetch in a yard. Without proper exercise they can become bored and destructive, so it’s a good idea to have some activities and toys to keep them occupied.
Coton de Tulear Grooming
You should start grooming your Coton as a puppy so they become used to it. As they get older you’ll need to brush them often to prevent matting. Alternatively, you could keep them in a short puppy clip to avoid the matting issue. A spray conditioner can be used to prevent breakage when brushing. Be sure to clean your dogs ears to avoid infection and brush their teeth!
Coton de Tulear Health
The Coton is a breed with few genetic issues when coming from a reputable breeder. Issues to watch out for include eye problems and hip dysplasia. These issues are relatively uncommon.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coton_de_Tulear, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/
