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Coton de Tulear
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Description
“Coton” is the French word for cotton. Like the name suggests, the most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its coat, which is cottony or fluffy rather than silky. It has a long topcoat. The fluffy hair covers the thin, lightly-muscled forelegs. Colors come in white, white and black, and white and tri-colored. White is preferred by show breeders. Most white Cotons have "buff" or "champagne" markings on the ears. All Cotons have the "fade gene', which means any color other than black will fade to white or near white as they reach adulthood.
Temperament
A less common cousin of the Bichon, the Coton is very friendly, gentle, affectionate and alert. Cotons are very sociable dogs that get along very well with children, other dogs and animals. It is very attached to its home and master, wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. The Coton makes a great watchdog, normally a fairly quiet breed, they will bark at intruders. Full of tricks and surprises to fulfill his master's every wish. One of their most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. Their teasing expressions enhance any home willing to spend a few moments a day in the necessary play and grooming routines. Being quite intelligent, the Coton learns very quickly, but can be a little bit stubborn without the proper leadership. They are intelligent and eager to work. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent leader. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans, and should be treated as such. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals by providing chewies and fun toys to play with, along with lots of social opportunities both with people and other dogs.
Height, Weight
Height: 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm)
Weight: 10 - 15 pounds (5.5 - 7 kg)
Health Problems
Coton de Tulears have no significant genetic health problems.
As Code of Ethics breeders, we are required to have our dogs genetically health tested to ensure we are breeding healthy dogs. Generally three of the following are chosen:
Living Conditions
The Coton is happy in most any living situation. I've known Cotons that live on farms, cruise ships, RV's, apartments, and in houses (big and small). They are fairly active even in small spaces and will enjoy life with or without a yard. They are easily taught to litter box train, but keeping in mind they need a slightly different setup than a cat. Grooming needs, of course, will be higher in a more "natural" environment, than in a manicured yard.
Exercise
Cotons like to swim and play. They enjoy wide open spaces and can follow their masters on horseback for many miles. They do well in various areas of dog sports, such as agility skills trials and catch. As active as they are, they will adapt well to the family's situation. They do need daily exercise, but thanks to their small size, they can find it even in an apartment so long as their human is there to encourage exercise with a toy or game.
Life Expectancy
About 14-18 years.
Grooming
The long, light-textured hair requires frequent, careful grooming. Like some other breeds, Cotons will retain their loosened hair in their coat, rather than dropping it around the house. For this reason, the dead hair should be brushed and combed out 2-3 times a week to prevent tangles. If frequent brushing isn't your thing, many owners choose a "puppy cut" to keep their Coton de Tulears neat. Excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears should be removed. They do not need a bath more than once or twice a year which will be adequate to keep them clean in many circumstances, but if the Coton manages to find a muddy ditch or a puddle, it might be beneficial to you to wash them more often. The unique coat does shed dirt as it dries, and this helps them stay clean.
Your groomer might suggest ways to get their coat more "silky and shiny", but this isn't how a Coton should be. Their coat should be healthy, but without shine. It should feel like a puff of natural cotton, dry (not slick or slippery) and very soft to the touch. The breed standard says coat should not be scissored, it should be kept long except for trimming of the hair around the paw pads, and hygiene area. Many people choose to use a modified puppy type cut, that is not Coton standard, to avoid the coat maintenance. Cotons shed little to no hair. They really only shed when you are brushing them out. Grooming is best done outside the home, or in a closed off area to avoid having hair in the house.
Human Allergies to Dogs
This breed is great for allergy sufferers, the majority of those suffering from allergies to "regular coated" dogs, will not show any allergic reaction to Cotons. If you do have allergies, it's best to do a test with the exact, individual dog you plan to adopt, and the dog should be freshly washed in a hypoallergenic shampoo so as not to be covered in pollen or other dog dander when the test is done. This can be arranged at Gallant Cotons, just request.
Origin
For many years dubbed the Royal Dog of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a Bichon-type related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese. It is even possible in some cases that native dogs of other types were crossbred. The Coton de Tulear most likely arrived in Madagascar with French troops, or with the administrators who followed. The breed was virtually unknown until it was reintroduced to Europe and America in the last 20 years. For centuries, the Coton de Tulear was a favored companion of the wealthy residents of Tulear, in southern Madagascar, where it continued to breed to type. A dog with similar origins was popular on the French island of Reunion, off the east coast of Madagascar, but became extinct. The original Bichon-type extended back possibly one thousand years ago or more. There are many stories about the Cotons rich history, some of which are quite entertaining to imagine! Although still considered a rare breed, it has enjoyed considerable popularity with the Madagascar upper-class for some years and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1970, and was recognized by the AKC in 2014. The Coton de Tulear is known as the "Official Dog of Madagascar" and "The Royal Dog of Madagascar".
“Coton” is the French word for cotton. Like the name suggests, the most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its coat, which is cottony or fluffy rather than silky. It has a long topcoat. The fluffy hair covers the thin, lightly-muscled forelegs. Colors come in white, white and black, and white and tri-colored. White is preferred by show breeders. Most white Cotons have "buff" or "champagne" markings on the ears. All Cotons have the "fade gene', which means any color other than black will fade to white or near white as they reach adulthood.
Temperament
A less common cousin of the Bichon, the Coton is very friendly, gentle, affectionate and alert. Cotons are very sociable dogs that get along very well with children, other dogs and animals. It is very attached to its home and master, wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. The Coton makes a great watchdog, normally a fairly quiet breed, they will bark at intruders. Full of tricks and surprises to fulfill his master's every wish. One of their most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. Their teasing expressions enhance any home willing to spend a few moments a day in the necessary play and grooming routines. Being quite intelligent, the Coton learns very quickly, but can be a little bit stubborn without the proper leadership. They are intelligent and eager to work. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent leader. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans, and should be treated as such. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals by providing chewies and fun toys to play with, along with lots of social opportunities both with people and other dogs.
Height, Weight
Height: 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm)
Weight: 10 - 15 pounds (5.5 - 7 kg)
Health Problems
Coton de Tulears have no significant genetic health problems.
As Code of Ethics breeders, we are required to have our dogs genetically health tested to ensure we are breeding healthy dogs. Generally three of the following are chosen:
- OFA certified Patella
- CERF Eyes
- OFA certified Cardiac
- OFA certified Thyroid
- OFA certified Elbows
- OFA or PennHip certified Hips
- Full Blood Chemistry and CBC (Submission of blood panels must be current within 24 months.
Living Conditions
The Coton is happy in most any living situation. I've known Cotons that live on farms, cruise ships, RV's, apartments, and in houses (big and small). They are fairly active even in small spaces and will enjoy life with or without a yard. They are easily taught to litter box train, but keeping in mind they need a slightly different setup than a cat. Grooming needs, of course, will be higher in a more "natural" environment, than in a manicured yard.
Exercise
Cotons like to swim and play. They enjoy wide open spaces and can follow their masters on horseback for many miles. They do well in various areas of dog sports, such as agility skills trials and catch. As active as they are, they will adapt well to the family's situation. They do need daily exercise, but thanks to their small size, they can find it even in an apartment so long as their human is there to encourage exercise with a toy or game.
Life Expectancy
About 14-18 years.
Grooming
The long, light-textured hair requires frequent, careful grooming. Like some other breeds, Cotons will retain their loosened hair in their coat, rather than dropping it around the house. For this reason, the dead hair should be brushed and combed out 2-3 times a week to prevent tangles. If frequent brushing isn't your thing, many owners choose a "puppy cut" to keep their Coton de Tulears neat. Excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears should be removed. They do not need a bath more than once or twice a year which will be adequate to keep them clean in many circumstances, but if the Coton manages to find a muddy ditch or a puddle, it might be beneficial to you to wash them more often. The unique coat does shed dirt as it dries, and this helps them stay clean.
Your groomer might suggest ways to get their coat more "silky and shiny", but this isn't how a Coton should be. Their coat should be healthy, but without shine. It should feel like a puff of natural cotton, dry (not slick or slippery) and very soft to the touch. The breed standard says coat should not be scissored, it should be kept long except for trimming of the hair around the paw pads, and hygiene area. Many people choose to use a modified puppy type cut, that is not Coton standard, to avoid the coat maintenance. Cotons shed little to no hair. They really only shed when you are brushing them out. Grooming is best done outside the home, or in a closed off area to avoid having hair in the house.
Human Allergies to Dogs
This breed is great for allergy sufferers, the majority of those suffering from allergies to "regular coated" dogs, will not show any allergic reaction to Cotons. If you do have allergies, it's best to do a test with the exact, individual dog you plan to adopt, and the dog should be freshly washed in a hypoallergenic shampoo so as not to be covered in pollen or other dog dander when the test is done. This can be arranged at Gallant Cotons, just request.
Origin
For many years dubbed the Royal Dog of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a Bichon-type related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese. It is even possible in some cases that native dogs of other types were crossbred. The Coton de Tulear most likely arrived in Madagascar with French troops, or with the administrators who followed. The breed was virtually unknown until it was reintroduced to Europe and America in the last 20 years. For centuries, the Coton de Tulear was a favored companion of the wealthy residents of Tulear, in southern Madagascar, where it continued to breed to type. A dog with similar origins was popular on the French island of Reunion, off the east coast of Madagascar, but became extinct. The original Bichon-type extended back possibly one thousand years ago or more. There are many stories about the Cotons rich history, some of which are quite entertaining to imagine! Although still considered a rare breed, it has enjoyed considerable popularity with the Madagascar upper-class for some years and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1970, and was recognized by the AKC in 2014. The Coton de Tulear is known as the "Official Dog of Madagascar" and "The Royal Dog of Madagascar".
