Picking your Dog’s
breed is the most important factor in deciding which
puppy to purchase. As each breed is unique in size, temperament
and habits, certain breeds also may have special needs.
Displayed below is special information about the breed
you are interested in. Feel free to ask our breed specialists
any questions you may have regarding the breed you are
looking for.
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed of dog. It developed in Madagascar as a companion breed.
Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)
Weight: 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg.)
About 14-16 years.
Gun Dog, Companion Group
Temperament:
The Coton is a playful, affectionate, intelligent breed. It loves people and as a result can have separation anxiety. It loves life and is enthusiastic and lively. It is a very vocal breed, grunting and making other noises when having fun. Some Cotons have a habit of walking on their hind legs to please people. Some Cotons may exhibits shyness or cautiousness in new situations, especially around strangers, but this can be overcome with training. Most Coton love meeting new people and are very curious in new situations. It is very trainable as long as it is trained with praise rather than punishment as it lives to please its people.
Grooming:
The long, light-textured hair requires daily, careful grooming. The dead hair should be brushed and combed out. 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. The coat should not be scissored. Cotons sheds little to no hair. This breed is good for allergy sufferers.
Origin:
The Coton 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. It 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 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. Although still rare, 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.
