History
The Coton De-Tulear is a sweet and cuddly Dog breed with a clownish personality, the Coton de Tulear is always ready for a good time.
This smart little Dog with the cottony coat originated in Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.
Description
This small, longhaired, cottony-coated Dog was never bred to be anything but a companion, and to this day, that’s what they do best.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: They require daily grooming where dead hair should be brushed and combed out, and excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears removed. They don't bathe more than once or twice a year which will be adequate to keep them clean if kept out of mud.
- Coat Type: Coton in French meaning cotton, the most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its coat - cottony or fluffy rather than silky. It has a long topcoat.
- Moulting: Cotons shed little to no hair. This breed is good for allergy sufferers.
- Exercise Needs: Cotons like to swim and play. They enjoy wide open spaces and can follow their masters on horseback for many miles.
- Average Life Span: 14 years
Behaviour
- Family: Cotons are good with kids if kids are good with them. They're fun-loving and energetic enough to be playmates for older children who treat them respectfully, but they'll learn to hide from clumsy younger children who may pat them too hard or accidentally kick them or step on them.
- Temperament: The happy and boisterous Coton is a people-pleaser, who wants nothing more than to spend time with their humans. They form strong bonds with family members and don't like to be separated from them.
- Trainability: Some people find the Coton difficult to housetrain, but given a regular schedule a Coton can pick things up very quickly.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Cotons prefer the company of people, but they get along well with other Cotons, Dogs of other breeds, and Cats.
- Barking: Cotons may bark once or twice if the doorbell rings or they see something interesting, but they don't generally bark just for the fun of it.
Talents
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, so long as they are taken for a daily walk.
Notes
Coton puppies need extra grooming while their adult coats are coming in, usually between seven and 15 months of age. They’re highly energetic Dogs who love to be with their family so be prepared for a hands on Pooch.