Discover the Chocolate Brown Coton de Tulear Dog

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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The Chocolate Brown Coton de Tulear dog is a stunning breed that's sure to capture your heart. They have a beautiful, unique coat that's a rich, chocolate brown color.

These dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a great fit for families and first-time dog owners. They are highly social and love to be around people.

One of the standout features of the Chocolate Brown Coton de Tulear is their low-shedding coat. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance pet.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Fluffy Great Pyrenees

Quick Facts

The chocolate brown Coton de Tuléar is a unique and lovable breed.

The Coton de Tuléar originates from Madagascar, which is a fascinating fact given its current popularity worldwide.

This breed falls under the Non-Sporting group, making it a versatile companion for many families.

The chocolate brown Coton de Tuléar typically weighs between 8-13 pounds, making it a great choice for those with smaller living spaces.

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These dogs can live for 14-16 years, which is a significant commitment for any pet owner.

Their medium-length coat is hypoallergenic, soft, and cottony, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

The Coton de Tuléar is known for being affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them a joy to be around.

They require moderate exercise, which can be achieved through daily walks and playtime.

Training is also relatively easy, as they are highly responsive to commands and rewards.

Unfortunately, this breed is prone to skin allergies, ear infections, and hip dysplasia, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

Here are some notable owners of Coton de Tuléars: Barbara Streisand, Debra Messing, Jane Fonda, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Glenn Close.

Overview

The chocolate brown Coton de Tuléar is a small, longhaired dog with a cottony-coated coat that's as soft as it is easy to care for.

He's an observant dog who quickly learns routines and adapts to his person's needs, making him a great companion for stay-at-home parents, empty-nesters, or retirees.

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The chocolate brown Coton takes his name from his cottonlike coat and the seaport city of Tulear (now known as Toliara), located on the African island nation of Madagascar, where the breed originated.

He's related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese but has his own distinct style, which makes him a unique and lovable companion.

The Coton is known as a good and flexible traveler, perhaps a remnant of his seafaring days when he accompanied ladies making long journeys by ship.

He's a good and flexible traveler, and with proper care, he'll thrive in new environments and make new friends.

With regular brushing (three or four times weekly) and occasional bathing, his soft, shaggy white coat will remain clean and healthy-looking.

He's a social butterfly who loves everyone, and he'll even try to answer back when spoken to.

The Coton de Tuléar is a perfect companion for anyone who wants a loyal and loving friend that will follow them everywhere.

If this caught your attention, see: When Do Maltese Dogs Stop Growing

Key Characteristics

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Cotons de Tulear are low-shedding dogs, but they may shed their puppy coat before their adult coat grows in.

Their long, soft coat is actually considered hair, not fur, which helps contribute to their nearly hypoallergenic status.

You can expect your chocolate brown coton to weigh between 8–13 pounds, with females weighing slightly less than males.

They're typically around 18 inches long, and slightly longer than they are tall, with full-grown males measuring 10–12 inches tall and females measuring 9–11 inches.

Size

The Coton de Tuléar is a small but adorable breed.

Males stand between 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder.

Females are slightly smaller, ranging from 8.5 to 11 inches.

Males typically weigh between 9 to 13 pounds.

Females usually weigh between 8 to 11 pounds.

Appearance

Cotons de Tulear have a long, soft coat that's actually considered hair, not fur, which helps contribute to their nearly hypoallergenic status.

Their coat is low-shedding, but they may shed their puppy coat before their adult coat grows in.

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They're most often white, but puppies can be born with yellow, brown, or black spots that can disappear or fade into a lighter gray or champagne color as the dog matures.

A standard coton measures about 18 inches long.

Full-grown males are 10–12 inches tall, while females are 9–11 inches tall.

You can expect your coton to weigh between 8–13 pounds, with females weighing slightly less than males.

History

The Coton de Tulear has a rich history that spans hundreds of years. They originated on the island of Madagascar, off the southeast coast of Africa.

They likely arrived on the island as long as several hundred years ago, possibly as companions for ladies on sea voyages or as ratters on ships. The exact circumstances of their arrival are unclear.

Some dogs became pets in the royal court and wealthy households, while others were street urchins. This diverse background has contributed to the breed's unique personality.

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It wasn't until the 1970s that a Frenchman brought some Cotons back to France and worked to establish them as a breed. This marked the beginning of their international recognition.

Today, the Coton de Tulear is registered with various kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club and Europe's Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Health and Care

The chocolate brown Coton de Tulear is a healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's not immune to certain health issues.

Luxating patellas, a common problem in small breeds, can be a concern for Cotons. Protecting your puppy from jumping on and off furniture while their joints develop is crucial.

Hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition, can lead to arthritis and discomfort in your Coton. Responsible breeders will have their dogs' hips certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a degenerative eye disorder, can cause blindness, but it's detectable years before symptoms appear. Reputable breeders will have their dogs' eyes certified annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

To keep your Coton healthy, regular grooming is essential. They need to be bathed every one to three weeks and brushed at least three to four times a week.

A Coton's lifespan is typically 15–19 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

Health

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Cotons are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Luxating patellas, a common problem in small breeds, can be prevented by protecting your puppy from jumping on and off furniture while their joints develop. This is especially important because Cotons tend to think they're invincible and capable of flight.

Hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, can cause pain and lameness in one or both rear legs. X-ray screening can detect hip dysplasia, and dogs with this condition should not be bred.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness. However, dogs can live a full and happy life even with blindness, as they can use their other senses to compensate.

Reputable breeders provide health certifications for a puppy's parents, including OFA certification for knees, hips, elbows, and hearts, as well as certification of eye health from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. Some breeders may also provide OFA thyroid certifications.

Here are some health clearances to look for when buying a Coton puppy:

  • OFA certification for knees
  • OFA certification for hips
  • OFA certification for elbows
  • OFA certification for hearts
  • Certification of eye health from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation

Care

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Cotons de Tulear require a lot of grooming to stay healthy and happy. They need to be brushed at least three to four times a week to prevent matting, especially behind the ears, legs, and elbows.

Their hair can grow up to 4-6 inches long, and a pin brush is the best tool for the job. Brushing helps minimize matting and keeps their coat looking its best.

Bathing is also a regular occurrence for Cotons, with a recommended frequency of once every one to three weeks. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and tooth brushing are also essential.

To prevent matting, it's essential to get as close to the skin as possible when brushing, being gentle, of course. This is especially important when their adult coat begins to grow in, around 1 year old.

Cotons can grow their signature long locks or be kept in a "puppy cut" for easier grooming. If their coat does become matted, keep brushing sessions short and reward them with praise and treats for their patience.

Here's a quick brushing schedule to keep in mind:

Feeding and Nutrition

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A Coton de Tulear's dietary needs are unique, and it's essential to provide the right amount and type of food to keep your chocolate brown Coton healthy and thriving.

The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Coton de Tulear is 3/4 cup daily of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals. This can vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog, and the less you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

To determine if your Coton is overweight, look for a visible waist and use the "eye and hands-on tests." Place your hands on your Coton's back, thumbs along the spine, and fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without pressing hard.

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A Coton de Tulear's diet should consist of high-quality dry or wet foods (or a mixture of both) approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The American Coton Club recommends foods with a protein content of about 30% to keep your pup healthy.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how much to feed your Coton:

  • The type and brand of dog food
  • Your dog's health history
  • Your dog's age
  • Your dog's current and desired weight

Your Coton's dog food packaging will give basic guidance on portions, and your veterinarian can provide further guidance.

As long as your Coton de Tulear is eating AAFCO-approved food, she should receive all the nutrients she needs. However, your vet may recommend supplements for your pup, such as probiotics and enzymes to help the Coton's digestive system, as well as fish oil to help maintain that soft, cotton ball-like coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of a Coton de Tulear?

The Coton de Tulear is a breed prone to certain health issues, including luxating patella, hip dysplasia, liver shunt, disc problems, and eye concerns, which can impact its quality of life and longevity. Responsible ownership requires awareness of these potential disadvantages and regular veterinary care to manage them.

Colleen Gusikowski

Senior Copy Editor

Colleen Gusikowski is a meticulous and detail-oriented copy editor with a passion for refining language and elevating content. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she brings clarity and coherence to a wide range of articles, from in-depth features to engaging listicles. Her expertise spans diverse topics, including the lovable Chocolate Lab breed and the creative world of canine nicknames.