The Complete Guide to Coton de Tulear Cost and Care

The Coton de Tulear is a rare and adorable breed that's perfect for dog lovers who want a loyal companion. They originated on the island of Madagascar, where they've been a beloved pet for centuries.

These dogs are known for their fluffy white coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. According to the breed standard, they should have a "soft, silky coat that is white in color." Regular brushing can help prevent these issues and keep their coat looking its best.

Their small size and gentle nature make them a great choice for apartment dwellers or families with small children. However, they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Coton de Tuléar is a small dog breed that originated in Madagascar, weighing between 8-13 pounds and standing at a small size. They have a medium-length, soft, and cottony hypoallergenic coat that comes in white or cream with various markings.

Here are some key facts about the Coton de Tuléar:

These dogs are known for their affectionate, playful, and intelligent temperament, making them a great companion for many families. They require moderate exercise and are relatively easy to train.

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog breed that stands between 9-12 inches tall. They typically weigh between 8-13 pounds, making them a great choice for city living or families with small spaces.

Their medium-length, soft coat is one of their most distinctive features, and it sheds minimally, which is a plus for those with allergies. However, their coat does require daily brushing and combing to prevent mats from forming.

They're known for their happy personalities and are often described as lap dogs that love to spend time with their families.

The breed has a long and storied history that spans over 2,000 years, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient civilizations in Asia.

The breed's ancestors were highly valued for their strength, agility, and loyalty, making them popular companions for royalty and nobility.

In the 19th century, the breed underwent significant development, with breeders selectively breeding for specific traits to create the distinct characteristics we see today.

The breed's popularity soared in the early 20th century, with many prominent breeders and owners helping to establish breed standards and promote the breed.

Unfortunately, the breed faced significant decline in the mid-20th century due to a combination of factors, including overbreeding and a lack of breed standards.

Thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders and owners, the breed has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many breeders working to preserve the breed's unique characteristics and traits.

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The breed's physical characteristics are quite impressive. They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds and stand between 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their coats can be either short and smooth or long and fluffy, with a variety of colors including black, blue, and red.

Their eyes are almond-shaped and range in color from gold to copper.

The Coton de Tulear is a lap dog that loves to spend time with their families, making them perfect companions for those who want a furry friend by their side.

Their happy personalities are contagious and can brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

They're also pretty intelligent and trainable, which is great news for first-time dog owners or those who want to teach their Coton new tricks.

However, they can be pretty stubborn at times, especially around puberty, so be patient and consistent with training.

The Coton de Tulear is a generally healthy breed, but like any small dog, it can be prone to certain health issues. Luxating patellas, or knees that slip in and out of place, are a common problem that can be prevented by protecting puppies from jumping on and off furniture while their joints develop.

Protecting your Coton's joints is crucial, especially since they're known to think they're invincible and capable of flight. This means keeping an eye on them and preventing them from jumping off high places.

Health clearances are essential when buying a Coton de Tulear puppy. Reputable breeders provide 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.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in a Coton de Tulear:

Cotons are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common problems is Luxating patellas, also known as knees that slip in and out of place. This is especially common in small breeds, and it's essential to protect your puppy's joints while they're still developing.

Protecting your Coton puppy from jumping on and off furniture is crucial to prevent joint damage. I've seen many puppies who think they're invincible and capable of flight, but it's up to us to protect them from themselves.

Hip Dysplasia is another condition that can affect Cotons, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. This can lead to pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, and may even develop into arthritis as the dog ages.

If you're considering getting a Coton, be sure to ask the breeder for health clearances, especially for hips and knees. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification is a must-have for any reputable breeder.

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary degenerative eye disorder that can cause blindness. Fortunately, dogs can adapt to blindness and live happy lives with some adjustments.

Here are some health clearances you should expect from a reputable breeder:

Remember, health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age, as some health problems may not appear until a dog fully matures.

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In the United States, life expectancy at birth is around 78 years, but this number can vary depending on factors like lifestyle and genetics.

Poor diet and lack of physical activity can significantly reduce life expectancy, with a study showing that adults who are obese have a 20% higher risk of premature death.

Smoking is another major contributor to premature death, with tobacco use accounting for over 480,000 deaths per year in the US.

Regular exercise, on the other hand, can add up to 4 years to a person's life expectancy, according to research.

Genetics also play a role, with studies showing that people who have a family history of certain diseases may have a shorter life expectancy.

Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep are also crucial for a long and healthy life, with research suggesting that even modest weight loss can improve life expectancy.

Caring for a Coton de Tulear requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their soft, white coat.

They need to be brushed daily, ideally with a pin brush or a slicker brush, to prevent knots and tangles.

Their coat requires regular trimming to prevent it from becoming too long and unruly.

A Coton de Tulear's diet consists of high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and low in fat.

Coton de Tulears are known to be hypoallergenic, which is great news for owners with allergies. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, especially around the armpits and behind the ears.

Cotton de Tulears need to be bathed every 2-3 weeks, or as needed.

Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and health issues.

Their teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health.

Their fur can easily get matted, so it's essential to brush them gently but thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas prone to matting.

Their beautiful coat requires regular conditioning to keep it healthy and shiny.

If you're thinking of adopting a Coton de Tulear, you're in for a treat. These dogs thrive with lots of attention from their owner.

A Coton de Tulear puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $2000 to $3000. However, if you're looking to adopt, you can find a lower price, typically between $150 to $300, to cover dog care expenses before adoption.

These dogs get along well with people and pets, making them a wonderful addition to any family. They love to socialize and be around their owners.

A show or breedable quality pup can cost between $3000 to $4000, but it's worth considering if you're serious about showing or breeding your Coton de Tulear.

When it comes to feeding your Coton de Tulear, it's essential to consider their unique nutritional needs.

Cotons are prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake is crucial, especially for females who can weigh up to 8 pounds.

A balanced diet that includes a mix of high-quality protein, moderate fat, and complex carbohydrates is ideal.

Cotons are sensitive to certain ingredients, such as soy and dairy, which can cause skin issues and allergies.

Their small stomachs can't handle large meals, so feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day is recommended.

A daily intake of 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight is a good starting point.

Some owners have reported success with a raw diet, but it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian before making any drastic changes.

Fresh water should always be available, and their water intake should be monitored to prevent dehydration.

Cotons are known to be picky eaters, so it's essential to find a food that they enjoy and can tolerate.

Some owners have reported that their Cotons prefer to eat at room temperature, rather than cold or hot food.

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