The Coton de Tulear is a charming dog breed that's sure to capture your heart. They originated in Madagascar, where they were highly valued as companions by the island's royalty.
To pronounce "Coton de Tulear" correctly, break it down into smaller parts: "Coton" is pronounced as "koh-ton", while "de Tulear" is pronounced as "duh too-leh-ah."
One of the breed's defining characteristics is its soft, cotton-like coat, which comes in a variety of colors including white, black, and a combination of both.
What is a Coton de Tulear?
The Coton de Tulear is a small, longhaired dog with a cottony-coated coat.
He's a companion dog through and through, bred to be by your side at all times. Whether you're working, playing, or just lounging around, he's happy to be with you.
The Coton de Tulear takes his name from his cotton-like coat and the seaport city of Tulear, 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.
The Coton de Tulear is known for his intelligence, sociability, and easy-care coat, making him a great companion for many people.
Coton de Tulear Characteristics
The Coton de Tulear is a small dog with a big personality. He weighs between 8-13 pounds and stands at a small size.
This breed is known for its intelligence, sociability, and easy-care coat. The Coton de Tulear's coat is medium-length, soft, and cottony, and it's hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with allergies.
The Coton de Tulear is a playful and affectionate dog who loves to be around people. He's easy to train and excels in obedience and agility. He's also a good traveler and loves to go on walks, but he's not high maintenance when it comes to exercise.
Here are some key characteristics of the Coton de Tulear:
- Origin: Madagascar
- Breed group: Non-Sporting
- Size: Small
- Weight: 8-13 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
The Coton de Tulear is prone to some health issues, including skin allergies, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. Regular grooming and veterinary care can help prevent or manage these issues.
A fresh viewpoint: Coton De Tulear Health Problems
Temperament
The Coton de Tuléar is a playful, affectionate, and intelligent breed. They're generally quiet, but can become very vocal when having fun, grunting, barking, and making other noises.
Their curious nature means they love meeting new people and exploring new situations. You'll often see them jumping up and walking on their hind legs to please people.
Cotons are easy to train because they're very eager to please. They thrive on human companionship and will adapt well to any living environment.
A common trait of the Coton de Tuléar is to come alive in the evening. They're natural social butterflies and love being around people.
Here are some key temperament traits of the Coton de Tuléar:
Overall, the Coton de Tuléar is a charming and adaptable breed that makes a great companion for many families.
Coton de Tulear Coat
The Coton de Tulear's coat is truly one of its most distinguishing features - long, soft, and thick, with a fluffy, cottony texture that's just irresistible.
It's usually around four inches long by adulthood. The white coat may have a few shadings of light gray or red-roan on the ears.
Puppies are born all white or with yellow, brown, rust, or black spots on the head, ears, and sometimes the body. These spots disappear as puppies mature, leaving behind areas that range in color from light to medium champagne or gray.
Cotons shed very little, mainly in the spring, making them a great choice for people with allergies. However, it's always wise to meet and spend time with several different Cotons before deciding you can live with one.
Brushing the coat three or four times a week is essential to prevent matted fur. A pin brush with uncoated metal pins is the best tool for the job.
Using a spray conditioner as your brush will keep hair breakage minimal. Brushing regularly will also reduce the need for frequent bathing.
Depending on how dirty your Coton gets, they may need to be bathed weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. A whitening shampoo is usually the best choice to keep their coat looking its best.
Regular grooming is key to preventing mats and tangles, especially during the adult coat's development between seven and 15 months of age.
Physical Description
The coton de tulear's name is French for "cotton", and it's easy to see why - their long, soft coat is actually considered hair, not fur.
Cotons de Tulear are most often white, but they can also be born with yellow, brown, or black spots that can disappear or fade as they mature.
Their dark, round, wide-set eyes are a distinctive feature, and they're often accompanied by a bright and cheerful demeanor.
Cotons typically weigh between 8-13 pounds, with females weighing slightly less than males.
A full-grown coton measures about 18 inches long, and they're slightly longer than they are tall.
Sources
- "The United States of America Coton de Tulear Club" (usactc.org)
- "Accueil - Société Centrale Canine" (scc.asso.fr)
- "Coton de Tulear History - American Coton Club" (americancotonclub.com)
- "cotongrooming.com" (cotongrooming.com)
- Coton de Tulears (thecaninedirectory.com)
- "5 Things to Know About the Coton de Tuléar" (petful.com)
- Coton de Tulear (curlie.org)
- United States of America Coton de Tulear Club (usactc.org)
- Lady Grace Coton de Tulear Rescue (Facebook Page) (facebook.com)
- Coton de Tulear: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- United States of America Coton de Tulear Club (usactc.dog)
- AKC website (akc.org)
- United States Coton de Tulear Club (usactc.dog)
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