Coton de Tulear vs Maltese: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Coton de Tulear and Maltese are two adorable small dog breeds that have captured the hearts of many. They're both known for their fluffy, white coats and sweet dispositions.

One key difference between the two breeds is their origin. The Coton de Tulear hails from the island of Madagascar, while the Maltese has its roots in the Mediterranean region.

Both breeds are known for being low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies. However, the Coton de Tulear requires more frequent grooming to prevent matting, whereas the Maltese has a more low-maintenance coat.

Ultimately, the choice between the Coton de Tulear and Maltese comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

You might like: Coton De Tulear Poodle Cross

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog, standing between 9 to 11 inches tall.

They have a well-developed chest and a level top line, giving them a sturdy build despite their tiny size.

These tiny pups are hypoallergenic and rarely shed fur and pet dander, making them an excellent choice for pet owners with allergies.

Male Coton de Tulears stand at 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 9 to 15 pounds, while females stand 9 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 8 to 13 pounds.

They are very easygoing and don't demand a lot from their owners, making them a great choice for busy families.

They have a soft, long, and cotton-like fur, and lively, expressive, and dark eyes that give them a smiling expression.

Their life expectancy averages 16-19 years, which is well above average and even boasts a couple more years than the Havanese.

Their relatively slim choices of color result from the limited breeding stock, but they can be white or black, with multicolor markings acceptable in limited colors.

Coton de Tulears need plenty of exercise to stay fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated, with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day recommended.

You can split their exercise into shorter sessions of around 10 minutes scattered throughout the day, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Exercise is key for Coton de Tulears, requiring 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

These energetic pups will thrive with regular exercise, so be prepared to spend quality time with them.

Shorter exercise sessions of around 10 minutes scattered throughout the day can be just as effective as longer sessions.

Daily walks of at least 15 to 30 minutes are a great way to keep your Coton de Tulear active and engaged.

Getting them outside in nature is ideal, allowing them to explore and experience new sights and smells.

Games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also excellent for exercise and their overall well-being.

Readers also liked: How to Cook Van De Kamp's Fish Fillets?

Coton de Tulears are easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to please their owners. They can easily pick up training cues and respond to both verbal and non-verbal commands.

These pups respond exceptionally well to positive-reinforcement cues, especially if they involve treats. Consistent training will help you train your dog better.

Here's an interesting read: Are Maltese Dogs Easy to Train

They don't respond well to negative reinforcements like shouting or physical abuse, which can lead to fear and anxiety. This is why it's essential to use positive reinforcement techniques.

If your pup is abnormally stubborn, consider hiring a professional dog trainer for guidance and support. Your feedback really matters, and finding the right trainer can make a big difference.

The Coton de Tulear and Maltese are both small, charming breeds that make excellent house pets. They are known for their affectionate nature and love to be around people.

Both breeds generally enjoy good health, but their health primarily depends on what you feed them and how well you take care of them. They require regular grooming to prevent hair mats and tangles.

The Coton de Tulear is a small but lively breed that requires less exercise than the Maltese. A game of fetch inside a fenced yard or a daily walk at a slow pace will be enough to keep a Coton happy and healthy.

You might enjoy: Small Maltese Dogs

They are people pleasers and do well in obedience and agility activities, but they don't make good guard dogs. They love everyone and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long.

Here are some key differences between the two breeds:

The Coton de Tulear's coat is easy to care for, especially after they grow their adult coat. They need regular brushing and occasional bathing to stay clean and healthy.

The Coton de Tulear and Maltese may look similar, but they have distinct origins. The Coton de Tulear hails from Madagascar, while the Maltese originated in the Mediterranean Basin.

One notable difference is the price tag. A Coton de Tulear can cost between $2400-$3000, whereas a Maltese can be purchased for $600-$800. This significant price difference may be a factor for some potential dog owners.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds:

Both breeds are considered companion dogs and are known for being affectionate, but they have distinct temperaments. The Coton de Tulear is described as lively, trainable, and intelligent, while the Maltese is active, easygoing, and sweet-tempered.

The Coton de Tulear, Maltese, and Havanese breeds may seem similar at first glance, but they have some key differences. The Coton de Tulear originates from Madagascar, while the Maltese hails from the Mediterranean Basin and the Havanese from Cuba.

Their life expectancies are relatively long, ranging from 14 to 18 years. The Coton de Tulear and Havanese have a similar life expectancy, while the Maltese slightly outlives the other two.

One notable difference is their price range, with the Coton de Tulear being the most expensive, costing between $2400 and $3000, compared to the Maltese's $600 to $800 and the Havanese's $900 to $1200.

Here's a brief summary of the breeds' characteristics:

The Coton de Tulear and Havanese are both affectionate breeds, but the Havanese is also known for being gentle and playful. The Maltese, on the other hand, is described as active, easygoing, and intelligent.

Discover more: Havanese or Maltese

The Coton de Tulear and Maltese are two popular breeds that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance and affectionate nature.

One key difference between the two breeds is their origin, with the Coton de Tulear hailing from Madagascar and the Maltese from the Mediterranean Basin.

The Coton de Tulear and Maltese both belong to the Companion Dog group and are known for their hypoallergenic coats, requiring average grooming needs.

In terms of temperament, both breeds are affectionate and playful, but the Coton de Tulear is described as lively and trainable, while the Maltese is known for being active and easy-going.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds:

The Coton de Tulear has a slightly shorter lifespan and higher price range compared to the Maltese.

Coton de Tulears are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 16 years with proper care.

Despite their overall good health, Coton de Tulears can be prone to certain health issues, including Luxating Patellas, Hip Dysplasia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Regular vet visits and vaccinations can help prevent or manage these conditions.

Related reading: Pronounce Dogue De Bordeaux

It's essential to keep an eye out for symptoms of these conditions, such as slipping knees, pain while walking, and blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your dog's health.

Here's a summary of the potential health issues to watch out for:

Coton de Tulears are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 16 years with proper care. Regular vet visits and vaccinations are essential for maintaining their health.

One of the most common health issues in Coton de Tulears is Luxating Patellas, a condition that causes the slipping of the knees. This can be avoided by not letting puppies jump rigorously when their joints are still growing and forming.

Hip Dysplasia is another heritable condition that affects the hind legs of Coton de Tulears, causing pain and discomfort while walking. It's crucial to screen dogs for this condition before breeding.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary eye condition that can cause blindness in Coton de Tulears. Although it can be a concern, it doesn't necessarily affect their quality of life.

To keep your Coton de Tulear healthy, schedule regular vet visits and vaccinations. This will help prevent and detect any potential health issues early on.

A regular grooming routine can also help prevent health problems in Coton de Tulears. Brush their coat at least four times a week, and bathe them weekly or every three weeks.

Here are some essential grooming tools you'll need for your Coton de Tulear:

Remember to brush your Coton de Tulear's teeth regularly to keep their mouth and teeth clean and smelling fresh. This can be done three to four times a week using a good quality dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

When it comes to feeding your Coton de Tulear, the recommended amount of food is 3/4 cup of premium-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Feed your dog high-quality and age-appropriate food to keep them healthy and happy. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's dietary needs.

For another approach, see: Homemade Food for Maltese Dogs

The amount of food depends on several things, including your dog's age, build, and structure, size, metabolism, and the amount of playtime they have.

To avoid obesity, don't leave food out all the time and measure the food before feeding your dog.

Here are some vet-recommended dog food options for Cotons:

The price of a Maltese can vary depending on several factors, but one thing is certain: they're a significant investment. Between $3,000 to $4,000 is the typical price range for a show quality Maltese.

Their small size belies their big price tag, but trust me, it's worth every penny.

The cost of a Maltese can be steep, but it's essential to consider the long-term benefits of owning one of these adorable dogs.

Coton de Tulears are people pleasers and thrive on attention, so be prepared to spend quality time with them.

They love to follow their favorite person around the house and will often try to keep up with them, even if it means getting underfoot.

A daily walk of 30 minutes is a great way to provide physical and mental stimulation for your Coton de Tulear.

They're not high maintenance in terms of exercise, but they do need regular playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Coton de Tulears are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

They're also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.

However, they do have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

This means that they'll need plenty of attention and interaction from their owners to prevent destructive behavior.

Fortunately, Coton de Tulears are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.

Their cottony coat is easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for owners who don't want to deal with a lot of dog hair.

If this caught your attention, see: Large White Dog Breeds Great Pyrenees

The Maltese Dog is a centuries-old breed that originated in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically in the island country of Malta. They're a toy dog, associated with luxury and affluence, and were a staple for royalty, including Queen Elizabeth the First and Mary Queen of Scots.

Maltese dogs are typically affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners, but can become overprotective. They're mostly alert dogs, constantly on the lookout for threats, but are gentle and charming with kids.

Maltese dogs are small and elegant, with tiny frames and thick white coats. They have a small head, a clearly defined stop between the head and the muzzle, and dark, large, rounded features.

They have long ears that hang close to their cheeks and are completely covered in hair. Maltese dogs need regular exercise to thrive, about 30 minutes a day, to physically and mentally stimulate them.

These dogs are generally easy to train, but a few bad apples aren't uncommon. Consistency and patience are vital to proper training, and negative reinforcement is counterproductive.

You might enjoy: Small White Dogs Breeds

Maltese dogs are incredibly popular in the US, ranking 38th on AKC's 2022 list of most popular dog breeds. They're one of the oldest dog breeds, having existed for a whopping 29 centuries.

The Maltese has a compact build, standing between 7 and 12 inches, and weighs a paltry 6 pounds in adulthood. They have thick, white coats with straight fur and tufted tails.

Their gumdrop noses and big round black eyes make them extremely adorable. Sometimes their fur grows long enough to sweep the floor and give them an ornamental look.

The Maltese is a lively, people-oriented tiny dog with a big heart and an insatiable appetite for fun. They love their owners and get very attached to them.

They're very playful, vigorous, and eager to learn, making them easy to train. Despite their small gait, Maltese are alert to intruders and outsiders, and are known to be excessive barkers.

These pups are generally good with kids and other pets, but may be raucous with younger children who may handle them roughly. You should never leave your Maltese with children unattended.

A tiny, fenced area with a few toys will do just fine for providing adequate play space and enough exposure to other people to socialize your Maltese.

Related reading: Do Maltese Dogs Have Hair or Fur