The Perro Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy dog with a big personality. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them a great companion for families and individuals alike.
To keep your Perro Coton de Tulear happy and healthy, regular grooming is a must. They require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their long, soft fur.
Their small size means they don't need a lot of space to run around, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk or playtime in a securely fenced area is ideal.
Their average lifespan is around 12-15 years, which means they'll be by your side for a long time.
Physical Characteristics
The Coton de Tuléar is a small dog breed with a unique appearance.
Their fur is extremely soft and fluffy, often described as cotton-like, which is where the breed gets its name. It's a non-shedding breed with low dander, making it a great choice for people with allergies.
The Coton de Tuléar has a medium-to-long coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing and combing are essential to keep their fur looking its best.
Their head is triangular in shape, with a short, black nose. Their eyes are large, round, and dark, with an alert and lively expression. Their ears are triangular and hang slightly to the sides of their head.
Their body is longer than it is tall, with a slightly convex topline. Their chest is long and well-developed, while their belly is tucked up but not excessively thin.
The ideal height for a male Coton de Tuléar is between 26 and 28 centimeters at the withers, while females should be between 23 and 25 centimeters. The ideal weight for males is between 4 and 6 kilograms, while females should weigh between 3.5 and 5 kilograms.
Here's a summary of the Coton de Tuléar's physical characteristics:
Detailed Information
The Coton de Tuléar's nose is a distinctive feature, and it's black in color according to the Coton de Tuléar Club of America standard. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard also accepts brown as a tolerable color.
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The lips should be tight and match the color of the nose, which is black in the Coton de Tuléar Club of America standard. This is an important aspect of the breed's overall appearance.
A Coton de Tuléar's teeth can be either in a scissor bite or pincer bite, and its eyes are normally round and dark in color. Wide-set eyes are also a characteristic of this breed.
The ears of a Coton de Tuléar are triangular and set high, with thin leather. The neck is strong and slightly arched, and it's preferred to be without a dewlap.
The chest of a Coton de Tuléar is well-developed and reaches to the elbows. The body is of moderate length and has a moderate tuck-up.
The pads of the feet are usually black, and the hind legs are normally strong and straight. The hind feet are similar to the front feet.
The tail of a Coton de Tuléar is traditionally low-set and tapering, carried over the back when in motion or excited, but relaxed otherwise.
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Temperament and Behavior
The Coton de Tulear is a playful and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction. They love to meet new people and are very curious about new situations.
This breed is known to be very vocal, grunting, barking, and making other noises when having fun. They can become very energetic and run around like a star, chasing small prey.
Cotons are intelligent and easy to train, eager to please their owners. They need to be taught to calm down and relax when instructed, or they may have "attacks" of hyperactivity.
They are very social with their family and love to be the center of attention. However, they can be wary of strangers and may not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time.
Cotons need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. They love to run, play, and swim, and need to be taken out for regular walks and playtime.
This breed is not suitable for owners who are away from home for long periods of time, as they may develop anxiety and destructive behavior. However, with proper training and socialization, Cotons can make great companions for families and individuals.
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Cuidados
The Coton de Tulear's coat requires daily brushing and combing to prevent matting and tangling. They love swimming, but owners should supervise them to ensure their safety.
Their fur doesn't shed like other breeds, but it does lose hair, which can get trapped in the coat if not brushed daily. This can lead to matting and the need for shaving.
A daily walk is essential for exercise, but they'll appreciate playtime as often as possible. They have the endurance for long hikes and love playing with other dogs.
These dogs are best suited for indoor life, where they can be safe and loved by their family. They're ideal for apartment or small home living due to their small size and good temperament.
However, they can wander off, so homes with outdoor spaces should have a fenced yard to prevent escape. Crate-training can help with house training, which can be a challenge for some owners.
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With frequent outdoor ventures, a regular schedule, and positive reinforcement, house training should be manageable. They're intelligent and love pleasing their family, making them responsive to training.
For grooming, use an uncoated metal pin brush two to three times a week to keep their coat fluffy and tangle-free. Smaller, fine-toothed combs can be used on the face to keep them looking stylish.
Brushing behind the ears, elbows, and legs is crucial, and a spray conditioner can minimize hair breakage. Trimming their coat and fur around the face can reduce grooming needs.
Their adult coat grows in around 15 months, requiring additional grooming. Regular nail trimming and tooth brushing (two to three times a week) are also essential.
Here's a rough guide to grooming frequency:
- Brushing: 2-3 times a week
- Bathing: 1-2 times a month
- Nail trimming: 1-2 times a month
- Tooth brushing: 2-3 times a week
Health and Wellness
The Coton de Tulear is known for its robust health, with a life expectancy of around 15 years. This is a testament to their overall well-being.
A UK study found that the breed's life expectancy is 14.2 years, which is higher than the average for purebred dogs. This is impressive, considering the breed's popularity.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain the Coton de Tulear's health. This includes X-Rays, eye examinations, physical examinations, and allergy tests.
The breed is susceptible to allergies and patellar luxation, so it's crucial to monitor their health closely.
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Pérdida Pelo
The Cotón de Tulear's shedding can be a concern for some owners. This breed loses its undercoat, but the shedding is moderate.
You can expect the Cotón de Tulear to lose more hair during its annual molting periods in autumn and spring.
Salud
The Coton de Tulear is known for its robust health, with a life expectancy of around 15 years, according to various studies.
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14.2 years from a sample size of 44 dogs for the breed, compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.
This breed's double coat provides excellent protection from extreme temperatures, but it's still important to keep an eye on your Coton de Tulear's comfort levels, especially during extreme summer weather.
However, they can be susceptible to allergies, particularly skin allergies, and ear infections due to their hanging ears.
Some common health issues to look out for in Coton de Tulears include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, and Allergies.
Here are some recommended health checks for your Coton de Tulear:
- X-Rays
- Eye Examination
- Physical Examination
- Allergy Tests
Regular veterinary check-ups and staying on top of vaccinations and parasite control can help prevent diseases like Parvovirus and Rabies.
Orígenes y Historia la Raza
The origins of the Coton de Tulear are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed they were brought to Madagascar by European sailors, possibly French, Portuguese, or English, who brought their small white dogs with them.
The Coton de Tulear was first found in Madagascar, although how they got there is still a mystery with several different stories.
It's thought that these small dogs arrived on Madagascar when they were the only survivors of a shipwreck, and then adapted to life on the island.
They were given the name of “the Royal dog of Madagascar” and were highly valued by the wealthy families of the island.
The Coton de Tulear was a street dog and a pet, living on the island for hundreds of years before being discovered by a Frenchman in the 1970s.
The Frenchman took some of them back to France, where they became a recognized breed in 1975.
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They made their appearance in North America around the same time period.
The Coton de Tulear is a Malagasy dog, developed in the port city of Tuléar, now known as Toliara.
The breed was traditionally kept by wealthy families in Madagascar, but it wasn't until 1970 that the breed was officially recognized by the FCI.
The first Coton de Tulear were exported to America in the 1970s, and while they're still a relatively unknown breed, their popularity is growing.
Ownership and Cost
The cost of owning a Cotón de Tulear is a significant investment. The approximate price of a Cotón de Tulear can range from 500€ to 1500€, depending on its origins, age, and sex.
To give you a better idea, the monthly expenses for a Cotón de Tulear can be around 20€. This is a relatively affordable cost, considering the joy and companionship a dog can bring to your life.
If you're interested in buying a Cotón de Tulear, it's essential to research reputable breeders and consider adopting from a shelter.
Owner Experiences
As a Coton de Tulear owner, you'll notice that their coat color can change with age. The black and white colors can turn bluish as the dog ages.
Coton de Tulear owners often comment on the low-shedding nature of their dog's coat. This is a big plus for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
Some owners have reported that their Coton de Tulear's coat turns more gray or charcoal with age, but this can vary depending on the individual dog.
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Precio Aproximado
When considering the cost of owning a Cotón de Tulear, it's essential to think about the initial purchase price.
The approximate price of a Cotón de Tulear can vary significantly, with prices ranging from around 500€ for an inscribed individual to as high as 1500€ for descendants of exclusive linajes.
You'll also need to factor in the monthly expenses for your new pet.
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Criadores
If you're interested in buying a Cotón de Tulear, it's essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder.
A trustworthy breeder will know the characteristics of the breed and be happy to show you their facilities and the dogs that live there.
Look for a breeder who is a member of a club or association for the breed.
A good breeder will also show interest in your lifestyle and whether you're ready to provide a suitable home for a dog.
They should provide documentation about the puppies and their parents, and you should be able to visit the breeder at any time without restrictions.
Some recommended breeders to consider are Criadero Saianel, Muguiris Cotón de Tulear, and Berguidum Cotón, among others.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a breeder:
- They know the breed inside and out
- They're transparent about their facilities and the dogs that live there
- They're a member of a breed club or association
- They're interested in your lifestyle and whether you're ready for a dog
- They provide documentation about the puppies and their parents
- They're open to visits at any time
Similar Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that are similar to the Perro Coton de Tulear, you're in luck. The Perro Coton de Tulear has a unique appearance that's hard to match, but some breeds come close.
If you're looking for breeds that are similar in maintenance needs, the Finnish Lapphund, Bully Jack Terrier, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Lowchen, and Chigi are all 100% similar to the Perro Coton de Tulear in terms of grooming and care needs.
If you're looking for breeds that are similarly sized, you might consider the Havaton, Silkchon, Tsvetnaya Blonka-Poo, Havanese, or Havashu, which are all within 5% of the Perro Coton de Tulear's size.
Similarly Sized Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that are similar in size to the Coton de Tulear, you're in luck. The Havaton is essentially the same size, with a 100% similarity in size.
The Silkchon and Tsvetnaya Blonka-Poo are also quite close in size, with a similarity of 97%.
If you're considering the Havanese, you'll find it's very similar in size to the Coton de Tulear, with a 96% similarity.
The Havashu is another breed that's close in size, with a 95% similarity.
Here are some breeds that are similar in size to the Coton de Tulear:
Similar Maintenance Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that require similar maintenance to the Coton de Tulear, you've got a few options. The Finnish Lapphund is a great match, with a 100% similarity in maintenance needs.
The Bully Jack Terrier is another breed that shares a similar maintenance profile, also with a 100% similarity. I've found that their grooming needs are quite similar to the Coton de Tulear's.
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The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hunting breed that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, much like the Coton de Tulear. Their maintenance needs are 100% similar.
The Lowchen is a toy breed that needs regular grooming to prevent matting, and their maintenance needs are 100% similar to the Coton de Tulear's.
The Chigi is another breed with 100% similar maintenance needs to the Coton de Tulear. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Here are some breeds with similar maintenance needs to the Coton de Tulear:
- Finnish Lapphund (100% Similar)
- Bully Jack Terrier (100% Similar)
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (100% Similar)
- Lowchen (100% Similar)
- Chigi (100% Similar)
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo saber si mi perro es Cotón de Tulear?
Un Cotón de Tulear es un perro pequeño que no supera los 5-6 kg, con una cabeza corta y triangular, y un cráneo ligeramente abombado. Si identificas estos rasgos físicos en tu perro, es posible que sea un Cotón de Tulear
¿Qué significa Cotón de Tulear?
El nombre 'Cotón de Tulear' se refiere a su pelaje blanco y suave como el algodón. Esta raza de perro es conocida por su carácter precioso, activo y social
Sources
- standard (fci.be)
- "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)
- Coton de Tulear | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- 1. Criadero Saianel (saianelcoton.com)
- 2. Coton de Tuléar D´Eramprunyà (cotonweb.com)
- 3. Muguiris Cotón de Tulear (muguiris.com)
- Whatsapp (wa.me)
- Muguiris (muguiris.com)
- Berguidum Cotón (bergidumcoton.com)
- Criadero de Saianel (saianelcoton.com)
- Coton de Tuléar - Características, carácter y FOTOS (expertoanimal.com)
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