Coton de Tulear Personality, Temperament, Grooming and Price

The Coton de Tulear is a small and fluffy dog breed from Madagascar’s island. The name “Coton” is derived from the French word for “cotton,” referring to this breed’s dense, soft coat, and “Tulear” refers to the city of Toliara on the southwest coast of Madagascar.

These dogs are known for their sweet and clown-like personalities and are adaptable to different types of homes and families. They make great companion dogs and are very attached to their owners.

The two closest breeds to the Coton de Tulear are the Bichon Frise and the Maltese dog breeds. These are purebred dogs that, over time, have developed some differences in appearance and temperament. The Coton de Tulear is slightly larger than the Bichon Frise and has a longer coat that is not as silky. They are also less prone to barking than the Maltese.

Cotons were initially used as hunting dogs on the island of Madagascar, and they would flush out small game birds and rodents from their hiding spots. These dogs are still used for tracking in some parts of the world, but they are more commonly kept as companion animals.

A few different kennel clubs recognize the Coton de Tulear, but the American Kennel Club does not yet recognize them.

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog breed that typically weighs between 9 and 13 pounds. They have a round head with large, dark eyes. The ears of these dogs are long and floppy, and they have a long, cottony coat that can be either white or cream.

These dogs are relatively low energy and do not require much exercise. They are good apartment dogs as long as they get a daily walk or playtime and are also good with children and other pets.

Characteristics

Temperament	Companion dogs very affectionate
Height	8-12 inches
Weight	8-14 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Coat	Fluffy, Cottony, and white/yellow. Sometimes black spots or rusted.

Breed History

The breed originates first in the 1700s on the island of Madagascar, and French settlers used them as companion dogs and quickly became popular among the upper class. The Coton de Tulear eventually made its way to France, where it gained popularity as a companion dog. As a member of the Bichon family, many of the early versions of this dog were smaller and had shorter coats.

The Coton de Tulear began appearing in France in the 1970s and 1980s, and the dogs would make their way over to North America shortly after that.

The AKC opened up its registration for the Coton de Tulear in 2014, but the breed has not yet been fully recognized as one of the official breeds.

Interesting facts about Coton de Tulear:

• These dogs are best known for walking on their hind legs and taking on this behavior quite easily.
• While the Coton de Tulear is a small dog, they are still known to be good swimmers.
• These dogs can also require extra grooming when they are puppies. Most owners will start brushing their Coton de Tulear’s coat when they are only a few weeks old.
• The dog breed is well suited to apartment life.
• Coton de Tulears are also one of the most hypoallergenic dogs, which means they are not prone to cause an allergic reaction in people.
• These dogs can suffer from separation anxiety as they age, so it is important to begin socializing them early on.
• The Coton de Tulear is a very adaptable breed and can live in both warm and cold climates.
• Cotons are also known to be good guard dogs, even though they are small in size. They will bark at strangers and protect their homes and family.

READ MORE: Small White Dog Breeds

Temperament and personality of Coton de Tulear:

The breed has a lovely temperament and is good with both children and other pets. They are very flexible in new situations and can live in small apartments or even larger homes. The Coton de Tulear is a very intelligent breed and is easily trained. They need a moderate amount of exercise and do not require a lot of space.

The breed is known to be very affectionate and loving. They will often play shadow their owners around the house and want to be involved in everything happening. These dogs are also very playful and will enjoy playing with toys or chasing a ball around the yard.

Coton de Tulears are very sociable dogs and love being around people. They can also be great dogs if you have other animals in the home. They are known to cooperate well with other dogs and cats.

Activity levels for this breed:

This breed requires a medium level of activity. They should get a daily walk or playtime, but they do not require a lot of exercise. This breed will be content with a short walk or one hour of exercise daily. They are also good dogs for apartment living as long as they get some daily activity.

Puzzle toys and tasks like agility are well suited to this breed as they are very intelligent. Training them to take on new tasks is a great way to keep their minds active and engaged. These dogs can get bored easily, and when they do, it often results in chewing behavior, separation anxiety, and other destructive behaviors. Make sure to establish a routine for your exercise and activity with your Coton de Tulear to avoid any problems.

The ideal owner for a Coton de Tulear:

The ideal owner for a Coton de Tulear is someone who is looking for a small, affectionate, and loving dog. They are best suited for families or homes with other pets as they love being around people and other animals. They require daily exercise, but a short walk or play session will be enough to keep them happy. The best way to keep your pet healthy and to live happily is to get involved with other dogs. They’re also excellent for apartment living as long as they exercise at least once a day.

Health concerns for Coton de Tulear

Some common health concerns come with this breed. Cotons tend to have many of genetic health issues from their parent breeds. Genetic testing through the line can show the health certifications of a good line through the pup’s parents. Many hereditary health issues present in some other breeds will not be found here, but some of the regular problems that have been reported include:

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip bones fit improperly into the hip socket. This can cause pain and lameness in the dog. It is important to get your pet checked by a veterinarian if you think they may have this condition.

Heart Problems:

Heart problems can also be a common health concern for this breed. Some of the problems that have been reported include:

• Pulmonic Stenosis: This heart condition can be congenital or acquired. The pulmonary valve is narrowing, which can lead to heart failure.
• Aortic Stenosis: This heart condition is similar to pulmonic stenosis. It is a narrowing of the aortic valve, which can also lead to heart failure.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are another common health concern for this breed. They are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause vision problems. If you think your pet may have cataracts, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye disease that’s degenerative that can eventually lead to blindness. It is important to have your pet’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian if you think they may be at risk for this condition.

Luxating patella:

Luxating patella is a condition where the knee cap moves out of place. This can be painful for the dog and may require surgery to fix.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

Keeping an eye on your dog’s comfort with their back can be important too. This condition is a result of the discs between the vertebrae deteriorating. It can cause pain, paralysis, and even death in severe cases.

Periodontal disease:

Tooth problems are also common in this breed. It is important to brush your pet’s teeth regularly and have their teeth checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis.

Coat Care and Grooming:

Due to the fluffy nature of the coat, the grooming requirements for this breed are high. They will need to be brushed daily to avoid matting and tangles. It is also important to keep their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed. Grooming your pet regularly will help to keep them healthy and looking their best. The long and dense hair is best brushed with a sharp-toothed comb or pin brush. Areas around the joints, ears, and under the tail may require special attention as these are areas that tend to attract matting.

Bathing may need to occur bi-weekly depending on your pet’s environment and how often they get dirty. A mild dog shampoo should be used to avoid skin irritation. It is important to ensure that all the soap is rinsed out of the coat to avoid skin problems. Towel drying or using a low heat setting on the hair dryer will help to prevent matting.

Checking the ears on a weekly basis for wax buildup will help to avoid ear infections. The hair inside the ears can also be trimmed to help with airflow and prevent wax buildup.

Daily tooth brushing and weekly nail trims can all be done at home to help keep your pets coat and nails looking their best and prevent infection.

RELATED: Best Online Dog Grooming Courses

Feeding and Nutrition:

Diet and nutrition are important with any pet, but it is especially important with this breed. They are prone to weight gain, so a healthy and balanced diet is essential. Many commercially prepared dog foods will meet the dietary needs of your pet. It is important to avoid giving them table scraps as this can lead to obesity. They are generally healthy breeds when they get high-quality dog food. You can see a difference in the Coton’s coats when they are fed great food. You will often see fewer health issues and a better adult coat.

Monitor your treat and food intake closely, as even a few extra pounds can stress your joints and back. This breed does not do well with sudden changes in diet, so it is important to transition them if you need to make any changes slowly.

Training for Coton de Tulear:

As this is a highly intelligent breed, it is important to train this dog with plenty of positive reinforcement. They will quickly learn tricks and commands but may need some patience in potty training.

This breed does best with short, consistent training sessions. Using treats as rewards can be a great way to help them learn. Training should start early and be continued throughout their life to prevent behavioral problems from developing. These dogs are always keen to please and will respond well to kind and firm training methods.

Obedience training and socialization are important for this breed. They will need to be taught how to behave around other dogs and people, as they can be shy if not properly socialized. Early exposure to different environments, people, and animals will help your pet grow into a confident and well-rounded adult.

RELATED: Best Online Dog Training Courses

Adoption and Rescue for Coton de Tulear:

Just because this is a newly recognized breed does not mean that there are not plenty of Coton de Tulear looking for homes. Many rescues and shelters have this breed available for adoption.

Adopting a pet is a great way to give a dog in need a second chance at life. It is important to research before you adopt to ensure that you are prepared to care for your new pet.

If you are interested in adopting a Coton de Tulear or any other dog breed, please contact your local shelter or rescue organization. They will be able to help you find the perfect pet for your family and lifestyle. You could also consider any of the many online resources available to help you find a pet or rescue program. Many top rescue programs will also have information about the Coton de Tulear breed. Reputable breeders may also be able to put you in contact with American kennel club recognized rescue group representatives.

The Coton de Tulear Club of America is also a great resource for finding adoptable dogs and general information about the breed. They have a list of Breeders on their website that you can contact if you are interested in purchasing a puppy.

Breeders and price for Coton de Tulear:

The Coton de Tulear is a somewhat rare breed. As the breed has only just made its way into North America quite recently, there are not yet many breeders available.

The average price for a Coton de Tulear puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1000-USD and 2000. This price range can vary depending on the location of the breeder, as well as the specific bloodline of the puppy.

When choosing a Coton de Tulear breeder, it is important to do your research. Make sure you visit the breeder in person and meet the puppy’s parents. This will give you a good idea of what to expect regarding temperament and personality.

It is also important to ensure that the breeder provides proper care for the puppies and adults. The breeder will provide you with health clearances for the puppy’s parents and the puppy itself.

A decent breeder can also answer any questions about the breed and assist with choosing the right puppy for your family.

Purchasing a Coton de Tulear from a responsible breeder is the best way to ensure that you get a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. However, it is important to remember that no matter where you purchase your puppy, it will need proper care and training to grow into a happy and well-rounded adult dog.

Conclusions

Overall this is a happy, friendly, and intelligent breed that makes a great companion for active families. They are known to be very devoted to their owners and make great watchdogs. The Coton de Tulear can be a wonderful addition to any family with proper care and training.

FAQ: