CONTON DE TULEAR

Temperament: Charming, Bright, Happy-Go-Lucky
Height: 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female)
Weight: 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 15-19 years
Group: Non-Sporting Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

Sweet and cuddly with a clownish personality, the Coton de Tulear dog breed is always ready for a good time. This smart little dog with the cottony coat originated in Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.

Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home.

Cotons, as they’re called for short, are loving, adaptable dogs who get along well with just about everybody. That includes kids and other dogs! They can fit in with apartment dwellers or live in larger homes, so long as they aren’t left alone for long hours of the day. These low-maintenance pooches can even thrive with novice pet parents who are new to the dog world. If you’re looking for a sweet, smart, playful addition to your family, you’d have a hard time finding a better breed!

The well-socialized Coton loves everyone. When your doorbell rings, the Coton may bark once, then politely accompany you to the door to greet your guest. The only risk a housebreaker faces is being licked to death.

He likes to “talk” to his people, using his own special language of unique vocalizations, including grunts and growls. He’ll love it when you talk back to him.

The Coton aims to please, and whatever makes you happy makes him happy as long as it doesn’t involve being apart from you. Consider this breed if you’re a stay-at-home parent, empty-nester, or retiree who has lots of time to spend with a canine best friend and will enjoy taking him places.

PERSONALITY

The bond between Cotons and their people is so tight that owners discuss it in human terms. Coton fanciers describe them as “witty” companions “at times boisterous but never demanding” and “naturally clownish and lighthearted,” who possess a “remarkably gentle, sympathetic awareness.” Amusing traits of these long-lived jesters include unique vocalizations and a knack for walking on their hind legs.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 3/4 cup daily of a high-quality dog food, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

The Coton de Tulear has remained fairly free of genetic health issues. That is not to say that they do not exist, but that any incidences are of an extremely low percentage. In the Coton, known incidences are usually in the one- to five-percent range. Coton breeders are working diligently to keep the breed as problem free as possible by doing genetic screening of all breeding stock. Occasionally eye problems and hip dysplasia do occur in the breed. As with all small breeds, there is a chance of luxating patellas, and spinal disc disease has been known to occur.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Patella Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Hip Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam

CARE

The Coton is a hardy dog who enjoys playing in all types of weather, including snow and rain. But he should always live indoors with his people (as should all dogs).

He’s well-suited to living in any environment, from apartments to ranch houses, but if he has a yard it should be fenced so he doesn’t wander off — or get stolen away by someone who admires him as much as you do.

Some people find the Coton difficult to housetrain, but given a regular schedule, frequent outings to do his business, and praise when he potties in the right place, a Coton can pick it up very quickly.

Crate-training can help him learn to wait until he’s taken outside to potty, as well prevent him from getting into trouble when you’re not around to supervise.

Cotons take well to training, especially when it’s presented in a positive manner. Reward him with praise, play, and treats, and let him know what a great job he’s done. Remember that his goal is to please you.

GROOMING

the Coton’s coat is not especially difficult to maintain, considering its length of 4 to 6 inches, it does require a regular investment of time.

On the plus side, the Coton’s hair dries quickly, requires relatively little brushing and doesn’t shed much.

To keep the Coton looking nice, brush his coat a few times a week. It’s easy to do this while you’re watching TV with the dog in your lap. At a minimum, this will take 20 to 30 minutes.

It’s also a good idea to trim the hair on the feet between the pads and toes. It may be necessary to trim the hair over the eyes if it seems to impair the dog’s vision. Of course, it’s important to keep the eyes and ears clean.

A Coton puppy’s coat is easy to groom, but when he reaches 7 to 8 months of age, the coat starts to change and begins to mat more easily. It’s essential to begin grooming the Coton at an early age so that when this coat change occurs, he is already used to being brushed and combed and is less likely to put up a fuss.

Grooming tools you should have on hand for the Coton include a small or medium-size slicker brush to remove mats and dead hair, a comb to remove food or other debris from the facial furnishings (beard and mustache) and a good coat detangler recommended by your dog’s breeder or groomer.

 You can bathe him weekly if you use a mild pet shampoo, or you can give a bath every three to four weeks. Be sure you comb out any mats or tangles before bathing him.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails every three to four weeks or as needed. Brush the teeth often with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. 

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, akc, vetstreet.