Coton de Tulear

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Basic Info

The Coton de Tuléar is a small breed of dog. The Coton de Tuléar has a medium-length, fluffy, cotton-like white coat that is hair rather than fur. Coton's can also have lemon coloured, or grey, markings on their ears. It weighs about 4.5 to 7kg (9 to 18lb) and is between 20 and 30cm (8.5 to 14in) tall. The skull is slightly rounded and wider than it is long. The muzzle is straight and shorter than the skull. The nose is black in colour, brown tolerated but not preferable, pink unacceptable. The lips are tight and of the same colour as the nose. The teeth are in a scissor bite or pincer bite. The eyes are round, dark in colour and wide set. The expression should be lively, intelligent, bright, and merry. The ears are triangular and set high. The leather of the ear should be thin. The neck is strong, without a dewlap and slightly arched. The chest is well developed and reaches below the elbows. The feet are small and arched. The back should be strong and slightly arched. The pads of the feet are black. The body is of moderate lengh and should have a moderate tuck up. The loin is muscular and not too long. The hind legs are strong and straight. The hind feet similar to the front feet. the Dewclaws may be removed. The tail is low set and tapering, carried over the back when in motion or excited, relaxed otherwise.

Health

The Coton is in general a healthy breed. Being fairly rare it has not been overbred or bred in puppy mills and as a result there are no genetic diseases that are prevalent in the breed. They are long-lived and normally live between 14 and 18 years.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Coton is a playful, affectionate, intelligent breed. It loves people and as a result can have separation anxiety. It loves life and is enthusiastic and lively. It is a very vocal breed, grunting and making other noises when having fun. The Coton often exhibits shyness or cautiousness in new situations, especially around strangers, but this can be overcome with training. It is very trainable as long as it is trained with praise rather than punishment as it lives to please its people.

Origin

Madagascar

History

The Coton's ancestors were thought to have been brought to Madagascar in the 16th century by sailors from Spain and Portugal and is named after the port city of Tulear. The Coton is believed to be related to the Bichon family of dogs, perhaps linked most closely to the Bichon Tenerife. The breed arrived at the port of Tulear in the late 1600's, probably after catching passage on mercantile ships sailing out of Europe. This new small, friendly dog caught the fancy of the Merina royalty, and was bred into what is known today as the Coton de Tulear. Today the breed is increasing in popularity, but the dog is still largely unknown among the general population. It has its strongest presence in North America, and is supported by several kennel clubs.

Common Foods

pellet dog food