Coton de Tulear: temperament, size, care and health

About the Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy dog with a slightly longer-than-tall body, a tail that curls over the back and a fluffy coat that is soft to the touch and said to resemble cotton, which gives the breed its name. Most dogs are white, though some have pale gray or champagne shading on the ears and body. The eyes are dark and the expression is bright and cheerful.

The Coton was developed as a household companion, and that purpose still describes it well. People keep it for its small size, its gentle humor and a coat that sheds little.

Temperament and family life

A Coton is a sociable and adaptable dog that is rarely aggressive. It is usually glad to see visitors, tends to get along with other dogs and cats and enjoys children, though as with any small dog a young child needs to be taught how to handle it. It follows its family around the house and is happiest when included in whatever they do.

Cotons are often described as clownish. Many perform small tricks, such as walking on their hind legs, for attention. Their strong attachment to people means that long periods alone can lead to separation anxiety, barking or destruction. They bark at unfamiliar noises but are generally not as noisy as many other small breeds.

Exercise and training

The breed has moderate energy. A daily walk, a game of fetch and some time to run in a secure area meet its needs. It enjoys learning, and many Cotons do well in obedience, rally, agility and therapy work. In hot weather, exercise should be kept gentle.

Training with food, praise and play goes smoothly because the Coton is intelligent and eager to join in. Harsh correction is unnecessary and counterproductive. Like many small dogs, it can be slow to housetrain, so a routine and patience are worthwhile. Early socialization keeps the breed confident and prevents timidity.

Grooming and shedding

The cottony coat sheds very little, but it tangles and mats if neglected. Brushing and combing down to the skin every other day is a sensible routine, and many owners keep the coat in a shorter puppy clip to reduce the effort. A bath every few weeks helps to keep the white coat clean, and tear staining around the eyes should be wiped daily.

Ears need checking, since hair grows in the canal and can trap moisture. Trim nails and brush the teeth often. Coat color often darkens slightly with age, which is normal.

Health

The Coton is considered a healthy breed with a long lifespan, though the small population means careful breeding matters. Patellar luxation is the most common concern. Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye diseases, hip dysplasia, ear infections, dental disease and some skin and liver issues are also reported. Obesity can aggravate joint problems.

Responsible breeders examine knees, hips and eyes and may test for specific genetic conditions. This is general information about the Coton de Tulear, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is named for the port city of Tulear, now called Toliara, on the southwest coast of Madagascar. It descends from small white dogs related to the bichon family, which are generally thought to have arrived on the island with European sailors and traders. A popular story says the ancestors swam ashore from a shipwreck. On Madagascar the dogs became companions of the nobility and wealthy families. The breed reached Europe and the United States late in the twentieth century and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014.

Is the Coton de Tulear right for you?

A Coton suits households that want a small, friendly, low-shedding companion, including first-time owners, families with considerate children and people living in apartments, so long as someone is home for much of the day and the coat is brushed regularly.

It is not suited to people who are away all day, who dislike grooming or who want a guard dog. Comparable breeds include the Bichon Frise, which is more exuberant, the Havanese, with a silkier coat, and the Maltese, which is smaller and can be more delicate.