Coton De Tulear Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Coton De Tulear?

According to legend, a shipwreck brought the ancestor of the vivacious tiny Coton de Tulear, a Bichon-type dog, to the island of Madagascar. The beached canines were left to fend for themselves since none of the ship's occupants survived.

According to another version, the breed is said to have originated when a Tenerife dog landed in a port in the 16th century. It is said that they arrived aboard a pirate ship or as the companions of women at sea and subsequently mated with a native island dog.

Madagascar's affluent households cherished them as companions. Their affiliation with Malagasy and Merina tribal nobility resulted in the title "Royal Dog of Madagascar."

In France, the creation of the contemporary Coton did not begin until the 1970s. Although its fluffy coat has been preserved, the modern breed varies significantly from the little dog native to Madagascar. Today, the Coton de Tulear is Madagascar's national dog and a member of the Bichon family.

Who are Coton De Tulear dogs best for?

Coton de Tulear dogs are intelligent, charming dogs that are fond of kids and are loyal and faithful family companions. They are also one of the friendliest canine breeds, getting along well with cats, other dogs, and domestic pets.

These purebred dogs are fantastic for single-person homes and make wonderful companion dogs for the elderly. If you have pet allergies, a Coton dog is an excellent option too. They rarely shed and are considered hypoallergenic.

How much grooming does a Coton De Tulear need?

The thick, long-haired coat of the Coton is prone to matting and tangling. Daily brushing with an uncoated metal pin brush can help avoid your pup from suffering when untangling its fur. Particular care should be used while brushing behind your furry friend's ears, elbows, and hind legs. Reduce the likelihood of hair breakage by using a mist conditioner.

When brushing your Coton pup's facial hair, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush. Some owners keep their beloved pet's coat short to make maintenance easier and simpler.

Whether your Coton needs a bath depends on its degree of filthiness. A whitening shampoo aids in preserving his hair's sleek and lustrous look. To keep your pet's hair from tangling after a bath, avoid rubbing; instead, pat your pooch down gently with a towel.

A weekly examination of the ears is required, and remove any unwanted hairs around your Coton's ears. Clean your dog's ears regularly to avoid excessive wax or dirt building in the ear canal. Additionally, your Coton will need routine dental and nail care at home.

Do Coton De Tulear bark much?

The Coton de Tulear sometimes barks, and their barks might vary depending on their emotion and what they are attempting to communicate. Different barks may have the same meaning, and the same bark may have many meanings.

Your Coton may bark for various reasons, including guarding you, anxiety, fear, loneliness, attention-seeking, and greetings. Your dog's excessive barking might result from separation anxiety or compulsive barking.

Do Coton De Tulear bite?

The Coton de Tulear is unlikely to bite someone. As pups, this small breed may playfully bite your fingers or nip at your feet, but they will outgrow this behaviour or it can be corrected via obedience training.

What is the temperament & personality of a Coton De Tulear?

Cotons are constantly looking for opportunities to spend time with their owners. These dogs are attention-seeking, and they are susceptible to separation anxiety and destructive behaviour due to their deep relationships with family members.

These canines are very friendly, even with strangers and they thrive in households with several pets. Early socialising allows Cotons to mature into well-adjusted, confident, and contented adult dogs.

Female Cotons are often more independent and dominant than their male counterparts. They may become extremely noisy when happy and enjoy playing despite their generally calm disposition. They can adapt to any environment with ease.

What is the weight & size of a Coton De Tulear?

In terms of an adult dog, female Cotons are 22 to 28 centimetres tall and weigh 3 to 5 kilograms, while males reach 25 to 32 centimetres tall and weigh 4 to 6 kilograms.

How much training does a Coton De Tulear need?

Cotons are easy to teach and train since they want to delight their owners. However, they may be rather strong-willed and possess firm territorial instincts. Initial housebreaking may be difficult, but it is not impossible. Positive reinforcements and consistency are essential.

Training puppies should begin as soon as they arrive in their new homes. Housebreaking and crate training are the first steps of your adorable puppy's training. Early socialisation is also necessary to ensure that your Coton puppy will have no difficulty socialising with anyone new, be it humans or dogs, and any other animals as it grows. These dogs excel in events in obedience and agility. Moreover, they may be trained to do stunts - perfect for dog sports!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Coton De Tulear?

The Coton is a typically healthy breed with minimal hereditary health problems. However, regular vet visits are essential, particularly throughout their first year. Cotons will require vaccinations and care to keep them healthy and disease-resistant.

Cotons are prone to:

• Progressive retinal atrophy

• Hip dysplasia

• Patella Luxations

• Spinal Disc Degeneration.

Back difficulties, vision problems, and hepatic shunts are among the most significant medical concerns that your beloved pet might develop. When your dog is in pain, it's vital to remember that you should always contact a veterinarian first.

What is the lifespan of a Coton De Tulear?

The Coton de Tulear has an average lifespan of between 12 and 16 years.

How much should you feed a Coton De Tulear?

High-quality dog food that is full and balanced and formulated for every life stage of your Coton can provide all the daily nutrients it requires. Portioned meals are preferable to free-feeding which could cause obesity.

Although treats are essential to training your pup, they should be given in moderation. It is not advisable to feed your dog human food or leftovers since most fruit and vegetables can be toxic to your dogs. Ensure that the meal does not include any substances detrimental to dogs, such as excessive fat levels, artificial colours, or additives. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns regarding your pet's nutrition and feeding habits.

What is the price of a Coton De Tulear in Australia?

Standard breeding clubs for Coton de Tulear pups will charge you around $1,500-2,000 per dog. The price range for purebred, show-quality Coton de Tulear puppies is between $3,000 and $4,000. Always look for a reputable breeder, or consider adopting or rescuing one of these adorable furballs.