Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear, which translates to "Cotton of Tulear" in French, shares ancestors with other lap dog breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese, having been pampered companions on European trading ships for centuries. According to legend, a shipwreck off the coast of Madagascar led to the arrival of Cotons on the island. Some of these little white dogs survived on their own, while others were adopted by the native Merina people in the 17th century. The Merina, and later the French colonists, prized Cotons as companions for nobility, even enacting laws to restrict ownership to the elite. 

In the mid-1900s, Madagascar achieved independence, and tourists who visited took the Coton de Tulear breed home with them. This is how the first Coton was brought to America in 1974. The 20th century finally brought Cotons international recognition.

Coton de Tulear dogs are great companions for first-time owners, but there are a few things to consider. First, they require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. These playful pups also enjoy daily walks and energetic playtime. Because Cotons are small and delicate, homes with older children or child-free homes are a better fit, as young children might unintentionally handle them too roughly.

The Coton de Tulear breed is an active one that requires a fair amount of exercise. While they don’t need an intense workout like other more athletic breeds, they do enjoy daily walks to keep them happy and healthy. To keep their minds sharp alongside their bodies, consider incorporating playtime in the backyard. A game of fetch with a tennis ball or engaging toys will do the trick.

Cotons certainly don’t need a sprawling mansion, however, they do have an affinity for exploring and walking, so a secure backyard to play in and access to interesting walking routes are important. Luckily, these adaptable pups can thrive in various living situations, from a bustling city to the quiet countryside. As long as their exercise and training needs are met, Cotons will happily adjust to their environment.

Cotons are famous for their stunning, single coat that resembles spun cotton and reaches a length of 3 to 4 inches. Frequent brushing is essential to maintain this luxurious coat and prevent tangles. Regular trims can help make this process more manageable. Remember to check their paws and ears daily for any debris, like grass seeds, that might cause irritation. This quick inspection can help keep your Coton in tip-top shape.

Highly intelligent, Coton de Tulear puppies and dogs love to please their humans. They excel in training, making them perfect for learning both basic obedience and fun tricks. Cotons thrive on positive reinforcement and, with this approach, can excel in various dog sports like agility and obedience. Their gentle nature also makes them wonderful therapy dogs

The Coton de Tulear's charm and friendly personality make them excellent companions for families. However, it's important to remember that these gentle souls are not rough-and-tumble toys, which small children might mistake them for. Child-free homes or homes with older children who can handle them with care are ideal.

The cost of a Coton de Tulear from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.