The Coton de Tulear
History
The Coton de Tulear is a rare, ancient dog that originated in Madagascar.
The Coton’s true history is a mystery, however legend has it that the first ancestors of the Coton were once companions to sailors traveling the waters off the coast of Africa. It is believed that a ship wrecked near the port city of Tulear on the southern tip of Madagascar and dogs onboard swam ashore. These dogs bred with the native Madagascar dogs in the area, thus creating the charming, affectionate Coton de Tulear.
These shaggy canines soon became the cherished companion of old Malagasy royalty. Merina (as the nobility was known) enacted laws that prohibited anyone but those of the ruling caste from owning a Coton and thus they become known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”. The Coton de Tulear is still rare in it’s homeland.
The Coton Today
Today in the United States the Coton is also a very rare breed, recognized by the American Rare Breed Association, States Kennel Club, Rarities, and the United Kennel Club. The Coton fancy hopes that it continues to maintain it’s rare breed status.
The breed is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. because of it’s relatively small size and engaging personality. The Coton is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers because it is dander free and is non-shedding. Known for their intelligence and clownish behavior, the Coton is an ideal companion for young and old alike. The breed is also well known for their outstanding abilities as canine therapy dogs and many are pursuing and excelling in activities such as agility and obedience.
Country of origin:
Madagascar
Conformation group:
Companion
National/International Registries:
United States of America Coton de Tulear Club (USACTC),
Federation of International Canines (FIC),
United Kennel Club (UKC),
International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA),
Federation Cynologique International (FCI)
Average Life Expectancy:
Mid to late teens
Color:
White or white with champagne.
Highlights:
Grey or red roan permitted on the ears. On other parts of the body such shadings are tolerated if they do not alter the general appearance of a white coat.
Coat type:
Soft cottony to the touch, “wind tossed” in appearance.
Professional grooming:
Optional
Home grooming:
Brushing two or three times weekly; nail trimming, bathing, ear cleaning every 3-4 weeks.
Height:
Males – 9.8” – 11.7”
Females – 8.6" – 10.5"
Weight:
Males: 8.8 to 13.2 lbs.
Females: 7.7 to 11 lbs.
Exercise:
Moderate. Great stamina
Watch dog:
Yes. Indoor and in the car.
Good with children:
Yes
Good with other pets:
Yes
Best home environment:
House, condo or apartment.
Character:
Openly affectionate, clownish, playful, docile, eager to please.
Highly trainable, sensitive to owner’s mood.