Coton De Tulear: Your Complete Guide
The coton de Tulear is a hypoallergenic dog with a seemingly endless amount of fur and a personality that is three times the size of this small pooch. Originating from the island nation of Madagascar, the coton de Tulear has grown into a popular choice worldwide due to its agreeable coat, bright mind, and incredible charm.
They can suffer from serious separation anxiety, however, and owners must give the dog considerable attention and playtime. Otherwise, a coton de Tulear may develop behavioral issues that require a professional dog trainer to fix.
There is a lot of substance hidden underneath the coton de Tulear’s forest of fur that many people are not familiar with and may not be prepared for. To learn if this breed is right for you, this article will take a closer glance at the sinus-saving cotton ball.
Quick Look at the Coton De Tulear
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 8 – 15 pounds, 9 – 11 inches |
| Coat Type | Fluffy, mid-length, hypoallergenic |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Friendly, Cuddly, Bright |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 14 – 17 years |
What Is the History of Coton De Tulears?
Discovered in Madagascar, the coton de Tulear is believed to have arisen from a breeding effort between local dogs and exotic canines brought to the island during the 16th century. It is widely believed that they were used on pirate ships, though the reason is still unclear. Some believe they were used as pest control, while others assume it was more for companionship.
While some rumors have led people to believe that the coton de Tulear was a feral dog once on the island, these are unproven and hard to argue. The breed has a very low prey response and was more likely used as companions by local tribes and passing sailors or pirates.
In 1973, Dr. Robert Jay Russell was the first person to bring the breed to the United States. At the same time, they were being brought to various countries throughout Europe. The Societe Centrale Canine was the first kennel club to recognize the breed, though they have since been accepted and observed by kennel clubs worldwide.
Despite its well-traveled history and popularity across the globe, the coton de Tulear is still the national dog of Madagascar.
What Do Coton De Tulears Look Like?
The breed has elegant, long swathes of white hair that can occasionally have silver and black markings, usually around the ears. Their hair can grow long and dense, while others have mid-length puffs of hair that shape their teddy bear complexions.
The name coton de Tulear is a mixture of its home (Tulear) and the French term for cotton. The reason for the name is evident to anyone who spots the breed, as their silky, thick coat makes them look like low-hanging clouds.
What Size Is a Coton De Tulear?
A smaller breed, the coton de Tulear, will rarely be too big for a family. The average weight of the breed is between 8 and 15 pounds, while they measure between 9 and 11 inches. While outliers exist, the breed is reasonably consistent, and owners can expect little difference from one coton de Tulear to another.
What Is a Coton De Tulears Coat Type and Length?
Coton de Tulears have beautiful, wavy white coats with fur that can flow to their paws if left untouched. Their coats usually sit around medium-length, with many Tulears sporting thick shocks of white fur that grows shorter around the face and nose. For longer-haired Tulears, many owners will keep the longer bits of hair in ponytails to contain it better.
What Is a Coton De Tulears Temperament?
It’s hard to find a breed of dog that isn’t interested in pleasing people, but few dogs come close to the natural charisma of the coton de Tulear. They are incredibly social dogs, getting along with family, friends, and strangers without issue. Outside of their winning personalities, they are also wildly intelligent for their size and very happy to learn tricks and commands.
Are Coton De Tulears Good With Kids?
Coton de Tulears are good with everybody, and children are no exception. Kids will fall in love with the dog immediately, and it won’t be long before they are best friends. Because of the diminutive size of the dog, parents must keep an eye on playtime until the child knows how to carefully handle the canine.
Are Coton De Tulears Good With Other Animals?
As long as the other dog is receptive to the Tulear, the Tulear is more than likely willing to get along with any pooch around. They are smaller dogs, however, and should be watched if they are spending time with significantly larger dogs or canines that have an aversion to other four-legged family members.
They have the predatory urge of a pacifist and will not cause issues for smaller creatures. They are a congenial, adaptable breed that can fit in households of all shapes and sizes.
Are Coton De Tulears Aggressive?
While coton de Tulears can get enthusiastic when playing, they are one of the friendliest breeds a person can find and will not be an issue unless they feel threatened. They can get a bit nippy when excited, though this can be curbed quickly with a bit of training. While it may be fun to watch a four-legged cotton ball attempt to take an ankle, the Tulear is unlikely to try.
Do Coton De Tulears Bark?
From appearance alone, people could be forgiven for thinking the coton de Tulear is a vocal dog. Short, fluffy, and quick to hop into an owner’s arms, it is easy to understand why some view the dog as a yappy breed. However, they are generally quiet, and while they may growl or bark when playing, they rarely erupt into an episode and make good dogs for quieter homes.
Are Coton De Tulears Affectionate?
The breed is incredibly enthusiastic about human attention and loves praise from their owners. They will spend their afternoons and evenings prancing around on their hind legs, buttering up their owners, and sitting in a puffy circle near or on their favorite family member. If you want a dog that can double as a soft, 11-inch lap warmer, the coton de Tulear is happy to oblige.
Are Coton De Tulears Intelligent?
The coton de Tulear is a brilliant breed with a high level of competency when learning commands, progressing through training, and acquiring new tricks. They are deeply devoted to their owners and eager to please, making getting accustomed to a home very easy.
As far as their senses go, the breed was not designed to be a watchdog and does not have an aggressive response to people. So, while they may be intelligent, they also can ignore their surroundings, particularly if their owner is around.
Are Coton De Tulears Energetic?
They are not sedentary dogs, but they are pretty easy to satisfy when it comes to their exercise requirements. Being smaller, they are happy to play in smaller, fenced-in areas and can even do well in apartments, so long as they have a place to get a brisk, daily walk-in. If the breed is not exercised regularly, it can lead to them getting chaotic and potentially destructive.
Are Coton De Tulears Easy to Train?
While some owners have had issues training their coton de Tulear to be housebroken, most consider them one of the easier breeds to train. Their natural aptitude will make commands easy to understand, and they are hard workers when motivated. Some may be stubborn initially, but this will diminish as consistent training continues.
Dog Academy contains several comprehensive training courses to get owners and their new best friends up to speed.
To most people, the coton de Tulear gives off the impression of a pampered pooch unfit for agility training, but the dog will happily surprise you. Not only do they love the chance to use their brain to conquer agility circuits, but they are remarkably swift. For a dog that looks like it was formed entirely from pillows, the coton de Tulear performs very well in agility training.
Are Coton De Tulears Good Watchdogs?
The breed is far too kind, carefree, and sociable to be relied on as a watchdog. They will not fend off intruders, though they may prance up to them for further attention. They are also not the most attentive dogs, usually spending most of their time playing with, trying to please, or laying on their owners.
The coton de Tulear is not a suitable choice for a watchdog, and owners in the market for one should choose more suitable breeds, as there are excellent guard dog options across all sizes.
Are Coton De Tulears Good Service Dogs?
Depending on the dog’s task, the coton de Tulear can work well as a service dog. While they do not have the size or strength needed for more physically demanding tasks, they can prove invaluable for sensory assistance. If your coton de Tulear has the right demeanor (calm, focused, patient), they could excel as a service dog.
Similarly, they make fantastic emotional support animals. They are deeply empathetic, kind, and happy to spend an afternoon looking after their owner. They could also be helpful in a psychiatric service position, which could help aid those with a mental disability.
How to Care for a Coton De Tulear?
The breed is surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in most environments, living situations, and households. Whether you are cozying up in a frigid Midwest apartment or you prefer the dry heat of an Arizona ranch, the coton de Tulear will do well just about anywhere. Wherever you find yourself, you should have a safe, secure spot for the dog to play in.
Their coat will take a fair bit of work, and the biggest hurdle will be handling the massive cloud of fur that encompasses the puffy pooch. If you live in a rural environment, they will need to be occasionally checked for ticks. Their ears should be looked at when they come inside or a few times throughout the week, and their teeth should receive at least two to three brushes a week.
Do You Need to Groom a Coton De Tulear?
Any dog with the luxurious locks of the coton de Tulear will need everything short of a beauty regimen. They will need to be brushed every other day at a minimum. While they can be bathed at home, their coat can be difficult to thoroughly wash, and some owners may elect to hire a professional groomer.
Their hair can also grow tangled and matted due to its length, so be mindful of any forming knots or matted hair as they arise.
Do Coton De Tulears Shed?
They do shed, though it is very little. They are hypoallergenic and a perfect fit for those suffering from allergies who want a fluffier friend to pal around with. Despite not shedding much, brushing is still very important to lessen the likelihood of knots, matted fur, and other issues with the breed’s elegant coat.
What Health Problems Does Coton De Tulears Have?
You can expect a long, fulfilling bond with your dog that will last for a decade or more, though you should be vigilant of a few common medical issues that can arise in their life.
The most common ailments a coton de Tulear will have are:
While these medical issues can occur in a coton de Tulear’s lifespan, the breed is healthy on average and not prone to health problems. A balanced diet, frequent exercise, and a happy home can all significantly increase your fluffy friend’s longevity.
How Long Do Coton De Tulears Live?
Often considered one of the healthier breeds, most coton de Tulears live between 14 and 17 years. Like most smaller breeds, the Tulear tends to outlive its larger cousins and will be a good choice for those who want a longer lifespan from their pet.
What Should a Coton De Tulear Eat?
The breed should be given ¾’s a cup of nutritious, vitamin-dense dog food portioned between two meals. More active Tulears may require more, while the more passive pooch can be given less. Reach out to a local veterinarian or coton de Tulear breeder to learn more in-depth details regarding what your individual dog should consume.
Is a Coton De Tulear the Right Dog for Me?
The coton de Tulear is a dog that is hard not to love and very easy to live with. They are incredibly friendly, deeply loyal, and more charismatic than any dog has a right to be. The Tulear will be a favorite at parties, social gatherings, and dog parks and will relish the attention. Their hypoallergenic coats also make them an excellent choice for those with canine allergies.
Their coat can be a process, however, and for folks who want to avoid a dog that needs consistent grooming, the Tulear will not be a good pick. They are also quite small and underwhelming for people who prefer a larger dog.
The Tulear is second to none if you want a lifelong friend and a hilarious companion. They are lovely with kids as well as pets and can adjust to just about any living situation. So, while they may not be some people, they are perfect for everyone else.