The Coton de Tuléar is a beautiful Malagasy companion dog. Its main characteristic is the white fur, soft and with a cotton texture, hence the reason for its name. It is a dog capable of adapting to any situation, affectionate, sociable and ideal both for families and for single or elderly people, as long as they have the time that this breed requires.
If you are looking for a dog to spend much of your time with, to play with and offer all your love, the Coton de Tuléar is undoubtedly the companion you are looking for. But if your future dog will spend long hours alone at home, it is best that you opt for another breed of dog or look for a good dog daycare. Read on and discover with our site everything you need to know about the Coton de Tuléar
Origin of the Coton de Tuléar
The origin of this breed is confusing and there is no reliable record of it, but it is thought that the Coton de Tuléar comes from European dogs of the Coton de Tuléar family. bichones that would have been taken to Madagascar by French troops or perhaps by Portuguese and English sailors.
Be that as it may, the Coton de Tuléar is a Malagasy dog, developed in the port city of Tuléar, today known as Toliara. This dog, traditionally much appreciated by we althy families in Madagascar, was slow to make itself known to the world. It was only in 1970 that the breed obtained official recognition from the International Cinological Federation (FCI) and it was in that decade that the first specimens were exported to America. Currently, the Coton de Tuléar is a dog little known throughout the world, but its popularity is gradually growing.
Physical characteristics of the Coton de Tuléar
This dog has a body longer than it is tall and the topline is slightly convex. The withers are slightly accentuated, the loin is muscular and the croup is oblique, short and muscular. The chest is long and well developed, while the belly is tucked in but not excessively thin.
Seen from above, the head of the Coton de Tuléar is short and triangular in shape. Seen from the front it is wide and slightly convex. The stop is slightly accentuated and the nose is black. The eyes are dark, round and alert and lively expression. The ears are set high, triangular and hanging.
The tail of the Coton de Tuléar is set low. When the dog is at rest, it is carried hanging down to below the hock, but with the extremity bent upwards. When the dog is in action he carries it hunched over his back.
The coat is characteristic of the breed and the cause of its name, since "coton" means "cotton" in French. It is soft, loose, dense and, especially, cottony. According to the FCI standard, the ground color is always white, but traces of gray or roan red are acceptable over the ears. Racial standards of other organizations allow other colors.
On the other hand, according to the FCI standard of the breed, the ideal size for the Coton de Tuléar is as follows:
- From 26 to 28 centimeters at the withers for males.
- From 23 to 25 centimeters at the withers for females.
The ideal weight is as follows:
- 4 to 6 kilograms for males.
- From 3.5 to 5 kilograms for females.
Coton de Tuléar character
Cotons are sweet, very cheerful, playful, intelligent and sociable dogs. They adapt easily to different situations and tend to be very funny. Of course, they need company to feel good.
These dogs are easy to socialize as they tend to get along with people, other dogs and other pets. However, poor socialization of puppies can make them shy and slippery animals, so it is important to pay attention to the socialization of cotons from an early age.
It is also Easy to train the Coton de Tuléar, as it stands out for its intelligence and ease of learning. However, dog training must be done positively, since in this way the full potential of the dog can be developed and because this breed does not respond well to traditional training. The Coton de Tuléar can perform very well in dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience.
In general, these dogs do not present behavior problems when they have been properly socialized and educated. However, since they are animals that need to be accompanied most of the time, they can easily develop separation anxiety if they spend long periods alone.
Cotons make great pets for just about anyone. They can be great companions for singles, couples, and families with children. They are also excellent dogs for novice owners. However, due to their small size they are susceptible to injuries and bruises, so it is not advisable to keep them as pets for small children who cannot yet properly care for a dog.
Coton de Tuléar care
The cotton wool does not lose hair, or it loses very little, so it is an excellent hypoallergenic dog. However, it is important to brush him daily to prevent his cotton fur from becoming tangled and damaged. It is not necessary to take it to the dog groomer if you know the brushing techniques and you do not have to bathe it very often. Of course, if you do not know how to remove the knots from your dog's fur, go to the hairdresser. Likewise, we also recommend going to a professional to cut your hair. On the other hand, the ideal is to bathe him only when he gets dirty and the recommended frequency is two to three times a year.
These dogs need more exercise than other small dog breeds. However, they adapt very well to different situations, since their size allows them to exercise indoors. Still, it's important to give them at least two daily walks for exercise and socialization, as well as some playtime. If possible, give them the opportunity to practice a sport like agility, which they really enjoy.
What is non-negotiable in this breed is its demand for company. The Coton de Tuléar cannot live isolated in a room, a patio or a garden. This is a dog that needs to spend most of the day with his family and demands a lot of attention It is not a dog for people who spend most of the day outside, but for those who have time to spend with their pets.
Coton de tuléar he alth
The Coton de Tuléar tends to be a he althy dog and there are no known breed-specific diseases. However, that is not why you should neglect your he alth. On the contrary, it is important to do regular veterinary check-ups and follow the advice of the veterinarian, as for all dogs. In parallel, their vaccination and deworming schedule must be kept up to date to prevent them from contracting viral or infectious diseases, such as canine parvovirus or rabies.
