Coton De Tulears

Coton de Tulears are excellent companion dogs, famous for their sweet and loving disposition and healthy genetic background. The breed is believed to come from the Madagascar Island placed off the southeast coast of Africa. The circumstances of the dog’s arrival on the island deserve special attention. The dog got on the island during a shipwreck, during which the ship crew and all the passengers were killed, and a few dogs that were traveling with the passengers swam to the shore. Later, the dog became popular among wealthy residents of the city of Tulear in the south of Madagascar.

The breed is related to the French Bichon and the Italian Bolognese, and it might as well have been crossed with some Madagascan local dog. Coton de Tulears have been around since the 15th century, but it was not until about 20 years ago that they were reintroduced in Europe and arrived in America. The term “cotton” characterizes the dog’s coat type.

The Coton de Tulear is an affectionate and intelligent pet. He has a long and cottony hair, which is always white, with shadings of gray or red roan on the ears permissible. The dog measures 9-11 inches high at the shoulder, and his body weight averages 10-12 lbs. Coton de Tulears have a slender body, which is totally concealed under the long and fluffy coat.

These dogs are good-natured and friendly. They are sociable and easy to train and do not require much physical exercise. Coton de Tulears are always eager to please their loved ones, and, providing training sessions are organized in a consecutive and positive way, they do not usually hesitate to boost the master’s mood by performing tricks properly. Coton de Tulear dogs are good wit children and they never exhibit wariness toward strangers. They enjoy all sorts of interaction and appreciate company.

Coton de Tulear dogs are quite watchful. Some dogs can be possessive around their loved ones or persistent in having it their own way. For this reason, they require firm yet positive training. Like all other dogs, Coton de Tulears must be obedience trained, and owners must be assertive (but not rude!) when establishing their position in the family “pack”.