Ok, So what on earth is a Coton?

Breeders takes on this fabulous animal. And as an owner, I agree whole heartedly!

AT LAST -- THE PERFECT DOG!!

Spelled Coton De Tulear (affectionately known as Cotons) but pronounced Koo-tawn Day Too-lear. Or sometimes Tool -yay. Or Too-lee-are. Or Ty-lee-are. Or... well... so as not to go crazy trying to figure out which is right, Cotton works for everyone! Just spell it with one T. :)


The Coton De Tulear originates from the island of Madagascar. The fourth largest island, just southeast of Africa. Their name is derived from the texture of their coat, which is cotton-like, and from the city of Tulear, which is a port city on the southwestern coast of Madagascar. These happy little puppies date back to the 15th century. As legend goes, it is believed that some small white dogs were first brought to the island, which were of Bichon type, which crossed with the native dogs of Madagascar, thus producing the Coton. For many years only royalty of the region were permitted to own one of these outstanding little dogs.

Found to be an extremely healthy breed, with no known health issues, and an average life span of 15 to 19 yrs. old, some of these dogs were taken back to Europe to breed with their Bichon's, hoping to make the Bichon breed more durable. It is speculated that this is the reason that most European Cotons are all predominately white. The native Coton however is either white, black & white, or tri-color.

While on the subject of color. Cotons, although often born with color, do not always carry their color to adulthood. Black areas or black hairs do tend to stay, sometimes looking more gray as they mix with the white. The brown colors on occasion do stay, or can fade to a champagne color. For most Cotons, when they reach adulthood, the color gene turns off. If the parents have retained some color as an adult, then their offspring has a good chance of retaining some as well. The exportation of Cotons from Madagascar is no longer permitted.

Although very popular in Europe and Canada, the Coton De Tulear is a rare breed in the U.S. Currently, it is on the FSS list with the AKC, and it is expected that AKC will recognize the breed within a few years. Ok, nevermind. Already done! The Coton is one of very few breeds recommended by the National Allergy Assn. for people who suffer from allergies to dogs. This dog does not shed, is a single coated dog that has hair, not fur, and no dander. Even most people that have reactions to dog saliva, seem to be unaffected by this wonderful little dog. Unlike many breeds, this dog also has no known chronic health issues which probably also accounts for it's longevity.

The Coton is a very happy little dog, ranging from 7.5 to 14 lbs. They are unlike most small or toy breeds in that they are very calm easy going little dogs and are not "yappy" or bouncy. They have a very sweet and loving temperament, adore people, love to be where you are, like to be outside with you (although due to being a single coated dog, cannot live as an outside dog-nor would we sell one as an outdoor pet). They are quite content to sit on your lap or watch TV with you. They are not an attention demanding breed, and are great with children and other pets.

Their antics will make you smile, and they love to dance on their back legs and even hop straight up at times. Yep. Straight up off the floor like a cartoon character. Some say they can even talk. You'll sit up and take notice when they start wandering around with some strange un-dog like sounds come from their lips! They are referred to by some, as little clowns. In short, owning a Coton is almost like having a big dog in a little dog body. The Coton is a very intelligent breed and they bond very strongly to their family.

Their coat continues to grow, so they do need to be trimmed occasionally. With the longer coat, they resemble a miniature Old English Sheep Dog. We like to keep their coats shorter here, and like to cut their bangs so we can see their beautiful dark eyes. The coat is soft and cottony, never coarse or oily. They require a brush at least 1-2 times a week. We also find that if the coat is shorter, it requires less grooming.

As you can see from the description, the Coton De Tulear is the best kept secret here in the U.S. I believe that this little dog will eventually be one of the most popular dogs in the United States. It has every quality anyone would ask for in a dog, be it large or small.

From another breeder...

Having bred our wonderful Labrador Retrievers for 34 years, we finally retired. Retiring was a hard decision for us, but one that had to come eventually. Being "dog people", I guess it was natural for us to look for something a little smaller that we could love as much as our Labbies. Hoping, but not really believing it was possible, we started researching different breeds about 3 years ago. It turned out to be quite a process -- as I'm sure anyone who searches for just the "right" dog knows.

We've always been a fan of the big dog obviously, and had never really thought there was a small dog that could "measure up" to the wonderful personality of our beloved Labradors. So initially we researched every breed between toy and mid size. Having bred dogs for so many years, and knowing how much work went into it, we knew that it had to be something we could really love. Looking at each and every breed, we dismissed them all for one reason or the other. Either, too big, too yappy, to hyper, too aggressive, too shy, too much maintenance, too many health problems in the breed, etc, ........

Then, finally one caught my eye....... the Coton De Tulear. Although I had never heard of it, the more I read about it, the more amazed I was. I thought this little dog was just too good to be true. So after a ton of research, long distance phone calls to other breeders, and lots of discussions, we made the decision. We purchased 3 of them, 2 girls and 1 boy.

They turned out to be everything we had hoped for and so much more. We adore this breed. They are the most amazing little dog we have ever come across. The reason we never liked most little dogs, is due to the yappy, bouncy, nervous nature that most of them seem to have. This dog is sooooo different. They are calm and quiet, yet playful, funny and outgoing. They are not aggressive and love people (adults and children) and other dogs too. (even our big old Labs). In fact, they are just like Labradors, except that they're small and they don't shed! We have come to absolutely adore this tiny little dog, and I hope you will too. We look for this breed to become very popular in the years ahead.

  

Top 10 Peeves Dogs Have With Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all !!!

2. Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FREAKIN' DOG

3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. (Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home)

6. The fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Ohhhhh! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain. (jerk)

7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then being surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotch of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

9. Dog sweaters. Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the built in coat?

10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Wwe both know the truth. You're just jealous.

Back to our Coton Section
American Coton Club
Malagasy Coton De Tulear Club of America
USA Coton De Tulear Club
AKC Coton De Tulear
Canadian Coton Club
UK Coton Club
Meet The Coton De Tulear
Wiki