Coton de Tulear

This breed is related to the Italian Bolognese and the French bichon breeds, and like them, it is a loyal and sweet-natured companion, gentle with children, and friendly around other dogs. The long, fluffy white coat sometimes has yellow or black patches. The Coton de Tulear may have arrived on Madagascar with French troops or administrators in the 17th century, and was a favourite breed in the southern town of Tulear for centuries. Unknown in the wider world until about 25 years ago, its popularity has since grown.

Dog name synonyms: Coton

HISTORY
It is belived that, the wealthy people of Tulear (city located in southern Madagascar) used to own Coton de Tulears, as a portent for their power and wealth. Therefore the Coton is also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. There was even a law, prohibiting ordinary people from owning Cotons.

However, the breed’s origin and history are mysterious and adventurous. Probably ancient Cotons traveled around the world, alongside their masters. They made their way from Central Asia to Greece and Aristotle’s written records. They are related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese Poodle, but have their own distinct appearance and character.
Cotons got their name not only from the seaport town Tulear, where they probably originated, but also from their cotton-like textured coats. Throughout history and to this day, Cotons have been bred only for the purpose of being companion dogs.

PERSONALITY

Cotons are often described as happy-go-lucky kind of dogs. They are people-oriented and clownish and will push for as much attention as they can get. Cottons are always ready for giving and receiving love.

Their sociable personality makes them friendly with everyone, including strangers. The only dangerous situation, strangers can find themselves in, is being ,,licked to death,,. Their alertness makes them good watch dogs, but their size, friendliness and unaggressive attitude makes them bad guard dogs. Cotons get along perfectly with other dogs, cats and children of all ages.

Since Cotons are intelligent and inquisitive, they enjoy games of dexterity and performing tricks. Although they are quite active, Cotons also enjoy sitting in your lap, cuddling and bonding.

TRAITS

Cotons are small and sturdy dogs with rectangular outline. They have intelligent, inquisitive, alert and lively expression. Their high-set ears are triangular and pendulous, while their eyes are black or dark brown and rounded.

The Coton’s coat is 8 cm long, soft and not-shedding with a cotton-like texture. It is an interesting fact that Cotons are born with either pink or black skin, while their coat is either white or black.
Coton de Tulears are 9.5-13’’ (24-33cm) tall at the withers and weight less than 18Ib (8kg).

HANDLING

The key to raising a well-behaved Coton is proper communication. Training sessions are the perfect opportunity for bonding with the dog. Cotons respond well to genle and positive reinforcement training. Instead of formal obedience training, Cotons prefer learning tricks. Although often described as stubborn, they are quite easy to train, as soon as the owner establishes his alpha position. Females tend to be a bit more independent than males.

Cotons are not excessive barkers and do not have a tendency for developing destructive habits. Since Cotons get very attached, separation anxiety is major problem with this breed. If left alone without human companionship, they may start testing the previously set boundaries.

HEALTH

The Coton de Tulear breed is healthy and relatively long-lived with an average life expectancy of 16 years. However, they can be prone to several conditions. Number one problem in this breed are the dermatological issues such as allergies and ear infections (as a result of the profuse hair in the ear canal) and orthopedic abnormalities such as luxating patella, hip dysplasia (with a relatively high incidence rate, which is unusual for small breeds) and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Other health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, urinary stones, pancreatitis and diabetes.
In newborn Cotons there is a high incidence rate of Bandera’s syndrome – neurological disorder manifested with walking inability.