Coton de TulearCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Coton de Tuléar developed on the island of Madagascar and is still the island's national dog today. Wikipedia says its ancestors, bichon-type dogs, probably arrived there in the 16th–17th centuries, on pirate ships. It was the companion dog of the Merina nobility, and for a time only royal families were allowed to keep it.

French colonists occasionally brought dogs to France, but official imports to Europe only began in the 1970s. The FCI standard says the breed reached France long before its official recognition in 1970 and quickly became one of the favourite companion dogs.

How the breed developed

• 16th–17th centuries – Its ancestors probably reach Madagascar on pirate ships.
• Hundreds of years – It is the companion dog of the nobility of Madagascar.
• 1970 – The French Kennel Club and the FCI recognise the breed.
• 1973 – Robert Jay Russell brings the first dogs to the United States.
• 1974 – Madagascar issues a stamp featuring the Coton de Tuléar.
• 25 November 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a small, long-haired companion dog with a cotton-like white coat, round, dark eyes and a lively, intelligent expression. The body is longer than its height.

General appearance

The round, dark eyes have rims pigmented black or brown. The triangular ears hang close to the cheeks and reach the corners of the lips. The low-set tail is carried merrily, curved over the back, in movement.

The basic colour is white. A few light grey or reddish shades are allowed on the ears. On the rest of the body they are tolerated only if they do not change the white appearance of the coat. Wikipedia says puppies may have darker patches that lighten with maturity.

The AKC says it is alert, smart and easy to train. It responds poorly to negative methods, but excels at agility, obedience and as a therapy dog when trained positively.

The standard stresses that its cheerful, sociable temperament is one of the breed's main features. It adapts to any lifestyle.

Tips for effective training

• Keep sessions cheerful. The AKC says a bored Coton learns nothing.
• Use only positive methods. Harshness makes it shut down.
• Socialise it from an early age. It will then happily go anywhere with you.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It always wants to be with the family.

The AKC says it needs a moderate amount of exercise: daily walks at a slow pace and ball games. A bored Coton can become destructive.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is suitable for a flat.
• Keep it close to the family: it suffers when alone.
• In summer, do not leave it in strong sun.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the long coat needs daily brushing, with brush and comb right down to the skin, otherwise mats form. A conditioning spray prevents the hairs from breaking. Wikipedia says it sheds very little. Many owners choose a short clip, which is easier to maintain.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed has remained fairly free of hereditary diseases, with rare cases of 1–5%. The following may still occur:

Other care

• Check the ears twice a week and remove excess hair.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

A small dog needs small portions. Watch its weight, as the abundant coat easily hides extra kilos.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Feed puppies several times a day.
• Choose small kibble suited to small breeds.
• Feel the ribs under the coat: you should be able to feel them without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The name means “cotton”. Its soft coat looks like a ball of cotton wool.
• The royal dog of Madagascar. Robert Jay Russell called it this when he brought it to the United States in 1973.
• The island's national dog. It is still the national dog of Madagascar today.
• It lives a very long time. The AKC gives a life expectancy of 15–19 years.
• It was never wild. Wikipedia says the stories about Cotons hunting wild boar are false.

The 1974 stamp

In 1974 Madagascar issued a stamp featuring the Coton de Tuléar, confirming its status as the country's “royal dog”.

Where does the Coton de Tuléar come from?

From Madagascar; the name comes from the port of Tuléar (Toliara).

How big does it get?

Males measure 26–28 cm and weigh 4–6 kg; females measure 23–25 cm and weigh 3.5–5 kg.

Does it shed?

Very little, but the coat must be brushed daily.

Is it suited to a family?

Yes. It is cheerful and very sociable, with children and with other animals.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 15–19 years.