AT LAST -- THE PERFECT DOG!!
Coton De Tulears (affectionately known as Cotons)
but pronounced Coo-taun Day Too-lear.
The Coton De Tulear originates from the island of Madagascar. The fourth largest
island, just southeast of Africa. Their name is derived the the texture of their coat, which is cotton-like, and from
the city of Tulear, which is a port city on the southwester coast of Madagascar. These happy little dogs 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 royality 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 Bichons, 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 adult, 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 AKC, and it is expected that AKC will recognize the breed within a few years. 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 temperment, 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. 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.
