Breed Information:

Cotons are adorable, loyal, loving family members full of personality.  They are known for their cotton soft, non-shedding, non-allergenic coats, wonderful dispositions, heartiness and longevity.

Though still rare in America, these puppies will be registerable in the AKC/FSS, where they now have recognition to compete in obedience and agility in America in AKC events as well as in the rare breed clubs.

Coton is the French word for cotton. As the name suggests the most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its coat, which is cottony and fluffy rather than silky. The fluffy hair is about 5 inches long in the adult and is predominantly white with a few yellow or grey patches, most notably on the ears, is tolerated in the European coton. Some puppies are born with heavy markings, these markings fade, as the Coton reaches adulthood. The European coton is usually about 10-12 inches high and about 10-15 lbs. in weight with a life expectancy of about 14-17 years.

Origin:

The Coton is a bichon type dog related to the French bichon and possibly the Italian Bolognese. Brought to the island of Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa, the coton became a favored companion of the wealthy residents of Tulear, a southern port city. Although still rare, it has enjoyed considerable popularity with the Madagascar upper class for some years. The breed was recognized by the F.C.I. in 1970 and is becoming popular in the United States, with recognition now in the AKC in agility and obedience events.

Grooming:

The dry, wind-tossed coat of the coton is probably the easiest to care for of the long hair breeds. When wet, it dries quickly. There is no shedding, so the coat rarely bothers one with allergies. Brushing and/or combing is necessary as the hair can mat. Normally this should be done in layers from the bottom up about three times a week. There is no haircut (as with the Bichon or Poodle), the natural look is preferred. A puppy cut is fine for pets, but never for the show dog.

Temperament:

The coton is very friendly, gentle, affectionate, and alert. They are very sociable dogs that get along well with children, other dogs and animals. They become very attached to its home and master - wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. Naturally obedient and attentive to the wishes of the owner, the coton is also known as the anti-depressive dog, full of tricks to delight and cheer its master, such as walking on their hind legs. And they cock their heads to the side when you speak to them as if hanging on every word that you say.

Exercise:

A hardy, quick dog, the coton can excel in obedience and agility, they love to play and even swim but they are adaptable to most living situations whether it be life in an apartment or life on a farm.