Coton de Tulear
Also known as Coton
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 3.5 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Madagascar
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A small companion dog with a soft, cotton-white coat, a charming personality and a playful temperament.
History and origins
Native to Madagascar, where it was the companion of the nobility, it descends from small white bichon-type dogs that arrived with sailors and merchants. It is named after the port of Tuléar (Toliara) and was recognized by the FCI in 1987.
Health
Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Multifocal retinal dysplasia and cataracts
- Atopic dermatitis
- Tartar and periodontal disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, cottony coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Coton de Tulear FAQ
How big does the Coton de Tulear get?
The Coton de Tulear stands 23 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 3.5 to 6 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Coton de Tulear shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Coton de Tulear live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Coton de Tulear need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Coton de Tulear good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Coton de Tulear live?
Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation, as well as multifocal retinal dysplasia and cataracts.
