INTRODUCTION

Sweet and cuddly, with a clownish personality, the Coton de Tulear dog breed is always up for a good time. This intelligent little dog with a cottony coat originated in Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese. Although they are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Remember to adopt. Cotons, as they are called for short, are affectionate, adaptable dogs who get along with almost everyone. That includes children and other dogs. They can fit in with flat dwellers or live in larger homes, as long as they are not left alone for many hours of the day. These low maintenance dogs can even thrive with novice dog parents. If you are looking for a sweet, intelligent and playful dog for your family, you will be hard pressed to find a better breed.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Coton de Tulear originates from the island of Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese, the Coton loves to be with people and dislikes to be separated from them, the Coton is intelligent and accepts training well. The Coton is a hardy dog, but is a companion breed that must live indoors. The Coton is a hardy dog, but is a companion breed that must live indoors, and is particularly well adapted to flat living. Coton puppies need additional grooming while they are growing out their adult coat, usually between seven and 15 months of age.Never buy a coton from a puppy mill, a pet shop or a breeder who does not offer health guarantees or clearances. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic diseases that can be passed on to puppies, breeds for good temperament and has signed the breed club’s code of ethics.

HISTORY

The large island of Madagascar, off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is home to many unusual creatures, but one of them has become a prized export around the world: the soft and furry Coton de Tulear, a member of the bichon family that probably arrived in Madagascar several hundred years ago. It is also said that the dogs stranded in Madagascar after being the only survivors of a shipwreck. Some of the dogs became pets of the royal court and wealthier households in Madagascar, while others became street dogs. Coton de Tulear is still found in his homeland, but his sweet personality has made him a favourite all over the world, even in the United States. He is not yet recognised by the American Kennel Club, but is registered with the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) of the AKC, as well as with the United Kennel Club and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Europe.