Coton de Tulear
Temperament:
The Coton de Tuléar owes its name to its unique coat and is also known as the cotton dog. The French called this fluffy breed the "antidepressant dog" because of its infectious zest for life.
Characteristics
A Coton de Tuléar generally reaches a shoulder height of up to 30 cm and a weight of up to 6 kg. The dog is described as rectangular with a slight rise above the loin.
Probably the most characteristic feature of this breed is the dog's cottony, completely white coat. When breeding, this white may only be mixed with grey or fawn-colored sprinkles if the overall appearance of the color is not disturbed. However, black and white and tri-coloured coats are generally recognized. The triangular hanging ears generally merge almost seamlessly into the long coat. The Coton de Tuléar has no undercoat.
The black nose and dark eyes are striking, but are often concealed by the long coat. The legs of this breed are rather short, whereas the Large Coton has longer limbs. According to the standard, the tail should be curled over the back.
The eyes also reflect the character of this breed. The Coton de Tuléar is invariably described as a lively and visibly happy breed. Cotons have the habit of standing on their hind legs to the delight of their owner.
The dogs are very adaptable, but also react very sensitively to their environment. They are always looking for reassurance and tend to develop a fear of loss if left alone. It is therefore recommended that you keep two dogs or hire a caregiver if you have a full-time job.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Coton is generally a very healthy dog and therefore hardly needs a special diet. When choosing food, attention should be paid to high-quality ingredients and a balanced diet. The amount of food should be based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Two meals are sufficient for an adult Coton. Regular weighing helps to detect weight gain in good time. This is difficult to do with the naked eye because of the long coat.
Health & Care
The Coton de Tuléar is a breed that does not shed. Nevertheless, the dog must be combed at least once a day for about 15 minutes, otherwise tangles will quickly form, which can only be removed by shaving. Moistening the coat before combing is important to keep the hair healthy and prevent breakage.
The Coton also needs a regular bath, in which a mild dog shampoo can also be used to enhance the effect.
The length of the claws should also be checked from time to time, as small dog breeds often do not wear their claws down sufficiently and require them to be shortened.
Ears, eyes and teeth should be cleaned regularly.
Suitable accessories
In addition to a collar or harness and lead, the Coton de Tuléar needs a grooming set with brush, shampoo and claw nipper. A baby bathtub can be used for bathing. A low-noise hairdryer is also recommended to prevent illness despite the dog's robustness.
Your Coton de Tuléar also needs a basket, a food and water bowl, a transport box and toys. A weatherproof coat is recommended for the winter.
Origin & History
Originally, the Coton de Tuléar was kept on the Malagasy island of Tuléar as a lap dog for the nobility. The lower classes were forbidden to keep a dog of this breed under penalty of punishment.
It is assumed that pirates or simple sailors brought the original breed from France to this island in the 16th and 17th centuries and mated them with local dogs, resulting in the Coton de Tuléar.
In 1972, the first specimens were brought to America by Dr. Robert J. Russel.
Until the end of the 1990s, the dog was largely unknown in both Europe and America and was traded as a rarity.
Even today, the Coton is considered the national dog of the island of Tuléar.
