The Coton de Tuléar breed is all about temperament; they possess an abundance of personality, which is the primary reason for the popularity of this little dog. They so thoroughly enjoy being the center of attention that they can become clownish and entertaining. These little dogs are not afraid to act a little silly if it means receiving attention and adoration.

A standout talent of the Coton is their ability to stand on their hind legs. They will do this little trick frequently for praise and attention and, perhaps, for their own amusement. The Coton will also tilt their furry head in response to being spoken to in a comical jerk that highlights their long mustache and beard. Adding to the Coton spectacle are their vocalizations. Cotons make some funny noises when they’re playing, including high-pitched, short barking vocalizations and a range of grunting noises.

The Coton is an easily integrated member of the family and they are also exceptionally friendly to visitors at home and strangers on the street. They are enthusiastic about interacting with people and tend to be a face-licker to display their affection. The Coton will carefully shadow you wherever you go, enjoying the sheer pleasure of being in your presence. The family, single, or older owner that fully appreciates the affable character of this dog will find their temperament to be simply perfect.

Perhaps one of the best characteristics of the Coton de Tuléar, next to their temperament and trainability, is their adaptability. They can literally go anywhere with you, and will often be comfortable nestled in a handbag or happy to trail just behind you as you make your way about town. The Coton de Tulear is a low-maintenance pet who is happy as long as they are near you. This makes them an easy and excellent traveling companion.

When it’s time for play, they are excited and playful, but when it’s time to chill out, they wait patiently for your instruction. The Coton is, as you may have guessed, a great pet for apartment dwellers. If the suburbs are where you call home, a nice yard and a short, daily walk are all they need to be well-exercised. As with any dog breed, the Coton is sensitive to heat. They also don’t do well in the cold. Their coat is not thick enough to provide much insulation, so they will need some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks.

The Coton, once properly socialized, gets along with everybody: kids, other dogs, cats, and other pets. The only extra care necessary for the Coton is ensuring that they have company; they do not tend to do well being left alone. These dogs can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Overall, the Coton is a relatively healthy dog breed. Although not completely free of genetic health issues, they are still rare with only 1-5% of known incidences. That being said, potential health concerns to be aware of in the Coton de Tuléar can include hip dysplasia, eye problems, spinal disc disease, and luxating patella. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Coton de Tulear puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The United States of America Coton de Tulear Club, Inc. recommends a cardiac evaluation, a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a patella evaluation at a minimum.

The Coton is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. This makes them highly trainable and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. These little dogs also get bored easily, so it’s important to keep your dog engaged during training sessions by keeping training interesting.

These little dogs love to learn new things, especially if it means getting more attention from you. They excel at obedience and agility. They are also a quick study, learning the family’s daily or weekly routines and adapting their needs to them. Fans of the Coton de Tuléar are delighted by their spritely companion’s happy disposition and intelligence.

The Coton is known for their fluffy, cotton-like coat. Their hair can range from medium to long. Although they may shed their puppy coat as they grow, these little dogs do not shed and are known for producing low dander, which can be perfect for people with allergies. Coton owners can keep their Coton in a longer clip or trimmed shorter in a “puppy clip”.

With longer hair, the coat is more prone to tangles and mats. Daily brushing and regular grooming are required to keep this coat tangle-free and looking great. If kept in a “puppy clip,” you may be able to get away with brushing every other day, but Cotons are prone to matting and you still need to make sure you are brushing enough to prevent mats and keeping up with grooming to keep hair trimmed.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Coton de Tulear’s nails, ears, and teeth. Trimming nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Their ears must be inspected regularly and carefully cleaned if needed to help prevent ear infections. Their skin should also be monitored for dryness, which can cause uncomfortable itching.

You should aim to brush your dog’s teeth every day in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed. Because the Coton, like all small dogs, is prone to dental disease, it is important to clean their teeth regularly to prevent the tartar buildup that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Getting your Coton used to having their ears, paws, and mouth handled as a puppy will keep the grooming experience a positive one and make grooming easier throughout their life.

Although the Coton de Tuléar can be quite energetic when they play, they sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy.

But, they can be highly active or easy-going, depending on what’s going on with their owners. Because they love to be a part of what you’re doing and love spending time with you, these dogs will often match their energy level to yours.

If you’re up for more activity, they will want to be right along with you. If it’s time to relax and cuddle, you can bet your Coton will be ready to chill provided they are getting enough regular exercise and mental stimulation. Although they are always ready for play, they can be at peace just sitting in your lap for hours.

Fully-grown Coton de Tuléar usually stand 9-11 inches tall and weigh 8-15 pounds. On average, females usually stand 9-10 inches tall and weigh 8-13 pounds while males stand 10-11 inches tall and weigh 9-15 pounds.

The Coton de Tuléar generally lives for 15-19 years on average, with some living 19 years or more!

The unproven consensus is that the Coton de Tuléar dog breed was brought to Madagascar during the 16th and 17th centuries aboard pirate ships. It has also been featured on Madagascar’s postage stamps and is considered the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.”