Coton de Tulear breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Coton de Tulears
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Coton de Tulear breed
These delightful dogs have captured the hearts of many with their lovable nature. Originating from Madagascar, and known as the Official Dog of Madagascar, they are a small breed known for their cotton-like coat, which is soft and fluffy to touch. Coton de Tulears are companion dogs through and through, making them excellent pets for those seeking a loyal and affectionate companion.
Weight, height & life expectancy
With an average height of around 25cm, and a weight ranging from 4 to 6kg, these pint-sized pups are perfect for cuddling.
Their life expectancy is approximately 14 to 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Coton de Tulear like?
The Coton de Tulear has a wonderful temperament, making them a delightful addition to any family. They are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, always eager to shower their loved ones with love and attention. These dogs thrive on human companionship and make excellent family pets, as they tend to get along well with children and other animals. Their gentle and playful demeanour brings joy and laughter to every household. However, early socialisation is crucial to ensure they develop into well-rounded and confident dogs.
Our Coton de Tulear Community
“She’s a very affectionate and playful dog who enjoys long walks, sniffing and tummy rubs.”
Bonnie’s owner, Fiona from London
“Winnie is a gorgeous little white fluff, with a good heart and gentle nature.”
Winnie’s owner, Rebecca from Somerset
How much exercise does a Coton de Tulear need?
Coton de Tulears are not highly demanding in terms of exercise. They require moderate exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks in addition to playtime in a securely fenced area are usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Aim for around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
It's important to note that puppies have different exercise requirements. They should engage in shorter play sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration as they grow older. Around 5 to 10 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, is a good guideline for puppies, but remember to gauge how your pup is doing and take advice from your vet. At around 12 months of age, they can generally handle adult-level exercise routines.
Need an extra hand exercising your Coton de Tulear? Find a local borrower today.
Do Coton de Tulears need a lot of grooming?
Coton de Tulears come in a variety of colours including white, black and white and tricolour. They require regular grooming to maintain the beauty of their distinctive coat. Their cotton-like fur does not shed excessively, however, it's important to brush their coat at least a few times a week to prevent matting and keep their coat tangle-free. Additionally, regular bathing is necessary to keep their coat clean and fresh as well as regular visits to a professional groomer to keep them looking their best.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Coton de Tulears easy to train?
Coton de Tulears are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a relatively enjoyable experience. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, including praise, treats, and playtime. Keep the training sessions fun, short, and engaging to hold their attention and prevent boredom.
Early socialisation and basic obedience training should be started from a young age to help them become well-mannered and confident dogs. Patience, consistency, and a gentle approach are key to successful training with this breed.
Want to experience spending time with a Coton de Tulear to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Coton de Tulear near you.
What do Coton de Tulears eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to keep your Coton de Tulear healthy and happy. Provide them with high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds, fed twice daily, unless advised otherwise by a veterinary professional. The recommended feeding amount will depend on factors such as their age, weight, and activity level. It's important to avoid overfeeding, as Coton de Tulears are prone to weight gain.
As puppies, feed them small breed puppy food 3-4 times a day, reducing to twice a day at 6 months and feed puppy food until about 10-12 months old, or as advised by your pet food supplier and/or vet.
Are Coton de Tulears healthy?
Coton de Tulears are generally healthy dogs but here are a few health issues that can affect Coton de Tulears:
Bleeding disorders
Von Willebrand’s Disease - an issue with platelet function in the blood stream causing bleeding
Bones and joints
Hip dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Coton de Tulear is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
The Coton de Tulear's soft, fluffy coat is prone to tangles and mats. Brush your dog regularly with a slicker brush or comb to keep their coat healthy and prevent discomfort. Regular grooming sessions will also help your dog get used to being handled and make professional grooming visits stress-free.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
