Coton de Tulear
Description
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed with a distinctive fluffy, cotton-like coat that earned it its name. Originating from Madagascar, this breed has a charming personality marked by playful antics and a friendly disposition. Cotons thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities, making them excellent pets for homes with children or other animals. Their size ranges between 8 and 15 pounds, making them sturdy yet manageable for most living environments. Despite their lively moments, Cotons tend to have a calm demeanor and low barking tendencies. They adapt well to apartment living or houses with yards, provided they receive daily attention and mental stimulation. Their affectionate nature and sociability extend to strangers, making them welcoming and approachable companions. Their unique coat colors include white, black, and various markings such as gray, tricolor, and yellow, adding to their visual appeal.
Grooming
The Coton de Tulear’s long, double coat requires consistent care to prevent mats and tangles. Daily line-brushing down to the skin is essential, using a pin brush followed by a metal comb to reach the undercoat. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks keeps the coat clean and fresh, but make sure to dry the coat thoroughly to avoid moisture-related issues. Pay special attention to tidying the feet and sanitary areas between full grooming sessions to maintain hygiene. Humidity can increase the risk of mats, so extra brushing during damp weather is advised. Their coat colors and patterns, especially whites and lighter markings, may show dirt more easily and benefit from gentle spot cleaning as needed. - Brush daily with pin brush and metal comb - Bathe every 4–6 weeks, dry completely - Tidy feet and sanitary areas regularly - Check for mats, especially in humid weather Pro tip: Use a detangling spray before brushing to ease combing and reduce breakage.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Cotons require about 25 minutes of walking daily, usually in a single session. Their moderate activity level means they enjoy a steady, relaxed pace rather than intense exercise. A consistent routine helps them feel secure and supports their socialization skills. Example routine: Morning: 10-minute leash walk around the neighborhood Evening: 15-minute stroll in the park or backyard Keep walks calm and engaging, allowing your Coton to sniff and explore safely. Avoid overly strenuous exercise since their compact size and coat can make overheating a concern. Short, frequent outings are better than one long walk.
Boarding
When boarding a Coton de Tulear, a crate size of 30 to 36 inches is ideal to provide enough space for comfort without excess room that might cause anxiety. Their playful yet gentle nature means they benefit from calm decompression periods after exercise to settle down. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and predictably to build trust with the dog. Enrichment activities should focus on low-key mental stimulation and gentle play rather than vigorous games. Familiar toys and consistent routines help reduce stress during boarding. Because Cotons are sociable but can be a bit shy initially, quiet socialization with other calm dogs is recommended. Staff should monitor interactions closely to prevent overwhelm. Providing a cozy blanket or item with the dog’s scent can also ease the transition away from home.