Cotons 101

Toy group

The Coton de Tulear is related to similar small breeds also developed as companions, notably the Bichon Frise and Maltese. The Coton was refined in Madagascar, which was once a colony of France, hence its French name.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Cotons

If you have a lap, you've got a friend

While this playful breed is ideal for city living and older singles or couples, the diminutive Coton de Tulear may be a little too fragile for families with small children or large dogs.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
9 to 11 inches tall
Group Size Small

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Mature adult Coton

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

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Inflammatory bowel disease

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Luxated patella

Senior Coton

10+ years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

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Valvular heart disease

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Pancreatitis

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Intervertebral disc disease

Coton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Coton conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

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Ear infection

Young adult Coton

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Luxated patella

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Toxicity

Mature adult Coton

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

risk-level-bar

Inflammatory bowel disease

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

Senior Coton

10+ years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

risk-level-bar

Valvular heart disease

risk-level-bar

Pancreatitis

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

Coton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Coton conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Dental disease

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Ear infection

Young adult Coton

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

risk-level-bar

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Luxated patella

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Toxicity

Coton de Tulear image

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Coton de Tulear image

The original story of how these fluffy white dogs made it to Madagascar is a mystery, but one story goes that several dogs swam the Malagasy channel after their owners went down in a shipwreck.

Coton De Tulear coat care and colors

The Coton de Tulear has a coat that tangles easily without daily combing and brushing. For that reason, most of these small charmers are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two for warmth when needed.

Coton exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

Smart and eager to please, Cotons love indoor play and games. They’re easily swooped into a carrier for outings, but let them use their legs – it’s better for them.

Class star

Trainability

The big reason for bad manners in little dogs: We let them get away with everything. Don’t neglect training a Coton de Tulear and you’ll have a delightful companion.

Coton fun facts

Top girl names for Cotons

Top boy names for Cotons

Nationwide loves Coton De Tulears of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Cotons

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