Skip to content
ShareYourPets

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tuléar is the national dog of Madagascar, named for the port city of Tuléar and for its cotton-textured coat.

It descends from small white dogs of the bichon family that reached the island on trading and possibly shipwrecked vessels, and it was for a long time a dog of the Merina nobility.

It stands 23 to 28 centimetres, weighs 3.5 to 6 kilograms and lives fourteen to sixteen years. The coat is long, soft and cotton-like, and sheds very little. Temperament is the breed's principal selling point: Cotons are cheerful, adaptable, funny and extremely people-oriented, and they were bred entirely for company.

Origin
Madagascar; national dog, named for the port of Tuléar
Size
23–28 cm; 3.5–6 kg
Lifespan
14–16 years
Coat
Long, soft and cotton-textured; sheds very little
Temperament
Cheerful, adaptable and intensely people-oriented
Health
Generally sound; patellar luxation, PRA, dental disease

3 coton de tulear photos, newest first

  • Cotton, a coton de tulear

    Cotton

    Cotton has the window seat, the cushions, and firm views about sharing either.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Plum, a coton de tulear

    Plum

    Plum was promoted to detective examining one suspicious biscuit; unfortunately, a tower of lemons begins to collapse.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Plum, a coton de tulear

    Plum

    The exact moment Plum heard the fridge open.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a coton de tulear

The coat mats and needs combing to the skin most days if kept long. Many owners keep it in a shorter clip, which is sensible and takes nothing away from the dog.

They shed very little, which is why they are suggested for allergy sufferers — but low shedding is not the same as low allergen, and anyone allergic should meet the individual dog.

They were bred to be companions and do not cope well alone all day. Build up alone-time gradually from puppyhood.

Dental disease is the usual small-breed issue. Brush from the start.

Ask about patellar luxation and PRA testing. Exercise needs are modest but they enjoy activity and are more athletic than they look.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

Worth reading alongside this

More dogs by breed

Every dog breed somebody has posted a photo of.