Breed History

Originating in Madagascar around the 16th century and named after the city of Tulear, it is believed that the Coton de Tulear is made up of the French Bichon, Tenerife Terrier and Italian Bolognese bloodlines. This breed was popular among Pirates as companions, rodent catchers and even held for ransom. At one point later in time, this breed became very scarce. After careful selection of breeding, the Coton De Tulear breed was once again popular and captured the heart of royalty. This breed was able to become a breed only used for companionship where it still remains today.

Breed Appearance

This breed is a small breed with males and females measuring 10-13 inches in height and typically weighing in 12-15 pounds. Please note that males and females may be smaller or larger than show standard and still be purebred.  It comes as no surprise that this breed appears similar to “cotton” with such a hint within its name. Commonly seen in solid white, this breed is also available in black and white, and white with tri-color. The Coton De Tulear has unusual hair compared to many other breeds because their coat is very similar to human hair and not fur. Their tail curls upwards and lays over their back with an abundant amount of hair attached. Their round eyes are dark brown to solid black in color and their two ears are pendant shaped and gently frame their face.

Breed Temperament

The Coton de Tulear is a breed that strives for perfection. An incredible addition to any family with children of all ages, elderly and other pets, this breed loves company. It is important to note that the Coton de Tulear quickly gets attached to their home, and family. Due to this, make sure you are able to include your dog in family activities, outings and relaxation together so they receive the daily affection they need in order to be a happy pup! This breed requires a single walk a day as well as playtime with their family. Since this breed is constantly attempting to please its owner and family, it is no surprise that they are fast learners. This breed is very loving and sensitive, so positive reinforcement training methods are the only training method recommended.

Breed Grooming

This breed sheds lightly. Due to having thin, human like hair, they need to be brushed daily and professionally groomed regularly. Pay special attention to paws, tail and stomach where knots and mating are more likely to develop.

Special Notes

It is highly recommended that you fully educate yourself about the Coton De Tulear prior to adding one to your family to ensure that you are able to make a life long commitment to your new pup. Do not add this breed to your home unless you are able to provide life long physical and financial care. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.

Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2024. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.