Coton de Tulear Characteristics
Life expectancy: 15 – 19 years
Adult weight: 8 - 15 lbs.
Adult height: 9 – 11 in.
Origin – Madagascar
The Coton de Tulear is a small but sturdy dog breed that originated from the island of Madagascar. These dogs are known for their fluffy white coat, which is soft and cottony in texture, and their cheerful, affectionate nature. They have a playful and curious disposition and form strong bonds with their owners.
Coton de Tulear’s are great companion dogs and can adapt well to living in apartment settings. They are low shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. However, their long, cottony coats require regular grooming to help avoid tangles and matting. A weekly brushing and quarterly grooming session can help keep their coat looking fluffy and healthy. It is also important to keep their ears and teeth clean to help prevent potential health issues.
In terms of personality, Coton de Tulear is known to be loyal and affectionate towards its owners. They thrive on human interaction and love to be included in family activities. They are good with kids and other pets, making them great family dog. However, they can be shy around strangers, so it is important to socialize with them at a young age.
Coton de Tulears are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. They are also known for their agility and can excel in canine sports such as agility and obedience competitions.
What is the price of a Coton de Tulear?
For a Coton de Tulear, the price can vary depending on several factors. These can include the breeder's reputation and experience, the puppy's lineage, as well as the location, demand, and availability of Coton de Tulear’s in an area. The puppy's age at the time of purchase can also affect its price, with younger puppies typically being more expensive than older ones.
Buying: $1400 - $3000
On average, you can expect to pay about $1,400 to $3,000 for a Coton de Tulear puppy from a reputable breeder. However, prices may be higher if the breeder has a history of producing award-winning or show-quality Cotons.
It's important to do your research and find a breeder who raises healthy, well-socialized puppies that are up to date on vaccinations and have been screened for genetic health issues. While the initial cost may seem steep, purchasing a Coton de Tulear puppy from a reputable breeder can help save you money in the long run by avoiding costly health problems.
Adoption: $50 - $500
Adopting a Coton de Tulear from a shelter can be an affordable way to welcome a new furry friend into your home. The cost of adoption typically ranges around $50 to $500, depending on the shelter and the dog's age, health, and temperament. This fee may cover initial expenses such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping that many shelters provide a puppy before adoption.
Monthly Costs for a Coton de Tulear Puppy
Diet: $10 - $30
Feeding a Coton de Tulear puppy could cost about $120 to $360 annually or $10 - $30 monthly. This cost can vary depending on the type and quality of food you choose to give your furry friend. It's important to consider the nutritional needs of your puppy and consult with your veterinarian to help ensure they are getting the best possible diet.
Grooming: $50 - $100
The cost of grooming your Coton de Tulear puppy can vary based on the grooming services required, but on average, you can expect to spend about $50 - $100 per session. Generally, a Coton de Tulear will require between 4 and 8 grooming sessions annually. This means that getting your Coton de Tulear professionally groomed could cost about $200 - $800 per year.
Medical Costs: $65 - $170
As the new owner of a Coton de Tulear puppy, it is important to be aware of the medical costs that are common in the first year. Typically, your puppy will require three to four vet visits in their first year, with each costing about $65 and $170 per visit. These vet visits allow your vet the opportunity to check that your puppy is developing correctly and administer recommended exams or vaccines, and provide refills of medications your puppy may be taking.
It's important to prioritize your puppy's health and well-being. Regular check-ups and preventive care services can help save you from much larger expenses down the road. Coton de Tulear can be prone to developing certain health conditions such as patellar luxation, heart disease, and dental disease as they grow into adulthood. While the cost of treatment for these conditions can vary according to severity and treatment, the estimated costs are:
Patellar Luxation - $300 - $2000
Heart Disease - $800 - $2500
Dental Disease - $400 - $800
One-Time Costs for a Coton de Tulear
Initial Costs: $150 - $650
If you're considering bringing a Coton de Tulear puppy into your home, it's important to factor in the initial cost of supplies. Typically, you can expect to spend about $150 to $650 on initial supplies, including bowls, a collar, a leash, a bed, a crate, grooming supplies, training, and sanitary supplies. The cost can vary according to the brand and quality of supplies you choose for your new companion.
Microchipping: $25 - $50
Microchipping your puppy is an important procedure with costs ranging from around $25 to $50. While the initial cost may seem like an additional expense, it is a one-time fee that can help provide peace of mind for years to come. Microchipping is an important step in helping increase the likelihood of a successful reunion if your pet were to become lost or stolen.
Vaccinations: $225 - $300
Vaccinations are important to keep your puppy healthy. Typically, a puppy will need three sets of vaccinations within their first year, and each set can cost about $75 - $100. These core vaccinations protect against common illnesses such as distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, Parvo, parainfluenza, and rabies. It's important to keep in mind that these vaccinations can help save you money in the long run by preventing costly veterinary treatments for preventable illnesses.
Miscellaneous:
In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a puppy, there are also optional miscellaneous costs to consider. One of these is dog walking, which can cost about $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walk or $20 to $50 for a full hour. This is especially important if you work long hours and can't give your puppy the exercise they need.
Another cost to consider is boarding services, which can cost around $25 to $85 per day. This is important if you plan to travel and can't bring your puppy with you. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to budget for these miscellaneous costs to help ensure that your puppy receives the care and attention they need.
Lifetime Coton de Tulear Cost: $23,595
The estimated cost of owning a Coton de Tulear over the duration of its lifetime is about $23,595. This estimate considers necessary expenses such as the initial purchasing price, food, grooming, medical care, and initial supplies. It’s important to note that this estimate does not include the cost of emergency care for your pet, should they have a need for it.
How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?
Spot Pet Insurance plans offer pet parents the opportunity to customize the coverage that fits their budget and the needs of their furry companion. Spot plans provide pet parents the option to choose an unlimited annual limit with no per-incident caps, no lifetime caps, and a reimbursement rate of up to 90% for the eligible costs of covered services. A pet insurance plan from Spot offers coverage for accidents, illnesses, and parents can choose to add preventive care coverage to their plan for an additional cost. Preventive care coverage can cover the eligible costs of routine exams, certain vaccines, and dental cleaning, in addition to other benefits. To learn more about Spot Pet Insurance plans, get a free quote!
Conclusion
Owning a Coton de Tulear can be a rewarding experience for those who are willing to put in the effort to train and care for this unique breed. They are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that can make great companions for individuals or families. However, it is important to remember that they require regular grooming and exercise to help keep them healthy and happy. If you are considering adding a Coton de Tulear to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder or rescue organization to help ensure you get a happy and healthy puppy.
