If you’ve ever seen a Coton de Tulear, you’ll know how adorable this small dog is. They look like little fluffy cotton balls with legs, noses, and eyes. If you’re looking for a wonderful doggie companion who will chill around the house with you, the Coton might be just the pup for you.
The Coton de Tulear is a breed that is around 300 years old. These small, lovable dogs originate from the island of Madagascar. Legend has it that they survived on the island after escaping a shipwreck off the coast of Tulear. No one is quite sure how they got there, but once they made it, they were quickly adopted by the ruling tribe on Madagascar.
Thus, the Coton earned the nickname “The Royal Dog of Madagascar.” They were bred to be the perfect companion and family dog. While they can acclimate to any weather, they are indoor dogs for the most part. After all, they want to spend all of their time with you and your family.
In the 1970s, Coton de Tulears were introduced to France and North America, and their fan base began to grow. They are related to the Maltese and the bichon frise, but they are unique in their own right. Although Cotons are not the dog for everyone, they are loving and lovable little pups. If you want to adopt one of these non-sporting dogs, you need to learn about their needs.
We understand how difficult being a pet parent can be, especially if you’re new to it all. That’s why we want to help. Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we understand what it’s like to be a pet parent, so we want to provide you with the information you need to know about the Coton de Tulear.
What is it?
Patellar Luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of its place. The seriousness of the illness and the treatment are based on how many legs are affected by this condition or how often the kneecap is able to slip.
If your dog has a less severe case of Patellar Luxation, it will be easier for you to treat since your vet should assign your pup some medication. In more severe cases, your pup will need to undergo surgery to fix their knees.
Clinical signs:
Treatment:
Other risks:
$300-2000
90%= $270-$1,800
80%= $240-$1,600
70%= $210-$1,400
Coton de Tulears are one of the best pups for families. If you need a furry friend to keep you company, the Coton would fit in that role perfectly as well. They are affectionate and friendly.
They would hang out with you all day if they could, and they make wonderful lap dogs. However, their attachment to their people also makes them prone to separation anxiety.
They are peaceful pups, and they will typically only bark as a warning of someone coming to the door or just passing by. They’re not exactly watchdogs.
They love to cuddle; they are also happy just sleeping on the floor nearby if you can’t cuddle with them.
Cotons are playful and fun-loving pups. Their goal is to entertain you, which usually ends up keeping them occupied as well.
They love to play. Your pup won’t be able to wait to spend time playing fetch or tug-o-war with you. One trick in particular that they’re well-known for is walking on their hind legs.
If you are a parent to a small human or your friends have small children that come over often, you are probably concerned about how well your new pup will interact with kids.
If you decide to adopt a Coton, they will be great with kids. Because both your pup and your kids will love to play, it’s a great way to tire out both of them, although your Coton might still need a walk afterwards. Their small size makes them a good match for children.
Perhaps you’re already a pet parent. You need to know if your new pup will get along with your other fur babies or there’s a really awesome dog park nearby, and you can’t wait to take your new Coton De Tulear puppy there.
Cotons are also great with other dogs. As they’re friendly, Cotons can get along with pretty much anyone, from new dogs to strangers. Just keep an eye on them when they’re playing with other pups since they’re such a small breed.
They also have a very low prey drive since they’re companion dogs, so they should be fine in a home with cats or other kinds of small pets.
Although Cotons aren’t the smartest dogs in the world, they are pretty intelligent in their own way. These pups are observant. These white dogs will watch you and your family to learn about you, so they can love you in the best way possible.
Are Cotons obedient?
Cotons are easy-going dogs whose goal is to make you happy. Their intelligence means that they are pretty good at learning new things. These furry family members also aren’t very inclined to try to get their own way.
Are Cotons energetic?
Cotons are pretty calm, but they do need a fair amount of exercise like any dog does. A daily walk and perhaps a bit of supervised playtime outside should be perfect. They love to play and hang out with you, so there is no end to activities you can enjoy with them.
What is the Coton’s coat like?
These little dogs have a double-layered, long, curly, cottony coat. Their shedding level is a little less than average.
Coton de Tulear coat colors:
Black
White
Tricolor
Are Cotons hypoallergenic?
Yes, Cotons are hypoallergenic.
Yes
What kind of grooming does the Coton require?
They should be brushed often, perhaps every other day, to avoid tangles. They also require regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail clipping.
$23,595-$122,335.
Adoption fee: $1,400-$3,000
Food: $50-$130, $45-$135
Water/food bowls: $5-$20, N/A
Treats: $40-$240, $40-$240
Collars: $5-$40, N/A
Leashes: $5-$20, $0-$20
Dog bed and crate: $35-$145, N/A
Toys: $15-$50, $0-$50
Vaccines and routine care: $385-$1,095, $280-$645
Heartworm and flea prevention: $120-$210, $155-$220
Total: $660-$1,950, $525-$1,330
Many of the foods that we humans enjoy can’t be shared with our pups. Some foods are good for dogs, which we’ve written about on our blog, but some are not.
Some toxic foods can include:
If you like the adventure of long walks, your Coton would love to join you on them. They need to get exercise, but they need you to go slowly since their legs are much shorter than yours.
You can also play games with them, like fetch, which will help keep them mentally active. You should also give them lots of attention and provide new and interesting toys. If they get bored, they might try to find their own interesting toys, like your shoes.
Puppy: Birth to six to nine months
Adult: Nine months to 10 years
Senior: 10 – end of life
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