Coton de Tulear: Complete Guide to the Royal Dog (2024)
Hello!
This is Kim's Pups, Korean teacup puppy, teacup dog breeder and boutique.
Let's learn about the Coton de Tulear, a cute dog that people call the "walking cotton candy" because it looks so fluffy!
The name "Coton de Tulear" comes from French, where "coton" means "cotton," perfectly describing this dog's soft, fluffy coat.
History and Origins of the Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear originated on the island of Madagascar in Africa.
Later, they made their way to France, where they became beloved among the nobility.
They were particularly popular in the French royal court.
In the 1970s, they traveled to America, eventually becoming a globally cherished companion dog.
Appearance and Size
The Coton de Tulear is known for its compact size.
They typically stand 23-30cm tall and weigh between 4-8kg.
Depending on their bloodline, some can reach up to 11kg.
American bloodlines tend to be slightly larger than their British or European counterparts.
Their most striking feature is their cotton candy-like fur.
The coat is incredibly soft and fine, and fun fact, it's non-allergic (hypoallergenic).
Their coat comes in three main color varieties:
Coat Colors
- Pure White: The most traditional and common color
- Parti-Color: White with either black (black parti) or brown (brown parti) markings
- Tri-Color Parti: A rare combination of white, black, and brown
Parti-colored puppies often fade as they grow older, though rarely, some maintain their colors into adulthood.
Personality and Characteristics
The Coton de Tulear is famous for its gentle and sweet nature.
They're so gentle that they'll even show their belly to smaller dogs.
They love spending time with people and are especially good with children.
They also get along well with other pets, making them great additions to homes with cats or other dogs.
These dogs are highly intelligent and train easily.
They quickly learn basic commands and can even master fun tricks.
They love to play and have lots of energy, but they can get scared easily.
That's why it's important to help them meet different people and see new places when they're puppies.
Health and Lifespan
With proper care, Coton de Tulears typically live 14-16 years.
Despite being generally healthy, their small size and high activity level mean they need special attention to joint health.
Their small joints can sometimes have problems (patellar luxation), so you shouldn't let them exercise too much or jump around too hard.
Coat Maintenance
Coat maintenance is crucial.
While their non-allergic (hypoallergenic) coat is a plus, it requires regular care as it continuously grows.
You need to brush their fur every day and take them to a dog groomer once a month to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Their sensitive skin requires gentle, non-irritating shampoos.
Celebrity Appeal
Many international celebrities have fallen in love with the Coton de Tulear.
Notable examples include Barbara Streisand who has owned multiple Cotons,
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas's family Coton,
Jane Fonda's beloved companion, and Glenn Close who often shares pictures of her Coton on social media.
Their popularity among celebrities likely stems from their gentle nature, adorable appearance, and minimal shedding.
Important Considerations for Adoption
When you want to get a Coton puppy, find someone who really cares about raising dogs.
Ask them to show you information about who the puppy's parents are.
Look for breeders who use natural breeding methods and carefully screen for genetic diseases.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is important, as Coton de Tulears require regular grooming, which can be costly.
Grooming costs vary by location and dog size, but you should budget for monthly grooming expenses.
Conclusion
The Coton de Tulear is truly a remarkable companion dog.
They offer an impressive combination of gentle temperament, adorable appearance, intelligence, and non-allergic (hypoallergenic) coat.
However, dog ownership comes with significant responsibilities.
These dogs need you to take good care of them - like taking them for walks, keeping their fur clean, and taking them to the vet.
So before you get one, make sure you're ready to do all these things.
Remember, while they make wonderful pets, they require consistent attention and care.
If you can provide the love, time, and resources they need, a Coton de Tulear can be an amazing addition to your family.
This is Kim's Pups. Thank you.
* Every picture in this article is from Kim's Pups puppies.
Choosing a pet isn’t just about having a cute animal; it’s about creating memories and sharing life as a family.
That’s why it’s important to carefully 'choose' your companion.
At Kim's Pups, we offer personalized one-on-one consultations for people interested in adopting a dog.
We consider your home, lifestyle, and the dog's personality and exercise needs to help you find the best match.
Since welcoming a new family member is such an important step, feel free to reach out for any questions or guidance.
We're here to help! 😊
