Origin
Madagascar
Lifespan
15–19 years
Weight
4–6 kg
Height
23–28 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White · White and Gray · White and Tan
Coton de Tulear
About This Breed
The Coton de Tulear is Madagascar's national dog, named for the city of Tulear and its cotton-like coat. Known as the 'Royal Dog of Madagascar,' they are cheerful, clownish companions who love to entertain their families.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Coton de Tulear
Origin
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Group | Non-sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 4–6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15–19 years |
| Height | 23–28 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | White · White and Gray · White and Tan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Happy · Playful · Affectionate · Intelligent |
Often enjoys a mix of activity and rest.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The easygoing and sunny nature of the Coton de Tulear makes sense when you know their origins: These pups are island dogs. The small, fluffy breed resembles a cotton ball and is named for the port city of Toliara in Madagascar, where the breed originates. Although their history is somewhat spotty, the dogs likely arrived on the island by ship in the 15th century and bred with local wild dogs. When France colonized Madagascar in the 1700s, the rare breed became the must-have dog for every noble on the island, according to the United States Coton de Tulear Club (USCTC).
Care Guide
The Coton de Tulear is an adaptive and happy breed that does well in most living situations. While they love a good romp around the yard, they do not need constant entertainment or activity to be happy. They do, however, adore their humans and do best in homes where they are not left alone for long stretches of time. Cotons also make excellent family pets and travel buddies. The only things the adaptable Coton de Tulear asks of her humans is that they give lots of love and keep her fluffy white coat groomed.