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THERE ‘S PROBABLY NO OTHER frankfurter BREEDthat ’s going to be as sorcerous , as bright , and as glad - go - lucky as the Coton de Tulear .

This literal furball of fun and sass ilk follow its owner around the house to cuckoo and bond with them .

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And with its mostly whitened and fluffy fur , there ’s no inquiring why it is nominate after cotton .

Also , do you have it off that this french bloodless heel is also count the official dog of Madagascar ? Yep .

In this clause , lease ’s learn more about the Coton de Tulear — where they are from , their personality and disposition , possible health result to expect out for , and what place them apart from other cunning and small frump breeds .

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Coton de Tulear Dog Breed: An Overview

The Coton de Tulear , also known as the ‘ Royal Dog of Madagascar , ' is part of the non - card-playing radical strain .

They are mostly keep as fellow traveller click and can be the perfect selection for first - time dog possessor .

TheAmerican Kennel Clubdescribes this breed as throw a “ joie de vivre ” expressive smile and witty personality .

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Their cotton fiber - like coating may just be the principal highlight of their forcible appearance .

However , they are mostly befuddled with Bichon Frise or a Maltese — no doubt as they are really related to one another .

The ideal height for Coton de Tulear is9 to 10 inches for femalesand10 to 11 inches for males . An adult - sizing Coton commonly weighs8 to 15 pounds .

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When cared for properly , a Coton de Tulear ’s lifespan can reach15 to 19 years .

Because of their size of it , they are reasonably much adaptable to any living setting .

They ’d happily settle with their humans whether it be in a large farmhouse or in an flat .

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Origin of Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear is a noble breed . They were once the preferent associate and lapdogs of the aristocrats in Madagascar .

AlthoughMadagascaris a area in East Africa , they associate more with the Gallic people and culture because they were once colonized by the European country .

The Gallic words is still widely verbalise there , hence the name given to the Coton de Tulear .

WhileCotonobviously think of cotton in French , Tulearis make after the renowned city and haven Tulear in Madagascar ( now namedToliara ) where this breed was say to have started off on the island .

Legend has it that a pack of small snowy wiener swam toward the port when the ship they were get on on was wreck . ( Yes , just like straight from a fairy tale book ! )

These frump might have beenMaltese , as white dogs like Malteses were once trade off as luxury items via ships going around the Mediterranean and North Africa .

The pawl see to adapt to the island life where they mated and bred with the local canines that later on resulted in the Cotons we know this day .

The elites had been so fascinated with the new breed of dogs that they once hap laws disallow normal people ( or those outside the ruling social class ) from owning a Coton de Tulear .

It was only in the sixties that the world discover this breed ’s existence thanks to a match of Gallic tourists in the area .

In the seventies , they were add over to France , and later on to America where they have been see as theRoyal Dog of Madagascar .

Their royal status was affirmed when the commonwealth free a stamp in 1974 with its picture .

This frank was only formally recognized as a breed by theSociete Centrale Caninein 1970 , while the AKC in 2014 .

Traits and Characteristics of Coton de Tulear

Perhaps the most notable characteristic of this breed is their naturally long , profuse , cotton wool - like coating .

AKC recognized bloodless as the only standard color for a Coton de Tulear .

On the other hand , black is the non - standard and the only other colouring useable .

Slight gray and/or yellow or tan markings are also the touchstone , but tri - coloring material and ashen are also accepted .

These markings are usually concentrated on or around their ear .

Although they may be modest , they are sturdy and do n’t come along fragile . Their body is also longer than mellow .

They have rounded glum brown or dim heart which were set wide apart and rimmed with shameful pigment .

Their triangular capitulum are weeping and are set luxuriously above the line of the eye .

aside from their show , Coton de Tulears sure are chatty !

Although they ’re not a barker , they do unique and adorable vocalizations when you talk to them .

Just reckon at how precious the Coton is in the TV below tell hello !

Coton de Tulear’s Personality and Temperament

When we say Coton de Tulears are fond with their family unit , trust us , they really are !

In fact , they are affectionate to the stop of being clingy .

That ’s why anticipate that it ’s move to be difficult leaving them alone in the house by themselves .

But however clingy they may be , they wo n’t do good as watchdog .

They ’d probably welcome any strangers in your firm with an enthusiastic bark and a welcoming clout .

And because they have been engender as companion Canis familiaris since the outset , they have a very little fair game drive .

But this only mean Coton de Tulears are also very good with children and other favorite , too .

They ’re in spades people - pleaser ; they ’d goof around to get a good laugh and congratulations from their man .

Also , female Cotons run to be more independent than male ones .

How to Care for a Coton de Tulear

However small and cotton - like they may be , you ’d be surprised that they in reality are n’t mellow - maintenance as you thought they may be .

Grooming Needs

Coton de Tulears are low - shedder , so allergic owner will ride well in caring for them .

But because of their stringy pelt , it ’s best to sweep their coating at least 3 to 4 time a week using a pin brush or metal comb to prevent matting .

Pay especial aid to the areas behind the ears , legs , and elbow as these are the most prone to matting .

Using aspray - on conditioner for dogswill also help to keep their glazed and healthy appearance and minimise breaking .

bathe them once every 3 weeks or once a calendar month should be enough — depending on how dirty and shitty they ’d be .

To keep their colour as white-hot as their namesake cotton wool , it ’s secure to usewhitening shampoo .

It ’s also advisable to pat them dry instead of chafe them using a towel to prevent knotting in their coat .

Some possessor keep their Coton ’s fur short and more manageable through a puppy clip and a topknot .

Same with other hot dog breed , it ’s better to brush their tooth 2 to 3 clock time a week , if not daily , to forbid anydental disease .

ear should be regularly cleaned , too .

Nails should also be trim as needed , especially since Cotons incline to jump up on people to greet them .

Training Needs

Coton de Tulears are pretty active .

As long as they have enough quad to run around the planetary house , that ’d be enough physical activity for them for a twenty-four hours .

In fact , they ’d be glad to do whatever their owner wanted to do !

But , of course , it ’s still good to give them their outdoor time . A 30 - minute manner of walking once or twice a sidereal day should be enough to practice an otherwise lounge - frankfurter Coton .

Because they are people - pleasers , they ’d be somewhat leisurely to develop . Just make certain to use the kudos - and - reward technique to boost them to continue learning .

Also , remember to keep the training academic term lively and entertain so as not to deliver them .

Cotons have the potential to surpass in most pawl - sport activities when train with positive methods .

They also make excellent therapy Canis familiaris .

And just like any other strain , it ’s good to start Coton de Tulears with training and socialisation while they are still puppy .

House and crate training may be difficult in the beginning , but it ’s going to be well deserving instruct them when to potty and to stay out of fuss .

They ’d do well by keeping a scheduled subroutine for these affair .

Feeding Needs

Coton de Tulears are also at peril of obesity if they englut . give them veterinary surgeon - approve dog nutrient appropriate for their age is important .

expert urge about3/4 cup daily of high - caliber dog food divided into 2 meals .

This is better or else of just lead food for them all the time .

Since giving treats is also necessitate especially when develop them , check that that you keep it to only at least 10 % of their commend daily calorie intake .

If you want to go the extra mile and prepare your Coton ’s meal at home base yourself , make indisputable to consult first with the veterinarian as to what food for thought is best to feed him .

you may check out our recipes for healthy and homemade dog food recipes for all breeds .

Coton de Tulear Health Issues

All dog breed have certain health egress possessor would want to count out for — and Coton de Tulears are n’t exceptions to the rule !

Skin Allergies

Dogs get skin allergy too and Coton de Tulears are actually prone to them !

peel allergic reaction often causeitchy peel in dogsthat later on might guide to bacterial infections such as pyoderma .

Although allergies are easily realizable with proper care and treatment , they can still do serious job if not now taken attention of .

Luxating Patella

Small dog stock like the Coton are also prostrate to gettingLuxating Patella , where the knee bone ( patella ) slip in and out of place .

This is mostly a inherited disease that can be exacerbate with a Coton ’s love for operate and jumping up and down furniture and stairs .

Hip Dysplasia

Another disease that can be inherited isHip Dysplasia .

This is pretty common for all breed , especially for larger ones , but does n’t stand for modest click like Cotons are spared from it .

Here , the ball and joint of the hips do n’t take shape or develop in good order , resulting in its declension and disfunction .

Limping , lameness or general weakness in the leg are the common symptoms of pelvis dysplasia .

If not regale properly , this can lead to osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease .

Eye Diseases

Any dogs with coating or fur that goes over the centre are prone to eye diseases .

For Coton de Tulear owner , Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA ) and Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 2 are the ones to look out for .

Progressive Retinal Atrophyis the degradation of sight due to the going of photoreceptors at the back of the optic .

luckily , this can be name years before sightlessness sets in .

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 2 , on the other hand , is a rare genetic consideration characterized by areas of retinal detachment .

While it does n’t typically direct to blindness , it causes blisters around the centre jump from around 15 weeks of years .

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD orIntervertebral Disc Diseasehappens when the discs in the spine break , slip , bulge , or herniate .

The jeopardy of getting this can be prevent by limiting roughhousing or any natural action that put pressure sensation on your Coton ’s back .

IVDD can be quite fatal if not prevented , and it can be treat via surgical procedure .

TheUnited States of America Coton de Tulear Club , the home breed nightspot for this wiener , recommends getting the following screening tests for Cotons :

Coton de Tulear Fun Facts!

FAQs on Coton de Tulear

How rare is Coton de Tulear?

While Coton de Tulear became a pretty pop breed in America because of their natural prettiness , this breed is still confront extinction up to this engagement due to a small cistron pool .

Although it ’s still the official dog of Madagascar , political and economical issues in the country also impact the raising and population of Coton de Tulear .

salutary thing , there are now organizations dedicated to preserve this dog breed , one of which isThe United States of America Coton de Tulear Club .

What is the difference between a Bichon Frise, a Coton de Tulear, and a Maltese?

With their show , it ’s wanton to confuse a Bichon Frise , a Coton de Tulear , and a Maltese with one another .

However , the cardinal remainder between the three breed is their size and coat colour .

Bichon Friseis slimly larger than a Coton de Tulear , and the former only has bloodless fur in contrast to the mixed bag of colouring and scoring a Coton can have .

In equivalence , Malteseis the smallest among the three . That ’s why it belongs to the Toy Group breed .

This dog-iron is also much more flimsy than a tough Coton de Tulear .

Apart from their show , these three breeds also have differences in their behavior and personality .

Can a Coton de Tulear be left alone for 8 hours?

Coton de Tulears can be extremely attached ( borderline clingy ! ) to their humans , so depart them for 8 farseeing hours may not be the good idea .

As any other dog do , they can also have from separation anxiousness which leads to unwanted behavior and end inside the theater .

But with the right preparation , they can gradually learn to correct and realize that coming and going is normal .

However , they ’d still do best in a house where they can have a constant companion .

Coton de Tulear Dog Breed — Final Thoughts

Novice possessor , experient owners , I , kinfolk with kids — no doubt Coton de Tulear can be the perfect canine tooth companion whatever lifestyle you have .

But just like caring for any stock , it ’s important to know facts about Coton de Tulears — especially their personality and disposition , potential health egress , and their care indigence .

Being a responsible pet proprietor to the national heel of Madagascar is also helpful in preserving this strain and protecting it from extinction .