More About The Breed

Perhaps the second best characteristic of the Coton de Tuléar, next to their temperament and trainability, is their adaptability. They can literally go anywhere with you, and will often be comfortable nestled in a handbag or happy to trail just behind you as you make your way about town. The Coton de Tulear a low-maintenance pet who is happy as long as they are near you. This makes them an easy and excellent traveling companion.

When it’s time for play, they are excited and playful, but when it’s time to chill out, they wait patiently for your instruction. The Coton is, as you may have guessed, a great pet for apartment dwellers. If the suburbs are where you call home, a nice yard and a short, daily walk is all they need to be well-exercised. Extreme temperatures – especially cold – won’t be suitable for this animal because their coat is not thick enough to provide much insulation.

The Coton, once properly socialized, gets along with everybody: kids, other dogs, cats, and other pets. The only extra care necessary for the Coton is ensuring that they have company; they do not tend to do well being left alone. These dogs can experience extreme separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Therefore, they make an ideal pet for the older owner or empty nester who can be with them around the clock.

The Coton de Tulear is relatively free of genetic diseases. Like all small breeds, they may be prone to patellar luxation. Some frequency of ear infections, skin conditions, and back problems have also been observed. 

The Coton is exalted as a highly trainable pet and a good fit for owners of all experience levels due, in large measure, to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They excel at obedience and agility. They are also a quick study, learning the family’s daily or weekly routines and adapting their needs to them. Fans of the Coton de Tuléar are delighted by their spritely companion’s happy disposition and intelligence. Even for those dog owners, who were not formerly fans of small dog breeds, find this breed’s optimism infectious.

Their “portability” is another big plus for those who like to travel with their pet. The single dog owner will love the great company the Coton provides. For families, the Coton may be one of several pets, and one who is easily integrated into “the pack.” This is a low-maintenance dog with just the right amount of childlike energy for a lifetime of playful experiences. For the allergy-prone family member, the Coton’s hypoallergenic coat can be an added advantage.

The word “coton” in their name alludes to their cottony-soft coat. Most owners choose to keep this coat short in a “puppy cut,” which is very easy to maintain. If you decide to keep it longer, frequent brushing - down to the skin is important to prevent matting. You will also need to check their ears frequently to make sure they don’t have buildup or infection, trim their nails monthly, and keep their teeth clean with regular brushing.

Things will work best if you acclimate your dog to hands-on grooming from a young age. Teach them that grooming is a valuable time to bond with their humans, not a scary experience. 

Cotons require daily, moderate exercise. Daily walks and chasing a tennis ball in the yard along with other mentally stimulating activities are good for Cotons. If they do not get the chance to enjoy physical and mentally stimulating activities daily, they can become unhappy and destructive.