The Coton de Tulear was named after the port of Tulear, now Toliara, of Madagascar. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Madagascar was a common stopping point for Pirates. It is believed that the Coton de Tulear's ancestors, Tenerife dogs, were brought to the island nation on Pirate ships. There are many rumors about the breed's history on the island, with one claiming that a shipwreck washed a few small white dogs onto the island where they lived a feral lifestyle until they were taken in by royals. Regardless, the Coton de Tulear found its way to becoming a popular companion breed to Malagasy royalty and were not permitted to be owned by commoners. In fact, the aristocrats were also very reluctant to let the dogs leave the island, causing the breed to exist in isolation from the rest of the world until the 1970's.