Coton de Tulear

Non-Herding Group

Coton de Tulear dog standing with tongue out in front of white background

Height at Shoulders

Females 9-10 in, Males 10-11 in

Weight

Females 8-13 lbs, Males 8-15 lbs

Life Expectancy

15-19 yrs

History

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.

Breed Characteristics

While not all Cotons de Tulear share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.

Intelligence

Affection Towards Family

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

Exercise Needs

★★★★☆

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★☆☆

Energy Level

Sensitivity

Noise Level

Prey Drive

Shedding

★☆☆

★★★★★

★☆☆☆

★☆☆☆☆

★☆☆☆

Intelligence

★★★★☆


Affection Towards Family

★★★★★


Friendliness Towards Strangers

★★★★★


Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

★★★★★


Exercise Needs

★★★☆☆


Energy Level

★☆☆


Sensitivity

★★★★★


Noise Level

★☆☆


Prey Drive

★☆☆☆


Shedding

★☆☆☆

Common Traits

Sweet, social, and thrive on companionship

Prefer being with a family where someone is home during the day

Love to play, especially fetch

Tend to not bark often but will "talk" by making grunts, growls, etc.

Highly intelligent and will learn routines and adapt to their caretaker's needs quickly

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