Is the Coton De Tulear the right dog for you?
Coton de Tulear dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are highly sociable, playful, and love to be around their families. These dogs are also intelligent, adaptable, and eager to please, making them great companions and family pets.
Coton de Tulear Origin
The exact origin of the Coton de Tulear breed is not known, but it is believed to have first appeared on the island of Madagascar in the 15th century. The breed is thought to have been developed from a mix of little white dogs brought to the island by traders and sailors, such as the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The Coton de Tulear was officially recognized as a breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1970 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2014.
Coton de Tulear Name
The breed takes its name from the port city of Tulear (now Toliara) on Madagascar’s southwestern coast, where it was historically most prominent. These small, fluffy dogs were exclusive companions of the Malagasy nobility, particularly the Merina dynasty, who ruled the island from the 16th to 19th centuries. Ownership of a Coton de Tulear was a mark of high social status, and commoners were reportedly forbidden from keeping them.
Coton de Tulear Traditional Uses
The Coton de Tulear was originally bred to be a companion dog, providing love and affection to its owners. However, the breed also served practical purposes, such as keeping rats and other vermin at bay in the households of Madagascar’s upper class. The breed’s fluffy, cotton-like coat actually helped them stay cool in Madagascar’s humid, tropical weather. It reflects sunlight, while its texture allows airflow to the skin, much like the loose, breathable fabrics worn in warm regions.
Coton de Tulear Closest DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Coton de Tulear has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Pug
Maltese
Berger Picard
Coton de Tulear Nickname
The Coton de Tulear are Nicknamed “cottony tailed dogs” because their tails have a very fuzzy texture which looks similar to cotton. Their fur gets easily attached to everything they brush against. They shed very little, but can get mats if they spend too much time outside or in contact with dirt. Because of their light shedding, many allergy sufferers do well with this dog.
Coton de Tulear Size and Coat Color
According to AKC Breed Standard the Coton de Tulear can reach up to 11 inches in height and up to 15 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“White with no more that 5% of the body light tan. Preference given to pure white dogs.”
Puppy Coat Changes: Some Cotons are born with tan/gray patches that fade as they mature (but must stay within the 5% rule for show dogs).
“Dirty White” Myth: Their coats can develop a slight champagne tint from sun exposure or minerals in water—this isn’t a fault, just a quirk!
Coton de Tulear Imposters
Because of their rarity and beauty Cotons from a reputable breeder usually cost anywhere from $2000 to $4000 and show-quality or rare bloodlines may exceed $5,000. Some scammers sell Bichon or Maltese mixes as “rare Cotons.” True Cotons have a distinctive cotton-ball tail and a slightly longer muzzle-buyer beware!
Growing Up Coton de Tulear
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How Fast Can a Coton de Tulear Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Coton de Tulear’s is about 16 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Coton de Tulear was by a dog named Gaby Lacasse at 22.73 mph!
What is a “TALL” Coton de Tulear?
The rarest of all pure bred Coton de Tulear is the tall Coton which stands stands between 15 and 17-inches at the shoulders and are the result of a genetic mutation. They can be born of normal sized parents. Tall Cotons exceed official size limits (AKC & FCI), disqualifying them from conformation shows. Tall Cotons hane no proven extra health risks.
The Coton De Tulear Underground Market
The Coton De Tulear Dog breed is very intelligent and quite trainable, but they may be a bit slow to housetrain. They learn commands quickly, which makes them excellent for show dogs. Because they are so smart and in demand, there is a large underground market for stolen Cotons. Because of this, it is a good idea to microchip your dog in case they get lost/stolen. Cotons rank among the top 20 most stolen breeds in the U.S. due to their high resale value. A microchip increases recovery chances by 200%!
Coton de Tulear Temperament
“Watchdog Lite”: Highly attuned to their environment, Cotons will alert owners to unusual sounds or strangers with a soft bark or “singing” vocalization—but they’re not nuisance barkers.
Territorial Instincts: May “guard” their favorite spots (your lap, their bed) but are not aggressive. Early socialization prevents overprotectiveness.
Separation Anxiety & Sensitivity
Velcro Dogs: Bred for companionship, they thrive on constant human contact and can develop destructive habits if left alone too long.
Noise & Tone Sensitivity:
Startled by loud noises (thunder, vacuums).
React strongly to harsh scolding—positive reinforcement works best!
Coton de Tulear Humor!
Coton de Tulear Health
Coton de Tulear’s Have an Average lifespan of 15-19 years, with living into their 20’s not being uncommon. Despite their longevity, there are some health concerns that are seen in the breed such as:
Bandera’s Neonatal Ataxia-A rare, inherited neurological disorder affecting puppies.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy-Progressive spinal cord disease (similar to ALS in humans).
Hyperuricosuria-Causes elevated uric acid, leading to bladder/kidney stones.
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Facts About the Coton De Tuelar-Final Thoughts
Coton De Tulear are a rare breed of small dog that make for excellent companions. Also known as the royal dog of Madagascar, these hypoallergenic dogs are known for their unique vocalizations and cottony coat. While they may require regular grooming and daily brushing to maintain their soft coat, their playful nature and happy breed temperament make them well worth the effort. Coton De Tulear puppies are eager to please and form strong bonds with their owners, which makes them a good option for those seeking a loyal best friend. With their small size and low activity level, they are well-suited for apartment living or families with limited space. Potty training may require some patience, but with enough time and consistent training, they can become well-behaved members of the family. All in all, Coton De Tulear is a little dog breed that brings joy and happiness to any household willing to provide them with the love and care they deserve.
