Coton De Tulear

Half an hour to an hour’s exercise will keep a Coton happy, ensuring that there are some games and training to exercise the brain as well as walks and running. As this is a long coated breed, time also needs to be dedicated to bathing, brushing and drying, particularly after muddy or wet walks.

The Coton De Tulear is a small dog and does not require lavish housing. A secure garden, access to a variety of interesting walks and the space to bath and groom are necessary. This is a very adaptable little dog and as long as their exercise and training needs are met, can live happily in country, town or city.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

The Coton De Tulear are so called because of their single, cotton-like coat, which is about 8-9cm long. A daily brush through will keep it tangle-free. Pets are often trimmed, to make the coat less high-maintenance, but show dogs are kept in full-coat. Bathing may be required regularly, which can be done at home or via the services of a professional groomer. Check between paw pads and inside ears daily for grass seeds or other foreign bodies.

This is a bright clever little dog who will enjoy training and should be well socialised and habituated to normal neighbourhood sights and sounds, or they are inclined to be noisy. While ideal as a companion, for the owner who wanted to do more, the Coton is more than capable of taking part in mini agility, heelwork to music or trick training competitions.

The Coton is a friendly, appealing little dog, and can make an excellent family dog with children old enough to understand that they are not a toy or plaything. Their care and exercise requirements are not time consuming to meet and they should fit well into most homes, though very busy, chaotic homes may find this feeds the Coton’s alert, vocal nature a little too much. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.