Coton de Tulear
about the breed
Articles
1.Coton de Tulear - character.
Coton de Tulear is definitely magical. Coton has something amazing in it. It charms with character and joy so much that it's... addicting.
When you have one, you already want a second one :)
Coton is very intelligent, spontaneous, sweet and delicate.
It makes friends with other animals easily (even with the cat).
But it loves human the most.
Coton is near all the time, it follows the owner, will not be left a step behind. It waits for any sign.
It learns very fast. Coton likes to retrieve, go on the walk or do sports. It can practice e.g. agility.
Because coton loves to show off and stand on two legs, it's impossible to be bored around it.
It's like a small, cheerful child. That's why anyone who will become a happy caretaker of this wonderful creature must take into account the additional cost of toys.
Regardless the age, coton loves to play with ropes and soft toys. It would run with them, get crazy in the lair and mess up.
It can make even the saddest person laugh.
It is amazing how this little ball of fluff can be so full of temperament and so calm and reasonable at the same time.
Coton de Tulear is a dog who can easily feel into the mood of its owner and always wants them to be happy.
Coton loves both playing with kids and laying calmly on the senior's laps.
Because it loves humans so much and it has such a great character, in France, USA and Canada it is called anti-depressive dog.
In these countries cotons are often used to work in orphanages and nursing homes.
2.Coton de Tulear - looks and grooming.
Coton de Tulear represents companion and toy dogs. It is a part of IX FCI group.
It is rather small (dog 26-28 cm, bitch 23-25 cm), it has very delicate, elastic, woolly and thick hair.
It is really nice in touch.
Its coat is white or white with a few grey, light or slightly darker spots.
Puppies have a bit darker spots but they get lighter with time.
Coton's back is strong and its line is convex. Loins should be muscular, chest developed and sculp convex.
The eyes and nose are black. Falling ears have the shape of triangles.
When the dog moves, its tail rises above the back and when it stands it reaches the ancles.
That's it for the official description.
Definitely, Coton de Tulear, called the Royal dog of Madagascar is breath taking, even though it is small.
Everyone who sees, touches and gets to know it will fall in love for ever. Thanks to its charm, wonderful coat and cheerful nature, it catches the eye on every walk.
And even though the coat requires grooming, the joy that this dog provides its caretakes is priceless.
Together with the basic items that we provide to the new coton owners, we also give the "package" of all needed information on grooming accessories and cosmetics to all families that get a puppy from us. We are always happy to give advide and help :)
3.Coton de Tulear - origin and health.
The past of Coton de Tulear race goes back to 15th Century and is quite a mistery.
There are no proofs explaining how the race started to exist.
However, till today there are many legends of its origin.
Some say that the race archetype reached Madagascar on the pirate ship, others that it was brought by Iberian sailers.
According to some sources, during one of many European expeditions to India there was a storm and a ship carrying original cotons crashed.
The ship was supposed to belong to Portugal, Spain or France. Coton de Tulear could be a mixture of Bishon or Maltese with other races.
Through the years coton adjusted to the hard and dangerous conditions of Madagascar.
In the middle of 20th Century locale breeders started to catch only small dogs and cross them for trade purposes.
The offspring was most likely to land in France where locale breeders would continue to cross the dogs to highlight cotons best qualities.
The race was approved by FCI in 1971.
On Madagascar cotons are loved till today.
They can be even found on the postage stamps.
Until recently, in Poland Coton de Tulear, the Royal dog of Madagascar was not very popular.
Today, this breed has more and more fans. And it makes us very happy. Especially, since the breed is rather healthy.
Coton de Tulear is a strong and immune dog.
It easily addapts to different climates.
Its wonderful coat protects from heat in summer and from frost in winter.
It doesn't get seriously sick. One of its advantages is the fact it has hair (not fur) which doesn't cause allergies.
It also doesn't smell badly. Without any health issues it can bring joy even for 18 years.
A Boy and His Dog
A boy and his dog make a glorious pair:
No better friendship is found anywhere,
For they talk and they walk and they run and they play,
And they have their deep secrets for many a day;
And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.
He may go where he will and his dog will be there,
May revel in mud and his dog will not care;
Faithful he'll stay for the slightest command
And bark with delight at the touch of his hand;
Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.
No other can lure him away from his side;
He's proof against riches and station and pride;
Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery's breath
Is lost on the dog, for he's faithful to death;
He sees the great soul which the body conceals—
Oh, it's great to be young with a dog at your heels!
- Edgar Albert Guest