Allow us to introduce you to the rare, ancient, and pure-breed dog called The Coton de Tulear (pronounced coe-TAWN day TULE-ee-r).  The name Coton derives from the French word for cotton, thus, the name means "cotton of Tulear". The Coton de Tulear earned this name in part for a port city in Madagascar called Tulear and because the look and texture of their coat resembles a wad of cotton wool, a trait that causes it to stand out from almost all other dog breeds.  Their coat has a wind-tossed appearance and, though it requires regular grooming, is probably among the easiest to maintain of any long-haired breed.  Cotons shed very little, have little or no dander (a cause of allergies in people), qualifying it as a hypoallergenic dog. They have little or no doggy odor, a dry hair-like coat that sheds dirt-essentially this is a dog clean enough to sleep in your bed!

          Ideally, the companion Coton has a relatively easy to care for coat. Many Coton de Tulear owners make a run for the groomer when their Coton is between 6 and 18 months of age for a "puppy cut". This is the "blowing coat" stage in their development when it seems all the under hair comes loose at once.  Don't worry-your Coton will still look adorable with a puppy cut. Most, but not all, Cotons have undercoats. This is the fine, downy hair under their coat that mats as it loosens from the skin. These loose hairs are held in by the coarser and longer outer hair and stay locked in the coat instead of being shed all over the house.  This sounds ideal, however, without frequent brushing and/or combing mats and knots will form close to the skin and can be difficult (and painful) to remove. Coats vary and many Cotons have long, thick hair that may require a bit more attention to care for.  Many owners easily get by with an overall combing once or twice a week although many families enjoy the social experience of daily grooming.

          There are three color varieties seen: White (often with champagne color patches); Black-and-white; and Tri-color. A Tri-color often is born with a lot of color which gradually fades so that the adult is mostly white with champagne patches and a faint, irregular "dusting" of black hairs. Black & White Cotons retain their color throughout their lives.

          Probably the most endearing quality of the Coton de Tulear is its cheerful disposition. The Coton is a surprisingly intelligent and intuitive dog. This alert, lively companion is slow to anger and will brighten your day with his humorous jester-like antics. Some refer to the Coton as the 'anti-stress' dog. Cotons are so amazingly sweet and lovable that just looking at one seems to relieve stress and anxiety. Although Cotons seldom bark, they are protective of their humans and will often bark to alert their owner when faced with circumstances out of the ordinary. Cotons are quite affectionate and will snuggle up next their owner for some much deserved love and affection. A Coton quickly becomes a family member and retains a puppy-like joy throughout its long life. Weighing between 10-12 lbs. and between 10-12 inches tall, Cotons are also great companions for children of all ages.

The Coton de Tulear Standard

What is a Breed Standard?

     "A breed standard is a written document, approved by a kennel club or breed club that details the breed's physical characteristics, temperament, and abilities necessary for its intended original purpose" (Knorr, 2006).  Standards are used by breeders to assist them in maintaining the integrity of the breed.

View the Coton de Tulear FCI Standard

View the Coton de Tulear CTCA Standard

     Other clubs abide by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard.  The FCI is an international kennel club that originally included only five European countries.  Today membership includes nations on six continents and they recognize over 300 breeds of pure-bred dogs. 

     The main disagreement between the two standards is over color and size.  The FCI standard maintains that a Coton is primarily a white dog.  Although slight color on the ears is "tolerated" it is not desirable.  The CTCA standard on the other hand argues that the original Coton comes in three color varieties.  They include the Black and White and the Tri-Color in their standard. 

     Size is the other issue.  The FCI standard states that the Coton height should be in the range of 9.8"-12.5.  Although the CTCA standard is very similar they also recognize what they refer to as the "tall Coton".  Dr. Russell has initiated a scientific experimental breeding protocol in an attempt to understand the genetics of Coton tallness and has a few breeders working in cooperation with the experiment to purposefully try to produce tall Cotons.

     At Cathy's Coton Cuties we have adopted a balanced philosophy in relation to the standards. All of our dogs that are used for breeding meet the FCI standard and were obtained from knowledgeable, reputable breeders who adhere to the FCI standard.  However, we have seen the three color varieties mentioned in the CTCA standard in puppies produced by some of the top European Coton kennels, making it difficult to discount the existence of such variation in the breed. As stated by the CTCA, a "cookie cutter look" for this breed is not the goal.  Although we do not breed for extreme color variations, where white is no longer the dominant color of the Coton, we are not opposed to the look of the tri-color.  Many people find this variation very beautiful.  If you check out our scrapbook you will see everything from pure white to tri-color in our puppies.

Coton de Tulear - The Jewel of Madagascar

     The Coton de Tulear, indigenous to Madagascar on the continent of Africa, possesses a beautiful all-white coat that distinguishes it from most other breeds.  Although documentation on the Coton is sparse and sketchy, it is generally accepted that the breed originated from Europe and Africa.