Coton de Tulear
If you’ve ever seen a Coton de Tulear, you’ll know how adorable this small dog is. They look like little fluffy cotton balls with legs, noses, and eyes. If you’re looking for a wonderful doggie companion who will chill around the house with you, the Coton might be just the pup for you.
Breed Profile
Height
Male: 10-11
Female: Nine-10
Inches
Weight
Male: Nine-15
Female: Eight-13
Pounds
Life Span
15-19
Years
Health
health
Patellar Luxation
What is it?
Patellar Luxation occurs when a dog's kneecap slips out of its place. The seriousness of the illness and the treatment are based on how many legs are affected by this condition or how often the kneecap is able to slip.
If your dog has a less severe case of Patellar Luxation, it will be easier for you to treat since your vet should assign your pup some medication. In more severe cases, your pup will need to undergo surgery to fix their knees.
Clinical signs:
Kicking said leg out to pop the kneecap into place
Skipping or hopping with one leg raised
Treatment:
In more severe cases, surgery
In less severe cases, arthritis medication
Other risks:
Intermittent lameness
Kneecap instability
Osteoarthritis
Eligible vet bill
$300
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
How do Cotons interact with their families?
Coton de Tulears are one of the best pups for families. If you need a furry friend to keep you company, the Coton would fit in that role perfectly as well. They are affectionate and friendly.
They would hang out with you all day if they could, and they make wonderful lap dogs. However, their attachment to their people also makes them prone to separation anxiety.
They are peaceful pups, and they will typically only bark as a warning of someone coming to the door or just passing by. They’re not exactly watchdogs.
They love to cuddle; they are also happy just sleeping on the floor nearby if you can’t cuddle with them.
Do Cotons like to have fun?
Cotons are playful and fun-loving pups. Their goal is to entertain you, which usually ends up keeping them occupied as well.
They love to play. Your pup won’t be able to wait to spend time playing fetch or tug-o-war with you. One trick in particular that they’re well-known for is walking on their hind legs.
Are Cotons good with kids?
If you are a parent to a small human or your friends have small children that come over often, you are probably concerned about how well your new pup will interact with kids.
If you decide to adopt a Coton, they will be great with kids. Because both your pup and your kids will love to play, it’s a great way to tire out both of them, although your Coton might still need a walk afterwards. Their small size makes them a good match for children.
How are Cotons around other dogs?
Perhaps you’re already a pet parent. You need to know if your new pup will get along with your other fur babies or there’s a really awesome dog park nearby, and you can’t wait to take your new Coton De Tulear puppy there.
Cotons are also great with other dogs. As they’re friendly, Cotons can get along with pretty much anyone, from new dogs to strangers. Just keep an eye on them when they’re playing with other pups since they’re such a small breed.
They also have a very low prey drive since they’re companion dogs, so they should be fine in a home with cats or other kinds of small pets.
Are Cotons smart?
Although Cotons aren’t the smartest dogs in the world, they are pretty intelligent in their own way. These pups are observant. These white dogs will watch you and your family to learn about you, so they can love you in the best way possible.
Are Cotons obedient?
Cotons are easy-going dogs whose goal is to make you happy. Their intelligence means that they are pretty good at learning new things. These furry family members also aren’t very inclined to try to get their own way.
Are Cotons energetic?
Cotons are pretty calm, but they do need a fair amount of exercise like any dog does. A daily walk and perhaps a bit of supervised playtime outside should be perfect. They love to play and hang out with you, so there is no end to activities you can enjoy with them.
Lifetime Care
Coat:
What is the Coton’s coat like?
These little dogs have a double-layered, long, curly, cottony coat. Their shedding level is a little less than average.
Coton de Tulear coat colors:
Black
White
Tricolor
Are Cotons hypoallergenic?
Yes, Cotons are hypoallergenic.
Colors:
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Grooming:
What kind of grooming does the Coton require?
They should be brushed often, perhaps every other day, to avoid tangles. They also require regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail clipping.
Training:
How to be the best pet parent for a Coton de Tulear?
Our Coton de Tulear cost guide outlines the expected expenses associated with this breed.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your dog
Like any dog, a Coton should learn basic commands like sit, stay, come and heel.
Although Coton de Tulears are calm dogs, you may need to teach them to greet guests politely rather than jumping on them in excitement. It might also depend on your pup’s temperament, though.
Even with their sweet and amiable personality, it’s important to begin socialization with new people, places, and pets, so they can grow up understanding how to interact with others.
Cotons learn best when you use positive reinforcement and keep things engaging. If they’re bored, they may not respond as well.
You can train them to be therapy dogs because they are very observant and understand your emotions.
What type of foods should a Coton de Tulear never eat?
Many of the foods that we humans enjoy can’t be shared with our pups. Some foods are good for dogs, which we’ve written about on our blog, but some are not.
Some toxic foods can include:
Exercising tips to keep your dog to stay fit and healthy
If you like the adventure of long walks, your Coton would love to join you on them. They need to get exercise, but they need you to go slowly since their legs are much shorter than yours.
You can also play games with them, like fetch, which can help keep them mentally active. You should also give them lots of attention and provide new and interesting toys. If they get bored, they might try to find their own interesting toys, like your shoes.
Coton de Tulear life stages
Puppy: Birth to six to nine months
Adult: Nine months to 10 years
Senior: 10 - end of life
Sources:
Bandera's neonatal ataxia | caninegeneticdiseases.net
Coton de Tulear Cost: A Complete Guide (with Calculator) | PetBudget
Coton de Tulear Dog Breed Information | akc.org
Coton de Tulear Dog Breed Hypoallergenic, Health and Life Span | PetMD
Dangerous Foods for Dogs | American Kennel Club
health conditions coton de tulear - Search | cotondetulears.uk
Introduction to the Breed | mCTCA
Luxating Patella In Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
Von Willebrands Disease In Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
United States of America Coton de Tulear Club | USACTC