About the Coton de Tulear*

The Coton De Tulear is a small, longhaired, rare dog bred to be a companion pet. Temperament is soft, sweet, adoring of its owners, playful and a little shy around strangers. Cotons are not aggressive or overly active. Barking is usually reserved to warn of strangers. Harsh or strict training methods are never recommended. Cotons are intelligent and have won obedience titles. Cotons love to be near their owners and are known to sit quietly in offices and businesses of their owners. At home, Cotons like a good run in a fenced yard, but are not overly active.

The coat is dry, soft, light and fluffy. It does not shed, does not require a professional grooming to look it's best but should be brushed thoroughly at least once a week. Bathing depends on where the dog is exercised, indoors or out. Cotons do not have typical "doggy" odor. They have been recommended for allergy suffers. With weekly brushing, There should be no matting of the coat. Cotons are usually born with some color, most of which fades to white by two years old. Size ranges from about eight pounds to fourteen pounds. They are stocky, short-legged; slightly long, slightly round backed dogs. As Cotons are rare at this time, they are registered AKC-FSS And recognized by UKC.

This breed is devoted to its masters, wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. Because of these traits, Cotons requires little in the way of discipline to create a fine companion. He is a dog only for a house pet as he is so happy and friendly that he will NOT defend himself. Like the other Bichon dogs, however, he is alert and intelligent and will inform his master of unusual events. As long as he is primarily a housedog, he adapts well to almost any environment or climate. The breed is healthy and vigorous despite its small size, and requires only a bit of regular brushing to keep it handsome. One of their most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. Cotons also seem to enjoy the water, splashing in their drinking dishes on hot days. This can be a problem for pool owners.

Coton de Tulears are intelligent, happy, clownish and very devoted to their owners. Cotons live 15 to 18 years with proper care. There are no known genetic health problems at this time.

NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The National Coton de Tulear Association, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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