Coton de Tulear - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

It is believed, that Coton de Tulears are descendants of little white dogs who swam to the shores of Madagascar following a shipwreck. Another theory suggest, that they are descendats of a dog brought to madagascar with settlers. The dog was named Bichon de Tenerife and it was bred with local terriers. The truth is that we are not sure what is the exact origin of this fluffy breed.

2) Social dogs

Although, Cotons can make good watchdogs, naturally they are very friendly and social dogs. They love their family and owners, but they get along with the kids, but even other dogs or cats in the house. They want to spend every minute with their people, which can cause some troubles. If you leave them alone for a long periods of time regularly, they will probably develop a separation anxiety.

3) Name

Their name has a meaning. The word Tulear refers to the place of their origin. Tulear is a city in Madagascar. And the word Coton? That refers to the Coton de tulear cotton like coat.

4) Royal Dog of Madagascar

When the Coton de Tulear was first bred, only the Malagasy royalty was allowed to keep him. That is why they are called Royal dogs of Madagascar. Later they came into France and guess what? The French nobility and royalty also fall in love with this breed. I guess it is just impossible to resist this small cuddly fluffy dog.

5) Vocal dogs

Coton de tulears like to talk and they are using more noises than barking. It is like they have their own language from other dogs. It is very common that Coton de tulear is using grunts and growls, definitely more than a typical dog. And it seems, that they really do like, when you talk back to them.

6) Training

This is pretty smart dog and it is easy to teach them a lot of tricks. It is not uncommon, that Cotons know how to jump up on command or walk on their hind legs. The problem which can occur is their stubborness. And it might be little bit challanging to house trian them, but with consistency and patience, they will get it quickly as well.

7) Post stamps

The Madagascar people are proud of their favourite breed – the Coton de Tulear so they featured it on their postage stamps, that was issued in 1974.

8) Colors

It is very probable, that you only know the white version of Coton de Tulear. It is the most common and the other colors are very rare. But according to their breed standards, they can be in two other color variation – which are – black and white and tricolor.

9) Agility

This might be maybe surprising, but Coton de Tulears are pretty good at agility, despite their small size. It is because of their nature – they are eager to please and they really love climbing and especially jumping. If you will do agility with your Coton, you will have happy dog in your home.

10) Grooming

The thick cotton like coat of the Coton de tulear needs a lot of grooming. They are shedding their undercoat all the time and it gets trapped bellow the long hair. That is why regular, even daily brushing is recommened. This way you will remove the dead hair and minimize the shedding. It will also prevent mats and tangles from forming.