Coton de Tulear
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Coton de Tulears are small Madagascan companion dogs with cotton-like coats. These cheerful, adaptable dogs are devoted family members who are generally friendly with everyone, though their long white coats require daily brushing to prevent matting and regular professional grooming.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Non-sporting
Life Expectancy
15-19 years
Height
9-11 in
Weight
8-15 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #92
Non-sporting context: Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Coton de Tulear
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Coton de Tulears are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Coton de Tulears in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Coton de Tulears, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Allergic skin disease may require lifelong management.
Kneecap instability can contribute to mobility issues.
Short-faced lines may have reduced heat and exercise tolerance.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Coton de Tulears generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
High
Very High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
High
Low
Very Low
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
High
Low
Very Low
Very Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Coton de Tulear originated in Madagascar.
Original Purpose
Coton de Tulear lines were developed for companion and utility. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Non-sporting. Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Coton de Tulears are the national dog of Madagascar, and they descend from small white spaniels that survived a shipwreck near the port of Tulear.
The breed's name literally means 'cotton of Tulear' because their soft, fluffy white coat resembles cotton candy.
Cotons nearly went extinct when Madagascar was isolated, but a handful of breeders kept them alive through meticulous pedigree records.
The breed is prone to a genetic condition called Atopy, making them extremely sensitive to allergens, and many require lifelong allergy management.
Cotons require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, and their coat tangles so easily that skipping grooming for a few weeks results in matted dreadlocks.
Famous Coton de Tulear Dogs
Versatile pop-culture dogs
Fame in this group is diverse, from family companions to show and media standouts.
Modern breed ambassadors
Notable examples are often linked to ownership visibility and broad public appeal.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Coton de Tulears
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Coton de Tulear right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Coton de Tulear compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Coton de Tulear are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/