Breeds
Coton de Tulear: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Coton de Tulear is a small, cheerful, affectionate companion with a soft white coat and a strong bond with its people. Cotons are friendly with children, strangers and other dogs, bark very little and are among the longest-lived breeds. They need a lot of brushing unless kept in a short clip, plenty of company and lively training. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health, grooming and everyday care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Coton de Tulear temperament and personality
The AKC says the Coton's primary job is to provide amusement, comfort and companionship, and describes a bond with its people that is unusually tight. It rates the breed five out of five for affection, openness to strangers, and with young children and other dogs.
Barking is one out of five on the AKC scale, unusually low for a small dog. The AKC also calls the Coton alert and naturally territorial, so early socialization helps it enjoy going everywhere with you.
How big do Cotons get?
According to the AKC, males stand 10 to 11 inches and weigh 9 to 15 pounds, and females stand 9 to 10 inches and weigh 8 to 13 pounds. The profuse white coat is as soft as cotton, which gives the breed its name, coton being French for cotton.
Cotons are sturdier than many toy breeds but still small enough to be hurt by falls or rough play. Keep an eye on weight under the full coat, and feel for the ribs.
Coton lifespan and common health issues
The AKC lists a Coton de Tulear lifespan of 15 to 19 years, one of the longest of any breed. It says the Coton has remained fairly free of genetic health issues, with known problems usually in the one to five percent range, and that breeders screen to keep it that way.
Recommended tests for breeding dogs are patella, hip, cardiac and eye evaluations. VCA explains that a slipping kneecap can cause a skip in the step, and that a heart murmur is often the first sign of mitral valve disease. Ask breeders for parent results, keep up dental care, and see your vet about any limp, cough or change in energy.
Exercise needs
The AKC calls the Coton a fairly active dog that needs a moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks at a relaxed pace keep it in good condition, and chasing a ball in the yard exercises mind and body.
The AKC warns that a bored, unhappy Coton can become destructive, and says it does best with enough exercise, attention and company. Short trick sessions and puzzle toys are great rainy-day outlets.
Coton de Tulear grooming and shedding
The AKC says grooming a Coton puppy is easy, and the time to teach it that grooming is a positive bonding session. Unless you keep a short puppy clip, an adult needs a great deal of brushing, with comb and brush reaching all the way to the skin to prevent mats.
Shedding is two out of five on the AKC scale. Low shedding suits some allergy sufferers, but no dog breed is allergen-free. Wipe around the eyes and mouth to keep the white coat clean, trim nails, check the ears and brush the teeth.
Training a Coton de Tulear
The AKC recommends obedience training for socialization and manners, and warns that a bored Coton will learn nothing, so keep sessions lively and entertaining. Trainability is four out of five, and most Cotons respond well to treats, play and praise.
House training can take patience, as with many small breeds. Use a regular schedule and reward success. Practice short periods alone from puppyhood, since this breed bonds so closely with its people.
Are Cotons good with kids and other pets?
Very often. The AKC rates the Coton five out of five with young children and with other dogs. Cotons are playful and gentle, but small, so teach children to sit down to cuddle and never to pick the dog up by its legs. Whatever the breed, never leave a dog and a young child alone together, and always give the dog a quiet place to retreat.
Most Cotons live happily with cats and other pets when introduced calmly. Supervise play with larger dogs that could injure a small dog by accident.
What a Coton de Tulear needs at home
Useful kit includes a pin brush and slicker brush, a fine metal comb, gentle shampoo and conditioner, face wipes, nail clippers, a dog toothbrush, a lightweight harness for a small dog and leash, a soft small-dog bed and puzzle toys. Pet steps help small legs reach the sofa safely. A breathable mesh small-dog harness and leash and a small dog bed with hidden storage show the sort of everyday kit a small Coton uses.
Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Coton home and ask about the kneecap check, dental care and a grooming schedule.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Coton de Tulears live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 15 to 19 years, one of the longest of any breed. Daily dental care, a lean weight and regular vet checks help a Coton reach those years in good health.
How big does a Coton de Tulear get?
Males stand 10 to 11 inches and weigh 9 to 15 pounds; females stand 9 to 10 inches and weigh 8 to 13 pounds, according to the AKC.
Do Cotons shed?
Very little; the AKC rates shedding two out of five. The soft coat does mat easily, so it needs regular brushing to the skin or a short puppy clip.
What is a Coton de Tulear's temperament like?
Cheerful, affectionate, playful and friendly. The AKC rates Cotons top marks with children, strangers and other dogs, and they bark very little. Individual dogs vary, so meeting the parents, or the adult dog itself, is the best guide.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
