# Coton de Tulear

Also known as: Royal Dog of Madagascar, Malagasy Coton, Coton
- **Group:** Companion & Toy (FCI group 9)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** Madagascar
- **Height:** 22–30 cm
- **Weight:** 3.5–8 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 14–16 years
- **Temperament:** Cheerful, Affectionate, Playful, Gentle, Clever
- **FCI standard:** No. 283

The Coton de Tulear is a small, cheerful bichon-type companion from Madagascar, known for its soft, cotton-like white coat and its devoted, playful nature.

## Overview

The Coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy bichon-type dog named after the port of Tulear in Madagascar. It is the national dog of the island.

It is prized for a soft, fluffy coat and a merry, people-loving character, and makes an easy-going companion for many households.

## History

The breed is thought to descend from small white dogs related to the Tenerife dog, which reached Madagascar on ships in the 16th and 17th centuries. It became a companion of the Merina nobility, who reportedly kept Cotons to themselves.

It reached France in the 1970s and was recognised by the French kennel club in 1970 and the FCI in 1972. It arrived in America in 1973 and was fully recognised by the AKC in 2014.

## Appearance

A small, slightly long-bodied dog with fairly short legs, a prominent black nose, dark round eyes and triangular ears. The tail curls over the back when the dog is moving.

The long, fluffy, cotton-like coat is soft and hair-like rather than fur.

## Temperament

Happy, gentle and eager to please, the Coton is a classic lap and family companion. It loves attention and gets along with children, other dogs and visitors, and does not like being left alone for long.

It is playful and clever, and usually learns quickly with positive, reward-based training.

## Care and exercise

Needs moderate daily exercise, such as short walks and play, and a lot of company. They can do well in apartments.

The coat tangles easily and needs daily brushing and combing, with regular bathing and trimming. Eyes should be wiped to prevent staining.

## Health

Generally a healthy breed. The long back and short legs put strain on the spine during jumping, on stairs and in sudden twists, so avoid rough jumping. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of about 14 years.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 2
- Grooming: 4
- Shedding: 1
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 5
- Good with other dogs: 5

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/coton-de-tulear
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coton_de_Tulear · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38295
Photo: Uschi Goess (eingestellt von Caronna) (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coton_de_Tular_1.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.