Information

Information

As mentioned previously, cotons are true companion dogs. They thrive on contact and love from their family. They are always overjoyed to see their family whether they've been away for one hour or a day. They are noted for their patient, laid back, happy-go-lucky temperament. They love to play in the yard, house, or fenced area or take leisurely walks with their family members. They are indoor dogs although they also love to frolic in the snow. Their coats are light and airy and insulate them from the heat but attract and hold the snow. After playing in the snow, they come into the house resembling a dog snowman! They can get the activity they need within the confines of a home. Swimming however is dangerous for a coton in full coat as the coat becomes waterlogged and the dog can drown. They are also quite agile and, some coton owners enjoy participating in agility training and competitions with their coton. They can be easily trained to dance and do tricks. They love being clowns and entertaining their humans. They have a very large number of unusual vocalizations with which they can express themselves. Their temperament, size, and hypoallergenic soft coat lends them well to being therapy dogs for schools, hospitals, and various facilities for the elderly, ill, and disabled. When you talk to them, they often cock their heads sideways and look at you with their big, deep, dark eyes listening intently to what you're saying.

History:

Coton de Tulears are small versatile dogs that developed on the island of Madagasgar. There are many suggestions as to how they came to be but, essentially, it is believed that a bichon type dog(s) was introduced to the island in the 1600's. These dogs interbred with the local terrier type dogs and eventually became a distinct breed. Cotons are very bright and adaptable, thriving in the wilds of Madagascar. They are refered to as the Royal dog of Madagasgar as at one time, it was punishable by death for commoners to possess or own a coton. They were a highly valued dog often given to foreign dignitaries and heads of state as gifts.

In 1969, the breed standard was established and then recognized/registered by the French in 1971 as a true breed. The F.C.I. breed standard is presently used for conformation shows internationally. A fascinating and detailed history is available on Dr. Russell and Laurie Spalding-Russell's 'The Official Coton de Tulear Book', edition 2, on CD.

F.C.I. Standard:

Care:

We have found our cotons to be very easy to care for. Basically, they need good food, water, some grooming, and lots of love. Our pups will be weaned onto a bones and raw food diet. If you choose to change this diet, do so slowly by introducing softened high end kibbles with the raw food for about a week, progressively decreasing the amount of raw. Pups need to be fed four small meals a day. Avoid table scraps and people junk food completely as well as fatty dog treats like pig ears. While they should be supervised when loose in the house, we have not found ours to be destructive. They should be provided with safe, suitable chew toys and raw bones for good jaw development and dental hygiene. Raw bones treats don't splinter and clean the teeth well. Also, if the bones are small enough like raw chicken necks, even young pups will eat the whole thing. We restrict the raw bones to a small area on linoleum where their night kennels are for easy clean up or outside. They love large beef marrow bones.

Cotons are noted for their outstanding health and longevity. They live 15-19 years so, new families should consider this as a factor in their decision to adopt a coton. There are several genetic illnesses which have been found on occasion in cotons but, the incidence of these disorders is much lower than in most other breeds. For this reason, our dogs are veterinarian screened annually to assure that we are not contributing hereditary illnesses to the coton population.

Grooming is straight forward. For showing purposes, the coat is not to be cut except for trimming in and around the soles of the feet and around their rear ends. There is a handy battery operated 1/2 inch clipper available on the market that gets in between the foot pads easily. If you do not intend to show, you can either maintain the coat or have it trimmed however you like. It does grow back slowly. If you are maintaining the full coat, it should be combed out with a straight comb or a rake twice a week. Any dead hair will come out in the comb/rake and can be disposed of in the garbage. They do not require freq bathing-usually every two-four weeks unless they run into a mud puddle! Cotons coats feel wonderfully soft, softer than any furry stuffed animal but, when you pet or hug a coton, they love back.

If the dog is due for a bath, comb out any tangles before you bath the dog as if you don't, the tangles are more difficult to get out. You can soak them with a coat detangling product. Their coats dry easily but should be dried (with a blow dryer on low) as it is combed out for best results. Dry in between the foot pads well. Nails need to be clipped weekly-biweekly including the dew claw on the side of their legs if they have any. While bathing, its a good idea to give your dog's anal glands a little squeeze to assure they're open. This will help decrease the scooting on its butt across the floor. To start shampooing, start at the tail end and work up to the head. The dog will behave better for you. Avoid getting water or shampoo in the eyes, ears, or nose if you can. After you're done shampooing your dog with a mild baby shampoo or a dog shampoo, rinse and rinse and rinse again. Shampoo that is missed can make your dog itchy. Cotons have dry skin so don't bath them unnecessarily and make sure you use a good quality skin and coat conditioner following the shampoo.

Hair in the ear canals needs to be plucked out. Really! Get your groomer or vet to show you how initially. The dogs don't seem to mind it and it reduces the possiblity of infections and parasites.

Cotons sleep alot and when you're around, they prefer to sleep close to you. They have very good hearing and, even though they appear to be asleep, will alert you to people coming to your door, strange sounds in your yard, etc.. They will not attack intruders however so, don't expect a guard dog but rather an early warning system!

Before your puppy comes home:

You must make the spaces in which the pup will be permitted puppy proof. If there are cupboards at floor level, get sealer rings or childproof closers to keep them closed. All electrical cords should be wound up and not left on the floor. If there are some electrical outlets and wires the pup could still get at, get the child safety covers, run the cord up the wall and spray it with 'Bitter Apple'. The Bitter Apple will also be useful should your pup decide it likes to chew on something it shouldn't. Poisonous house plants should either be given away or moved well out of the dogs range and marked as poisonous on the pot. In the yard, be sure to remove any slug bait containers from the garden, check the fence boards for spaces and repair, and remove or fence off any poisonous plants. Watch for digging as some dogs like to dig. Ours haven't as yet but, may do so in the future.

If you have areas you'd like to keep your pup out of, either get baby gates or planks that are 24 inches or taller and slightly wider than the doorway. This will generally keep the pup out of the room.

House training will already be started on our pups. Get a good supply of blue or white plastic puppy pee pads from Wa#####. Put one close to the door and one close to the pup's kennel. You can expect your pup will have to 'go' after exercise, after a nap, and immediately after eating. Get a book on housetraining or look up techniques on the internet. Some cotons live most of their lives in apartments if their owners are unable to walk them. Some owners have even housetrained cotons to use blue pads exclusively or pea gravel in an open litter box.

We recommend exposing your coton to as many experiences as you can including playing with all ages of people, other animals, various noises, smells, etc.. If the pup is scared/overwhelmed however, back off and try again at another time. Part of the pup's early learning should include a puppy class in which the pup learns to socialize with other pups of all types. Basic obedience is also very necessary for both the pup and its new family so, everyone is on the same page with consistency.

Cotons should never be allowed to run loose in the city, open off leash areas, etc. as they are quite defenseless against aggressive large dogs and other dangers. Never leave a coton pup alone even in a fenced in yard as they are easy prey for ravens, magpies, large hawks, coyotes, etc..

When shown for conformation, the coat is usually combed down over the eyes like a sheepdog's fur. They can't see when the hair is in their eyes but still follow their owners lead very well. Their senses of smell and hearing are incredible. Often when I speak to my cotons, they cock their heads comically to the side listening intently as though they're absorbing every word I say. Some cotons eyes 'run' like some poodles, maltese, bichons, etc.. This can be minimized with regular eye rinsing in the morning, a good diet, and some of the eye whitening products on the market. Cotons are also known for their beautiful large round dark eyes that seem to look right through to your soul. They also seem to smile widely showing all their white teeth when they're having fun.

Cotons are usually cautious in new situations. A coton puppy, out of its normal surroundings meeting new people is likely to initially withdraw if it can. If left quietly by itself in an open kennel, it will soon come out to investigate its new environment. The pups bond to family members quickly and love to follow their family around all over the house.