Breed profile

Coton de Tuléar

"Cotton of Tuléar". Distinctive cottony white coat. Cheerful, sociable character. Hypoallergenic. The perfect urban companion. It was the dog of the kings of Madagascar.

Origin: Madagascar (Tuléar) Size: Toy Lifespan: 14-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Small flats
✓Older people
✓Urban families

Reconsider if

×Very young children (fragile)
×Homes with large, clumsy dogs

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Is the Coton de Tuléar a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-75 €/month

Food for a toy breed (15-25 €), vet and prevention (15-25 €), professional grooming every 6-8 weeks or at-home brushing supplies (15-30 €), insurance and accessories (5-15 €). Grooming is the main variable expense.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Native to Madagascar (Tuléar). "Cotton of Tuléar".

Temperament and character

Cheerful, sociable, attached to its human. Sensitive. Intelligent. A barker if 'small dog syndrome' is not addressed through training.

Living together

Children: with careful older ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine given its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.

Life stages of the Coton de Tuléar

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 14-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation of the cheerful, sociable companion; first care of the cottony coat to prevent mats.

Young

1-3 years

Moderate exercise and frequent brushing; gentle training; patellar monitoring.

Adult

3-9 years

Dental care (small breed), weight control and periodic ophthalmological check-up.

Senior

9+ years

Eye check-ups (retinal atrophy, cataracts) and joint check-ups; maintaining comfort.

Care

Exercise: 30-45 min/day (several short walks).

Brushing: according to coat (some daily, others weekly).

Dental hygiene critical: crowded teeth.

Vet: annual check-up + attention to patellar luxation.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food for toy breeds, split into 2-3 meals. Watch the weight: under the cottony coat it is easy for it to go unnoticed. Control treats to avoid tartar and excess weight.

✂️ Grooming

A long, cottony coat with minimal shedding (suitable for many allergy sufferers): brushing and detangling 3-4 times a week to prevent mats close to the skin. Bath every 3-4 weeks. Hygienic trimming around the eyes and genital area.

🎓 Training

Cheerful, sociable and very eager to please: learns easily with positive reinforcement and treats. Be careful about indulging "lapdog" behaviours; socialise it early so it does not develop excessive attachment.

🏃 Exercise

30-45 minutes of daily walking and play; it loves human contact. Not an endurance athlete, but enjoys fetch-type games. Senior: short, frequent walks.

Breed-specific health

Patellar luxation. Dental problems. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Life expectancy 14-16 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦿Luxación de rótula 🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina ⚪Cataratas

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Coton de Tuléar

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Ophthalmological evaluation (progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts)
✓Patellar luxation examination
✓Hip dysplasia radiograph in breeding animals
✓Blood glucose monitoring in puppies (risk of hypoglycaemia)
✓Periodic dental check-up (toy breed prone to tartar)

Prevention

Buy from breeders with parents tested for eyes, patella and hips. In toy puppies, offer frequent meals during the first weeks to prevent hypoglycaemia. Maintain strict dental hygiene from a young age: small breeds lose teeth early.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with dental and patellar assessment; periodic ophthalmological examination. Dental cleanings at the vet's discretion. Preventive blood work from age 7.

Warning signs

!Slipping kneecap, intermittent lameness or a "raised leg" when walking
!Weakness, tremors or fainting in puppies (hypoglycaemia)
!Bad breath, tartar or tooth loss
!Stumbling or bumping into things in low light (retinal problems)

Frequently asked questions about the Coton de Tuléar

How long does a Coton de Tuléar live?

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The life expectancy of the Coton de Tuléar is 14-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Coton de Tuléar weigh?

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An adult Coton de Tuléar weighs between 3.5-6 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is toy.

Where does the Coton de Tuléar breed come from?

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The Coton de Tuléar originates from Madagascar (Tuléar). Recognised by the FCI. Native to Madagascar (Tuléar). "Cotton of Tuléar".

How much exercise does a Coton de Tuléar need?

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The Coton de Tuléar has media energy. **Exercise:** 30-45 min/day (several short walks).

Is the Coton de Tuléar good with children?

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**Children:** with careful older ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine given its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.

Who is the Coton de Tuléar NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Very young children (fragile). Homes with large, clumsy dogs. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Coton de Tuléar have?

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Patellar luxation. Dental problems. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Life expectancy 14-16 years.

Is it hypoallergenic?

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Its shedding is minimal and many allergy sufferers tolerate it well, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. It is best to spend time with one before deciding whether you are allergic.