Coton De Tulear - Canine of Royalty!

If you're in the market for the addition of a fury littleleft on their own for long periods of time. They are
canine buddy into your life, consider your questvery trainable, but have a fragile personality so you
fulfilled. The Coton de Tulear is what you're after.must be sure to incentivize the training with praise
Brief Historyinstead of punishment.
Coined as the Royal Dog of Madagascar by Dr.Health
Robert Jay Russell, the Coton de Tulear is a relativelyThe Coton de Tulear is, overall, a very healthy breed
new and somewhat unknown breed, the first onesand has far less disorders than many other breeds,
being brought to America in 1973. These social littledue in large to very little inbreeding. It has only been
critters developed on the island of Madagascar andin recent years that the AKC (American Kennel Club)
still are today the island's national dog. The Coton dehas recognized the Coton, thus allowing for the
Tulear was the canine companion of choice for thebreed to remain relatively rare and, in turn, not
Merina, or ruling tribe, in Madagascar, and they wereenduring inbreeding on a large scale - inbreeding being
the only ones with the privilege of having a Coton.the source of many health issues. The average life
Appearancespan of a Coton de Tulear is 16-21 years.
Picture a miniature sheep dog - that's your Coton deSize - As governed by the international Federation
Tulear if you let their fur grow out. But it's hardlyCynologique Internationale.
accurate to call it fur, fluff is a better description. AWeight: The male Coton de Tulear should weigh
cotton ball on short puffy legs! It is a hypoallergenicbetween 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs) and the female 3.5-5 kg
dog which simply means you won't be forever(8-11 lbs).
sweeping and vacuuming and picking up tuffs andHeight: The male should be 25-30 cm (10-12 inches),
clumps of hair around the house all day long - that'sand the female 22-27 cm (8.5-10.5 inches).
right, the fluff-ball doesn't shed. That fact aloneBy contrast, the Coton de Tulear Club of America
brings a smile to my face. You also don't get thatstandard specifies the weight as no more than 18 lb
"doggie smell" with a Coton, which is a big plus for an(8 kg) with the average being between 11-15 pounds.
inside dog, especially one who is allowed to sleep onThe standard height is 9 to 13 inches (33 cm), except
the bed! My smile just faded to a disconsolate frownfor the rare Tall Coton, which is 14 to 16 inches (43
as the "sleeping on the bed" issue is a touchy topiccm) high.
between my wife and I... but you know what theyThe Pros of Coton de Tulears:
say, "happy wife, happy life". So guess who willSmall but tough and sturdy. Doesn't have the feel of
continue sleeping on the bed?"breakable" like a toy breed.
As far as colour is concerned, the Coton de TulearHypoallergenic - great breed for allergy sufferers.
come in only a few colour variations: white, whiteDoesn't need lots of exercse.
with light spots of brown, black and white, and black;Is social with people and other animals.
although black is not an acceptable colour.The Cons of Coton de Tulears:
TemperamentCan be prone to "separation anxiety" if left alone for
The Coton is an affectionate little clown, both happylong periods... but hey, so am I!
and inquisitive. They have an amiable personality,May show shyness or be suspicious if not socialized
much like a lab, and become attached very quickly toenough.
their extended family. They are charmers andCan sometimes be a challenge to housebreak.
pleasers, love people, enjoy playing and are greatHas a potential for excessive barking.
with kids. These little fluff-al-uffal-gusses (I justSo, if you secretly consider yourself of noble decent
coined that term!) love to rip around the yard inand a fantasized heir to the throne, you would do
boisterous play and in the next instant curl up onwell to introduce a Coton de Tulear - Canine of
your lap for a snooze. The Coton is an attentionRoyalty into your kingdom!
seeker and very sociable and does not fare so well if