Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear dog

Cheerful Madagascan companion known for its soft, cotton-like white coat.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 8 - 15 lbs 9 - 11 inches 15 - 19 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Madagascar



Own a Coton de Tulear? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Coton de Tulear? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Coton de Tulear developed on Madagascar and takes its name from the port city of Tuléar, now known as Toliara, and from its distinctive cotton-like coat. Exactly how the ancestors of these small white dogs reached the island is uncertain. They are generally considered part of the bichon family of companion dogs that travelled aboard ships and through trading networks around the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. Romantic stories sometimes describe dogs surviving shipwrecks and swimming ashore, but there is little evidence to establish such tales as the breed's actual origin. What is better established is that small white companion dogs became established on Madagascar and were particularly valued by wealthy households and the island's elite. The Coton remained largely unknown internationally until the 20th century, when Europeans living or travelling in Madagascar began taking dogs back to Europe. Organized breeding developed particularly in France, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in the 1970s. Cotons later gained a following in North America, with full American Kennel Club recognition arriving in 2014. Madagascar has recognized the Coton as a national breed, giving this little companion an unusual identity closely tied to the island nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Coton de Tulear tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Coton de Tulear tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Coton de Tulear generally has a moderate energy level.

The Coton de Tulear generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Coton de Tulear has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Coton de Tulear generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Coton de Tulear generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Coton de Tulear is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Coton de Tulear generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.