The Coton de Tulear is a small, shaggy breed of dog native to Madagascar. Its white, cottony coat is one of its main characteristics, in addition to its cheerful and friendly personality.
General details
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed of dog with an average weight of 4 to 6 kg and a height of 25 to 30 cm at the withers. They have an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. This breed belongs to Group 9 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes companion dogs.
Breed history in brief
The Coton de Tulear is a breed of dog originating in Madagascar, believed to have been brought to the island by Spanish navigators in the 17th century. Coton dogs were initially used for hunting rats on ships and in the island's port cities, but as the breed became better known, it began to be bred as a companion and show dog. In the 20th century, the breed became popular in France and began to be bred more formally. Despite its relatively recent history, the Coton de Tulear has gained a large following and is valued as a companion dog for its friendly and loyal personality.
Today, Coton de Tulear are primarily used as companion dogs because of their small size, friendly personality and low tendency to bark.
Breed characteristics
The Coton de Tulear breed has a round head and a short, tapering muzzle. The eyes are large and dark, and the ears are droopy and hairy. The tail is usually carried low, and during movement, it appears curved over the back.
This breed is characterized by its white, fluffy coat, which is very similar to cotton, giving it its name. The coat is very soft to the touch and has no undercoat.
The temperament of the Coton de Tulear is characterized by being cheerful, balanced, sociable and adaptable. They are friendly dogs that get along well with humans and other animals, and adapt easily to different environments. Their loving and playful nature makes them excellent companions for people of all ages and lifestyles.
Common health problems
The Coton de Tulear is a generally healthy breed of dog, but like any other breed, they can be predisposed to certain genetic diseases and common health problems. Some of the diseases that can affect this breed include patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, cataracts, hip dysplasia and heart disease.
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