Coton de Tulear

• ExerciseLow

  Short strolls and play indoors keep them content.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment15–19 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Legg-Calvé-Perthes · Progressive retinal atrophy

The Coton de Tulear is Madagascar's cotton-coated charmer, bred over centuries for one job — companionship and joy — and it excels at it. Playful, affectionate, gentle and endlessly sociable, it giggles and grunts happily, sometimes walks on its hind legs to greet you, and adapts beautifully to almost any home, getting on well with children, other dogs and cats. It bonds intensely with its family and genuinely dislikes being left alone, so it suits a home where it can be a constant companion. Bright and eager to please, it is easy and fun to train with gentle, positive methods, and its exercise needs are modest. The long, soft, cottony coat is low-shedding (which some allergy sufferers appreciate) but needs frequent brushing — most days — to prevent matting; many owners keep it in a shorter clip. Health-wise the Coton is a hardy, remarkably long-lived breed (often reaching its late teens), but buy from a breeder who screens, and be aware of patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes hip disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart conditions. As a small dog it also needs diligent dental care. Give a Coton de Tulear constant companionship, gentle training, grooming and dental care, and this joyful cotton-ball will be a devoted companion for fifteen to nineteen years.

• How much exercise does a Coton de Tulear need?

  Low. Short strolls and play indoors keep them content.

• How much grooming does a Coton de Tulear need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Coton de Tulear suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Coton de Tulear a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Coton de Tulear live?

  15–19 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Coton de Tulear?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, Progressive retinal atrophy. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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