Coton de Tulear
About the Coton de Tulear
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 9-11" |
| Weight | 8-15 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $2,000-$4,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Coton de Tulears may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Coton de Tulear
The story behind the Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear takes its name from the port city of Tulear, now Toliara, in southwestern Madagascar, and from the cotton-like texture of its coat. It belongs to the bichon family of small white companion dogs found around the Mediterranean and carried widely by sea, and the Madagascan population is generally understood to descend from such dogs brought by traders and sailors, then developing in relative isolation on the island. It became associated with the Merina nobility and was long known locally before Europeans took an interest. French visitors brought dogs to Europe in the second half of the twentieth century and North American imports followed; the FCI recognised the breed, and the American Kennel Club admitted it in 2014. It is now well established internationally as a companion, though numbers on Madagascar itself remain limited.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Lap dog, Small household watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Coton de Tulear
A small dog with a modest appetite, where quality matters far more than quantity and coat condition often reflects adequate dietary fat. Keep treats tiny and counted, since a few extras quickly add weight to such a light frame, and divide the day into two small meals.
Watch for: No ingredient intolerance is specifically associated with the breed. Small white-coated dogs sometimes show tear staining or itchy skin that owners connect to food, though water, grooming, and environment often play a part. Ask a veterinarian to guide any exclusion trial you attempt.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Coton de Tulear
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.