Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, cheerful companion breed originating from Madagascar, where it earned the affectionate nickname the Royal Dog of Madagascar.
Named after the port city of Tulear and its distinctively soft, cotton-like coat, this charming breed is thought to have descended from small white dogs brought to the island by European sailors, possibly related to the Bichon family.
5-6kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-16yrs
Lifespan
About the Coton De Tulear
Standing 25–30 centimetres tall and weighing just 5–6 kilograms, the Coton is a compact, lively little dog with a long, profuse coat that is typically white, though cream or light tan markings are sometimes permitted. The coat has a unique dry texture despite its fluffy appearance and requires regular brushing to keep it in good condition. What truly sets the Coton de Tulear apart is its exceptionally sociable and playful temperament. These dogs are gentle, intelligent, and genuinely fond of human company, with a talent for amusing antics that makes them both entertaining and endearing. They respond well to positive training and generally get along wonderfully with children, other dogs, and cats. With moderate exercise needs of around 30 minutes daily and an adaptable nature, the Coton de Tulear suits a wide variety of home environments, making it an ideal companion for many families.
Coton De Tulear at a Glance
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–6 kg
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 30 minutes per day
- Typical price
- £1000–£1800
Coton De Tulear Lifestyle
The Coton De Tulear is one of the more adaptable breeds when it comes to home size and copes well in a flat and does well with some outdoor space, even if it isn't large. Whether in the city or the countryside, they tend to settle well.
Dog Food for Coton De Tulear
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Coton De Tulear
Coton De Tulear Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Coton De Tulear weighing around 6 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£1.48 - £1.58
Per month
£44 - £47
Per year
£541 - £577
Coton De Tulear Characteristics
The Coton De Tulear benefits from regular activity without needing marathon sessions and picks up new commands with very little repetition. They are incredibly tolerant of the rough-and-tumble nature of family life and are quite settled when home alone. The coat requires dedicated grooming, and daily brushing isn't out of the question, but is a good option for those who prefer less dog hair around the home. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Coton De Tulear Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly affectionate and devoted, with a gentle personality that suits all kinds of households
- Low-shedding coat that works well for people with allergies
- Quick to learn and responds well to positive, consistent training
- Adaptable to different living environments, from apartments to country homes
Cons
- Prone to separation anxiety, so suits owners who are home for much of the day
- Coat needs daily grooming to prevent knots and keep it in good health
- Can become a persistent barker without training from an early age
- May be cautious around strangers and can be stubborn without early socialisation
