Coton de Tulear character
friendly and co-operative

THE coton de Tulear is a very old breed originating on the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean off the south east of Africa. Tulear is a port city on the south-western coast of Madagascar. It is a small white dog, one of the Bichon family and a cousin to the Maltese, Havanese, Lowchen, Bolognese and Bichon Fris.

It is said that around the 15th Century this little white dog survived a shipwreck off Madagascar. All the sailors perished but these dogs made it to shore around the southwest area of the island, became wild, and bred with local terriers. The Cotton de Tulear resulted from this relationship. The natives fell in love with these little white dogs and offered them to the King and Malagasy nobles. Malagasy society was divided into nobles and free men. Coton ownership was restricted to the nobility. A law was enacted making it a criminal offence for anyone other than nobles to own the breed. It quickly became known as The Royal Dog of Madagascar. The Coton is the official dog of Madagascar and has been honoured on a postage stamp.

They were introduced into metropolitan France from their land of origin by breeders and exhibitors in the 1960s and 1970s. Milou and Lola, the first two cotons to arrive in the UK, were imported by Mr and Mrs Sherer.

Recognised as a separate breed in 1970, the first Champion was Ch. Junes in 1977. There were French Champions through the 1980s and during this period their popularity grew in other countries, principally Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Finland and USA. In 1992 there were over 1500 puppy registrations in France alone and this level of popularity has been maintained, making them among the most popular of all pedigree breeds on the continent. Nowadays Cotons are winning Groups and Best In Show at continental Championship shows and they frequently draw the highest entry in ICI Group 9 - Toy and Companion Dogs.

The Coton de Tulear earned its name from its unique cotton-like hair, which is dry to the feel. There is no shedding and it seldom affects people with allergies, however regular brushing is necessary. The coat should maintain it's natural wind-tossed look. A trimmed coat is fine for low maintenance of older dogs or pets, but never for a show-dog. Puppies are sometimes born with colour. The hair will generally turn white but will most definitely fade by adulthood. They are double coated and their movement is jaunty, smart and free with parallel leg action front and behind. They should be 10-12inches in height.

The Coton de Tulear has the most endearing personality. It has a very happy and affectionate disposition and is extremely loyal to its owner. It is very intelligent and quite a clown and will 'play to the crowd' if given the opportunity and when happy it will often smile and has an unusual characteristic of grunting.

The Coton makes the most enchanting companion - a huge character in a small body, very attentive and wanting to please. However one must remember that this little white dog with such a profuse coat has to be regarded as high maintenance and daily grooming is essential. Although very angelic in appearance, they are actually very intelligent, quick to learn and enjoy displaying any new tricks. Their easy going nature makes them a perfect choice for adapting to almost any situation. But beware - if you are not careful they will he training YOU and not you training them.

The breed is going from strength to strength in the United Kingdom. From January 2006 the breed was able to compete in breed competition. In 2007 Coton de Tulear classes were created at Crufts.

The Coton de Tulear Club of the United Kingdom is a club that is devoted in promoting awareness, education and health. It strives to bring together enthusiasts for the breed, organising seminars, shows, fun days, grooming workshops, visits to foreign shows and the publication of Cotonmania, the club newsletter. Visit http://www.coton-de-tulear.org/ for more information.