Coton De Tulear Characteristics: The fun-loving and sweet-tempered Coton De Tulear is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC: 2014). The Coton De Tulear, is characterized by its adorable, sturdy appearance with a distinctive long, supple, cotton-like coat and an affable and amiable expression. Other characteristics include dark, round, lively, medium sized, round eyes; thin, high set, triangular, dropped ears; a low set, curved tail and a short strided, fluid gait. The temperament of the Coton De Tulear can be described as Affectionate, Vocal, Playful. The coat type of the Coton De Tulear is described as long, cotton-like coat in white & black colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Coton De Tulear demonstrated the desired traits of a Companion and Pet dog and is known by its nick name the "Pirate Dog". The origin of the Coton De Tulear dog breed was in Madagascar where it was developed in the 1600's. Fast Facts about the Coton De Tulear: The following facts provide fast information about the Coton De Tulear breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC: 2014) *** Nick name: "Pirate Dog" *** Origin: Madagascar *** Male Height: 25 - 30 cm (9.8 - 11.8 in) *** Female Height: 22 - 27 cm (8.7 - 10.6 in) *** Male Weight: 4 - 6 kg (8.8 to 13.2 lb) *** Female Weight: 3.5 to 5 kg (7.7 - 11.0 lb) *** Coat Type: long, cotton-like coat *** Coat Colors: white & black colors *** Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies *** Health Problems: Heart disease, hypothyroidism *** Lifespan: 14 - 16 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Coton De Tulear Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC: 2014): The Coton De Tulear is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC: 2014). Other names for the Coton De Tulear: The Coton De Tulear is known by the nickname of the "Pirate Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Coton and the "Royal Dog of Madagascar". Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Coton De Tulear" derives from its cotton-like coat and its place of origin in the Port of Tulear in Madagascar. The island of Madagascar lies about 250 miles off the southeast coast of the African continent. Coton De Tulear History and Origin: The country of origin of the Coton De Tulear breed was in Madagascar, a huge island off the southeast coast of Africa, during the 1600's. Although usually considered a pet dog the Cotie was also used as a hunting dog to catch small vermin, such as rats and mice. Early attempts to colonize Madagascar were temporarily abandoned by both the British and the French when the settlements were destroyed by the indigenous people of the island. From 1690 to 1723 Madagascar became a haven to pirates who plundered the rich trade of the the East-West trade routes across the Indian Ocean. The Port of Tulear became an important base for the pirates. The pirates brought their Barbets and 'Barbichon' dogs with them including the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Tenerife and the Maltese. These small long-haired dogs were commonly used by sailors, explorers and pirates in their journeys across the Mediterranean. These dogs were interbred and resulted in the development of the Coton De Tulear, named after their cotton-like coats and the Port of Tulear. The pirates lost their hold on Madagascar but although the pirates left the Island their little Coton De Tulear dogs remained. The Coton De Tulear became popular with the people of the Merina ruling tribe who jealously guarded the breed but the Coton De Tulear was occasionally given as gifts to honored guests by Merina chiefs - hence their nickname the "Royal Dog of Madagascar". In 1973, Robert Jay Russell, Ph.D. an American biologist who was studying lemurs on Madagascar, discovered the Coton De Tulear breed on his travels. Dr. Russell sent the Coton De Tulear to his father in America who established 'Oakshade', the first Coton De Tulear Club of America and the beautiful dogs were exported to Europe. The Coton De Tulear breed was recognized by the Social Centrale Canine (the French national kennel club), the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club, UK in the toy group, and the United Kennel Club, US in the companion group. The Coton de Tulear was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2014. Coton De Tulear Modern History: The modern history of the Coton De Tulear moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. The Coton de Tulear was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2014. Coton De Tulear Height: The Coton De Tulear breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 25 - 30 cm (9.8 - 11.8 in). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 22 - 27 cm (8.7 - 10.6 in) Coton De Tulear Weight: The weight of the small sized Coton De Tulear, in a male dog is 4 - 6 kg (8.8 to 13.2 lb). The weight of the smaller female dog is 3.5 to 5 kg (7.7 - 11.0 lb). Coton De Tulear Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type of the Coton De Tulear is described as a long, cotton-like coat. Coton De Tulear Coat Colors: The colors of the Coton De Tulear dog breed include White, Black, Gray & White, Tri-color, Black & White and Lemon & White. Coton De Tulear Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The coat of this dog grows continuously, like human hair growth. The grooming needs of the Coton De Tulear are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Coton De Tulear is considered to be high-maintenance and requires daily brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Coton De Tulear dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Coton De Tulear Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4 to 6 puppies. Coton De Tulear puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Coton De Tulear puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Coton De Tulear Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Fun-loving, Affectionate, Vocal, Playful and Sweet-tempered. Coton De Tulear Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Coton De Tulear requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. The small Coton De Tulear dog has a jaunty, fluid gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Coton De Tulear Diet: A fully grown Coton De Tulear should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Coton De Tulear Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Coton De Tulear breed include Heart disease, hypothyroidism. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Coton De Tulear dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Coton De Tulear Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Coton De Tulear breed is 14 - 16 years. Coton De Tulear Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Coton De Tulear breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Coton De Tulear names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Kaleba *** Rolland *** Jutel *** Mousse *** Lova *** Brody *** Kobe *** Hery *** Chance *** Antso *** Rakoto. Coton De Tulear Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Coton De Tulear girl dog. Our top choice of good female Coton De Tulear names are Anja *** Nomena *** Jenny *** Nadie *** Hanta *** Lydie *** Ninah *** Rindra *** Mia *** Ayycha *** Myrda. Fast Facts about the Coton De Tulear: The following facts provide fast information about the Coton De Tulear breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC: 2014) *** Coton De Tulear Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Madagascar *** History / Date: 1600's *** Male Coton De Tulear Height: 25 - 30 cm (9.8 - 11.8 in) *** Male Coton De Tulear Weight: 4 - 6 kg (8.8 to 13.2 lb) *** Coat Type: long, cotton-like coat *** Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies *** Coton De Tulear Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Coton De Tulear Lifespan: 14 - 16 years *** | 