Coton de Tulear or Madagascar Bichon

The Coton de Tulear, also known as the Madagascar Bichon, is a small, fluffy dog breed with a charming personality. Originally from the island of Madagascar, this breed has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with its playful and affectionate nature. Whether you live in a small apartment or have a spacious home, the Coton de Tulear makes for a wonderful companion.

The Coton de Tulear, a breed well-known for its silky, cotton-like coat, is not only a cute pet but also one that sheds little, making it a wonderful choice for those with moderate allergies. These dogs are the ideal companion for lounging around the house and embarking on adventures because, despite their diminutive stature, they are renowned for their stamina and love of outdoor activities.

The Coton de Tulear is unique because of its amiable, people-focused demeanor. They are known to get along well with kids, other pets, and even strangers. They thrive on human companionship. In case you’re seeking for a devoted and happy addition to your household, the Coton de Tulear could be the ideal choice.

Breed characteristics

Brief description
Origin:	Madagascar
Keeping conditions:	House, apartment (premises)
Purpose:	Decorative dog, companion
Color:	White with smoky spots (or solid)
Coat length:	Long
Adult dog size:	Female height – 23-25 ​​cm, male – 26-28 cm; male weight – 4-6 kg, female – 3.5-5 kg
Average life expectancy:	14-19 years
Walking:	Twice a day walking is recommended
Need for physical activity:	Average need for physical activity (40-minute walks are recommended)
Classification of the International Cynological Federation (FCI):	Group 9: decorative and companion dogs; Section 1: Bichons and related breeds
Price of a puppy:	35,000-45,000 rubles. Without pedigree – 35,000-38,000 rubles, pet class – 40,000 rubles, breed class – 42,000-43,000 rubles, show class – 45,000 rubles

History of the origin of the Coton de Tulear

A descendant of the French Lapdog, this is one of the oldest decorative breeds. Although there are many myths surrounding these dogs, history makes it abundantly evident that the island of Madagascar is where the breed originated. The animals are regarded as a national treasure there. Their exceptional mental faculties, dexterity, agility, and even slyness are qualities that they are adored and valued for.

A legend states that a few small Cotons made the decision to swim across a crocodile-filled river. They barked loudly in one direction and ran in another to divert predators. Consequently, the dogs reached the strait and successfully crossed to the other side where there were no predators.

It is believed that Lapdogs came to the island together with sailors and wealthy citizens of France around the 17th century. Legends were also composed about this. The story tells of a strong storm and a shipwreck near the port of Tulear, after which several dogs survived and swam to Madagascar. Then, the native island dogs and white-haired European Bolognese crossed naturally, giving birth to a new breed – Coton de Tulear. The second part of the name is the geographical place of origin. The first part is translated as "cotton", which describes the softness of the animals" hair well. For a long time, the pets served as rat catchers in the holds of African ships, until they caught the eye of aristocrats from Europe. Since then, the breed has received the unofficial name "Kings of Africa" ​​and spread throughout European countries in 1977. At the same time, the dogs were accepted by world cynological organizations and received their own standard.

Distinctive features

• Head short, when viewed from above forms a wedge (triangular shape), the skull is not convex, flat, the occipital and frontal parts are outlined, the stop is deep.
• Muzzle approximately equal in length to the skull, the bridge of the nose is straight. The jaw is strong, the set of teeth is complete (42), the bite is scissor-shaped, the lips are thin.
• Nose small, black.
• Eyes round, set deep, wide, level with the stop. Iris color dark.
• Ears set high and wide, hanging on cartilage, thin, medium length, close to the cheekbones. Hair on the ears is long.
• Body rectangular, well let down (squat), topline straight. Back is short and level, loin is convex, croup is sloping. Chest is wide, voluminous. Neck is short, strong, no dewlap.
• Tail long, is a continuation of the croup, hangs below the hock. Thick at the base, tapering to the tip.
• Limbs not long, muscular, thick. Set parallel, straight. Toes are short, paws are rounded. Movements are light, springy. Characteristic feature – jumping from four limbs, not two.
• Hair long, wavy, fluffy, medium hard.
• Color – white with smoky spots.

The Madagascar Bichon, sometimes referred to as the Coton de Tulear, is a small, amiable dog breed renowned for its cuddly, cotton-like coat and loving disposition. This breed is perfect for a family because it is laid back, enjoys human company, and gets along with kids and other animals. As long as it receives regular exercise and care, its playful nature and adaptability also make it a great option for apartment living.

Photo of an adult dog

Photo of puppies

Character and behavior characteristics

This breed is thought to be perfect for serving as a companion.

A dog like this can make friends with members of any family, regardless of age or social status. Coton will be friendly toward kids, won’t pester an old person with games, but will make them smile.

Pets are energetic, happy, and playful, but they can also be quiet while they wait for their owners to give them attention. They never act aggressively and are loyal to their family. They also possess a strong guard instinct.

Advantages

Among the breed’s benefits are:

1. Perky character, playfulness, activity;
2. Sensitivity to the family, a sense of proportion, unobtrusiveness, the ability to adapt to the lifestyle and mood of the owner;
3. Good mental abilities, trainability;
4. Responsiveness;
5. Love for children, loyal attitude to rodents, cats and fellows;
6. Pronounced guard instinct, hunting abilities.

Disadvantages

Positive dogs, cotons’ shortcomings do not always seem like drawbacks to everyone. The truth is that owners are often blind to common behavioral issues because they enjoy their pets’ antics. However, nearly every member of the breed possesses the following qualities in their personality:

• Cunning, resourcefulness (even if the Coton knows that he is guilty, he will always find a way to evade punishment);
• Loud voice and frequent barking for no reason;
• Intolerance of loneliness;
• Increased need for attention (animals love to find the highest vantage point, table or closet, and persistently demand the attention of the owner or guests).

Care and maintenance

Owners of Cottons are certain that they have never met a more intelligent or crafty dog than these. Animals can think quite well, which is why it’s crucial to provide them with intellectual training. All Bichons require education and training as well. The pet’s coat will require a lot of time and care to maintain its lovely, well-groomed appearance. Other than that, the dogs are quite modest.

It is preferable to keep them in a home or apartment. Cotons are prone to getting dirty on the street. Additionally, it is not advised to strain their limbs or back. Prior to purchasing a puppy, you should take care of a different area for games, sleeping (purchase a bed), feeding (purchase bowls on stands), and using a stationary tray or makeshift toilet.

Nutrition

Dogs gain weight quickly, but they are not prone to dermatitis or allergic reactions (especially with low physical activity). An adult Coton requires 400–800 grams of food per day on average. There are two meals in the volume. Infants are fed more frequently:

• Up to 3 months – 5-6 times;
• Up to 5 – 3-4 times;
• Up to 8 – 3 times.

The amount of food needed depends on the animal’s weight, activity level, appetite, and season (winter requires more food).

The owner can opt for dry food or natural food. These days, breeders tend to go for option number two. It is more sensible and cost-effective. Granules have all of the vitamins and minerals in their complete complex and are ready for use. The PSA personality criteria, which include weight, size, age, activity, disease, and temporary conditions like pregnancy, can also be used to guide your food choices.

Kotona is a super-premium food that works well for small-sized, low-acting animals with hair. They recommend that you look more closely at Human Grade or Holistic (Bezernovy) products.

Under the condition of a well-developed menu, natural nutrition is still regarded as beneficial and balanced. Protein is a required ingredient (40–50% of the menu). It can include dairy products, sea fish, eggs (no more than twice a week), low-fat lamb, rabbit, and turkey meat. carbohydrates: 30–40% of the diet should consist of boiled buckwheat, rice, and oatmeal. The dog also requires fats (fish oil, vegetable oils), fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Feeding the dog from the table is prohibited; the animal needs to be aware of its routine. Foods that are high in fat, smoke, salt, and flour should not be fed to dogs. Items that are not allowed on the menu include bread, butter, pork, chocolate, milk (for adults), onions, garlic, and citrus fruits.

Hot dogs and sausages are also forbidden. Legumes, potatoes, cabbage, and melon are not advised. Despite popular belief, animals do not require bones, and using them can be harmful to the animal’s health and possibly life.

Health

Owing to their small gene pool (since the breed developed naturally, without further selection), dogs are more susceptible to certain inherited illnesses. However, data indicates that roughly 1 puppy out of every 100 is prone to certain genetic issues. Cotons are a 14–19 year old species that are used to labor, physical activity, and changing weather.

Vaccinations

Some dog owners think decorative dogs can survive without being vaccinated and without going for walks. However, an infection can spread from a person to even a house pet. The owner’s hands, clothes, and shoes are contaminated with thousands of bacteria and microbes. For this reason, vaccination is necessary even for couch potatoes.

• Dogs are vaccinated starting at 2 months, when the mother"s immunity stops protecting the puppy (after weaning). At this time, babies are especially vulnerable to the threat of infection. Usually, the first injection is given in the nursery. It includes strains of plague, flu, parvovirus enteritis, hepatitis, leptospirosis.
• One vaccination is not enough for comprehensive protection, especially in the first year of the dog"s life. That"s why vaccination is repeated after 2 weeks, at 6 and 12 months. Then an annual revaccination is needed, for which the owner is responsible.
• The second important drug forms immunity against rabies. It is administered at 7 months and the vaccination is repeated annually. In some cases, revaccination is allowed after 2-3 years.

Deworming is done two weeks prior to the procedure (cleansing from worms).

The dog’s body temperature is taken in the clinic on the day of the vaccination because the animal must be in perfect health. Vaccinations should be administered at a veterinary hospital so that the veterinarian can respond to an unanticipated allergic reaction.

For the pet, a unique veterinary passport is made, in which all vaccination records are kept and labels from the medications the dog received are adhered to. This is crucial for any further care or for crossing the border with the dog. If the animal does not have its two main vaccinations, it will not be permitted to enter the country (vaccination can be given up to a year in advance and no later than 24 days prior to transportation).

Diseases

Conditions common to members of the breed:

1. Cataract, glaucoma;
2. Liver diseases (cirrhosis, gallbladder problems);
3. Urolithiasis;
4. Problems with the cardiovascular system;
5. Skin fungal diseases;
6. Sprained ligaments, displacement of the joints of the spine.

Walking

Even though Coton de Tulears have been designated as a decorative breed, they are used to traveling and working. It is therefore detrimental for them to sit at home. Dogs that use a home tray do not want to walk on the street themselves, even though they get used to such a life. Walking pets for forty minutes twice a day is advised.

Before the dog receives its second vaccination, puppies up to three months old should be carried around in your arms. Babies are not permitted to climb and descend stairs or jump on their hind legs in order to prevent putting undue strain on their backs and joints. Dogs are taken outside three to four times a month for twenty minutes up to six months, and by the time they are a year old, they are used to the routine.

Walking helps shape a pet’s personality; this process is known as socialization. The animal has been acclimated to loud environments, unfamiliar people, and other dogs since childhood. This will assist in excluding from an adult dog characteristics like aggression and cowardice.

Grooming

The breed is hypoallergenic, which is an additional benefit. They also don’t shed. Dogs must therefore be brushed frequently (daily) using a brush that has long, metal teeth. Long hair that is naturally grown and uncolored is required for the exhibition. However, domestic dogs are trimmed once every six months (or more frequently) for convenience. They also have bleached fur between their toes and around their eyes. These dogs are distinguished by naturally occurring secretions that color their hair a brown or reddish tint, ruining their appearance.

Dogs should be bathed every two to three weeks. Natural shampoos are best for white-furred dogs. Make sure to wash your dog’s paws and muzzle after walks (as well as after eating). Drying is essential to prevent the baby from getting a cold (hair dryer should be used at a minimum temperature of 20 cm away from the baby). After bathing, ears are examined and cleaned. Washing eyes occurs once a week. Claws grow by being cut.

Ectoparasites will require systematic, routine treatment in the summer. Pets receive a deworming every three months. You need to wear protective clothing in the winter.

Mating

Only those who are sexually mature and older than 2.5 years. Girls ought to be in their third heat by now. About eight months is when the first one begins. Females are usually in heat twice a year, though occasionally they are not. To determine the potential dates for mating and pregnancy, the owner should mark the start and finish of the cycle.

The owner gets in touch with the club early in the new cycle (at the start of the heat) in order to choose a suitable man who would balance out the girl’s shortcomings. Documents, certificates, and dates are all signed by the owners. The cycle’s 13–15th days are thought to be the best. The following symptoms point to them: light discharge, playful behavior, and loose loop. The female may act strangely, play around, not obey orders, or exhibit depressive symptoms. Considering the backdrop of hormonal fluctuations, this is typical.

The animals are taken to the male’s territory (or a neutral area) on the designated day. Prewalking the pets or allowing them some time to acquaint themselves with one another is preferable. When to let the male mount, females sense it. Cotons require their owners’ assistance to stay motionless because of their unusual physical makeup. The male is held by the lower back and directed into the loop, while the girl is held by the head and beneath the stomach.

The pets must be held for five to seven minutes after being actively pushed until they freeze in the lock. The female can conceive even in the absence of a lock. After two days, securing mating is done.

An ultrasound can be used in a veterinary clinic to track pregnancy and confirm it (shows only from the 3rd week). It’s critical to keep an eye on the girl’s behavioral changes and to get in touch with the clinic if there are any concerning symptoms. Pyometra, or fake pregnancy, is a possibility.

Key points in training

Even though they are ornamental, cotontons require training and education beginning in early life. Puppies are used to the house rules regarding behavior. This breed is well trained, accepts all instructions from the owners, obeys the household. Therefore, if education is developed skillfully and promptly, there are no issues. The pet is instructed what is and is not acceptable starting at two months of age. For example, they are not allowed to chew on human objects or share the owner’s bed.

The use of force or other severe forms of punishment is prohibited. A firm tone, a look, or denying the dog a treat or toy will suffice to let them know that what they’re doing is wrong. Stimulation combined with rewards is still the most effective training strategy.

These dogs, who truly perform all the tricks with ease, are frequently referred to as circus dogs or clowns. While not all Cotons are trained to follow specific commands, all dogs must be able to recognize the fundamental cues, which include "sit," "lie down," "place," "no," "voice," and "next." The puppy should be familiar with its nickname by the time it is three or four months old.

You can train other dogs in groups and enlist the aid of a dog club. in order for the animal to socialize and learn from other people’s examples.

Characteristic	Coton de Tulear (Madagascar Bichon)
Origin	Madagascar
Size	Small
Coat	Soft, cotton-like fur
Temperament	Playful, affectionate, loyal
Life expectancy	14-16 years
Good with children	Yes
Exercise needs	Moderate
Grooming needs	Regular brushing

The Coton de Tulear, also known as the Madagascar Bichon, is a delightful companion dog that thrives on human interaction. Its affectionate nature and playful personality make it a wonderful choice for families, singles, or elderly owners alike.

This breed is charming due to its unique soft coat that resembles cotton; however, to maintain its best appearance, regular grooming is required. The Coton de Tulear has luxurious fur, but fortunately for allergy sufferers and those who just want a clean home, they don’t shed much.

The Coton de Tulear, well-known for its adaptability, can live happily in either a home or an apartment as long as it gets enough care and regular exercise. Its amiable disposition further increases its suitability as a family pet by making it simple to get along with kids and other animals.

The Coton de Tulear can be the ideal choice for you if you’re searching for a devoted, caring dog with an eye-catching appearance and an energetic disposition.

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