“Is that a giant cotton ball? Wait – it’s moving! It has legs and eyes! How is it possible for a cotton ball to jump up in my lap? What’s going on?”
You, my friend, have just met a Coton de Tulear! Definitely adorable and loved by many, Coton de Tulear puppies for sale, sometimes called “Coties,” are guaranteed to warm your heart with their friendly and playful nature.
You may be wondering all about the Coton de Tulear dog breed simply because they’re relatively rare in America. However, you’re missing out on quite a lot, so it’s important to find out all about this delightful breed.
This dog breed is famous for its fluffy coat that resembles cotton, making it easy to spot and incredibly soft to the touch. Known as the royal dog of Madagascar, French colonizers named the unique breed meaning “Cotton” and “of Tulear” in French named after the Indian Ocean port city.
You’ll also be happy to learn that a Coton de Tulear puppy is small enough to be a portable companion and will wow people with its bright, happy-go-lucky attitude.
If you're searching for a faithful, affectionate, and cheerful furry companion, there's no need to search anymore because the lovely Coton de Tulear puppy for sale is a perfect choice! Read on to discover everything about Coton de Tulear puppies for sale, from their unique history to what it’s like to have one with our ultimate Coton de Tulear puppy ownership guide.
A History Fit For Royals
What do pirates and royalty have in common? The Coton de Tulear, that’s what! The Coton de Tulear dog breed is unique to the island nation of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, and its origin is a fascinating one.
Way back in the times of Aristotle, small, fluffy white dogs found on the island of Malta became known as the “Barbichon” dog breed family and are now known as modern-day Maltese, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Lowchein, Havanese, and our beloved Coton de Tulear. But how did they get to Madagascar?
In the 16th and 17th centuries, it is said that pirates and sailors brought over some of these small dogs to use as ratters on their ships, keeping the decks free of rats and other nuisances. Madagascar served as the hub between the continents of Asia and Africa and was a popular refueling stop for maritime trade. It is thought these small dogs came ashore and blended in with other dogs brought from around the world, creating the Coton de Tulear dog breed we know today.
Once in Madagascar, these unique dogs caught the attention of both native royalty and French colonizers. These little dogs with their fluffy coats were highly valued by the ruling Merina tribe, who believed that owning them would bring good fortune and prosperity. Coton de Tulears navigated the rocky land and harsh weather conditions by eating wild boar and developing their light, airy coats to keep them cool in blazing hot temperatures.
Eventually, only French royalty was allowed to own Coton de Tulears. French aristocrats brought back the Coton de Tulear to France, where they experienced a spike in popularity among upper-class and royal subjects. With its intelligence, charm, and loyalty, this breed quickly won the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world.
The Coton de Tulear did not make its way to America until the early 70s, the same time Madagascar released a series of stamps commemorating their beloved breed. Keeping pedigrees of a Coton de Tulear is a relatively new practice around the world. It wasn’t until 1982 that the first Coton de Tulear became a show champion, and until 2014 that the AKC recognized the breed with set standards.
Even today, the Coton de Tulear remains a beloved and inquisitive companion, certain to spread happiness wherever it ventures. They are considered a rare dog breed in the US and come in at #84 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds in 2022. You’ll find social media flooded with the cute and silly antics of Coton de Tulears.
Delightful Cotton Balls: What Does a Coton de Tulear Look Like?
Coton de Tulear puppies are small and have surprisingly strong bodies despite their tiny size. These diminutive companions of the Non-Sporting group are small, weighing in at no more than 18 pounds and standing 9-11 inches tall. Coton de Tulear puppies are covered in a soft, cotton-like coat that makes them look fluffy, and their beautiful white fur makes them stand out from other breeds. We’ll discuss their coats in depth later on.
However, not all Coton de Tulear puppies are around the same size. There’s a genetic mutation that causes some Coton de Tulear puppies to be born with long limbs as a recessive trait, while both parents will be of regular size thanks to their dominant genes. Coton de Tulear puppies with this recessive, long-legged trait can grow to be 17 inches tall and are perfectly healthy – just a better candidate for the Coton de Tulear basketball team!
Coton de Tulear puppies have an elegant and refined presence. Their eyes are bright and full of expression, and their tails are curly and bouncy, always wagging happily. It's impossible to resist the desire to pet and cuddle with these adorable bundles of fluff!
Tell me more about a Coton de Tulear’s coat!
The most distinguishing feature of a Coton de Tulear hands down is its amazingly fluffy coat that is like touching a cloud. Their coat consists of a long, non-oily topcoat that sheds dirt, and a fine, downy undercoat. Unlike their relative the Maltese, a Coton de Tulear’s coat is not silky, but light and airy instead.
What’s it like to groom a Coton de Tulear puppy for sale?
Get your grooming tools ready and be prepared to spoil your furry friend! There are lots of ways to groom your Coton de Tulear puppy’s coat which grows to be a medium-to-long length naturally. Owners can choose lots of styles based on personal preference, keeping it long and shaggy or cutting it close to the body.
For regular grooming, visit a professional groomer or learn some DIY grooming techniques. A Coton de Tulear will need a bath every few weeks, but you’ll need to keep up with daily brushing to prevent painful mats and tangles and to remove trapped shed hair. Trim nails regularly for paw health, and be sure to keep up with their dental care to avoid crowded teeth and other health issues.
They’re great for people with allergies
While there is not a 100% hypoallergenic dog, some dog breeds’ coats are certainly better for those who suffer from allergies than others. The Coton de Tulear is an excellent choice for people with allergies because their coats trap dander that aggravates a person’s allergies.
However, just because a puppy is considered hypoallergenic does not mean that they don’t shed at all. While low-shedding, Coton de Tulear puppies can shed due to dead hairs being trapped in their topcoats. For this reason, you’ll need to brush their hair regularly to help them remove those trapped hairs.
Are all Coton de Tulears white? Do they stay the same color throughout adulthood?
Even though a Coton de Tulear is known for its white coat, there are actually some tan markings in that white coat. Other AKC-recognized colors are black & white and tricolor.
Another interesting feature about a Coton de Tulear’s coat is that they may be born one color but end up a different shade than they were as a young puppy. Also due to genetics, a recessive dilute trait means their coats tend to fade colors, particularly after they shed their downy puppy hair and adult hair grows in. For this reason, you have to be aware that the color you fell in love with as a puppy may not be the final adult color.
What’s the Personality Like of a Coton de Tulear Puppy?
If a clown could shrink down to an oversized cotton ball and eat some jumping beans, you’d have a Coton de Tulear puppy!
If you're curious about the temperament of Coton de Tulear puppies, you'll be delighted to know that they have a gentle, funny, and cheerful disposition. A Coton de Tulear puppy is an overall very happy dog breed that likes to keep things light-hearted.
Coton de Tulears will make you laugh your head off because they love to learn and perform tricks to please their owners. They are boisterous without being obnoxious or hyper. They can be trained to jump and walk on their hind legs!
Coton de Tulear puppies are great emotional support animals
Spending time with a Coton de Tulear puppy is bound to bring a smile to your face, leaving you grinning from ear to ear. Their positive and carefree attitude is infectious and can lift your mood, even on the most somber days. These puppies make excellent lap dogs, as they are always eager to cuddle and shower you with affection.
Coton de Tulears form deep connections with their families and don’t like to be separated for long. Their strong bonds with their people plus the amount of pure affection they show make Coton de Tulear puppies an amazing choice for an emotional support animal.
…but they’re terrible guard dogs
A Coton de Tulear puppy is not a big barker unless they want to alert you to something off. They want their human companion to be aware of anything that bothers them. However, if you leave them in charge of the family’s valuables while you’re away, a criminal is more likely to be licked to death than mauled by a Coton de Tulear! They are just that friendly toward people and view everyone as a new playmate. For these reasons, you’d need to choose another dog breed to protect your family because a Coton de Tulear is useless in the role of a scary canine deterrent.
How Much Exercise Does a Coton de Tulear Need?
Prepare yourself for a lively and energetic companion when you bring home a Coton de Tulear puppy! These playful pups will keep you engaged with their high energy levels and their need for regular physical activity. If you're wondering how to keep a Coton de Tulear puppy occupied, you'll find that they enjoy activities like jogging, hiking, or playing fetch in the backyard.
Despite their small size, they are far from being couch potatoes. It's important to provide them with ample opportunities to burn off their energy. Consider engaging them in agility training or arranging playdates with other dogs to fulfill their need for mental and physical stimulation. Some other fun ways to exercise your Coton de Tulear puppy are letting them play around in the water, throwing a ball in a fenced-in yard, or playing with mentally stimulating puzzle toys.
What’s it Like to Train a Coton de Tulear Puppy?
When it comes to training a Coton de Tulear puppy, the keys are patience and consistency. These little fluff balls are known for their intelligence, but they can also be stubborn sometimes. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, are best for motivating them to learn.
Beyond puppy obedience classes, you should keep up with training, especially in those puppy teenage years when they start to get a mind of their own. You should consider other activities beyond regular basic puppy commands because they are so comical. Why not turn your living room into a circus ring and teach them some fun tricks? Also check out agility training, flyball, or anything your Coton de Tulear will find fun and rewarding.
With a gentle approach and plenty of practice, your Coton de Tulear puppy can become a well-behaved and obedient companion. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend more time with that cute little cloud of fur?
Find Healthy Coton de Tulear Puppies at Pawrade
When you’re typing in “Where can I find Coton de Tulear puppies for sale near me?” you’ll notice some scarce choices due to the breed being quite rare still in America. Beware of dishonest people trying to capitalize on the desire people have to become Coton de Tulear puppy owners.
Pawrade partners with trustworthy Coton de Tulear breeders who offer healthy, happy Coton de Tulear puppies for sale. Because they are a generally healthy dog breed, they can live 14-19 years old. A reputable breeder will do everything in their power to ensure your puppy lives a full, rewarding life as your loyal companion.
If you’re ready to have your spirits lifted every day by an adorable living cotton ball, browse our Coton de Tulear puppies for sale to choose your favorite one!
