What is a Coton de Tulear?

The Coton de Tulear is originally from Madagascar, a small island off the coast of Africa. Sailors from Portugal and Spain would often bring along  small Bichon type dogs to keep them company on their voyages. They also helped fend off the rodents on the ships.

Stopping off at ports along Madagascar,the little free-spirited dog would sometimes wander off and remain on the island. It is here that they would breed with the island's local terriers, Hence the Coton de Tulear was born.

The Coton de Tulear's official recognition occured in 1971 when the FCI accepted them into their registry. To date the Coton de Tulears are recognized worldwide. 

A unique aspect of the Coton is that when puppies are born sometimes they have colored markings. Brown fades to light cream, black fades to grey. At maturity the Coton is mostly all white.

The Coton resembles Old English Sheepdogs with hair covering their eyes. They are small sturdy dogs who weigh between 5kg-7kg.