The criteria for the appearance of Coton de Tulear, manifestations of temperament and health features, care, diet, walking, physical activity, upbringing. Puppy price. The Coton de Tulear or Coton de Tulear is a companion dog breed native to the people inhabiting Madagascar. On the island, it is the official national canine species. These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and cute, adorable looks. These animals are one of the representatives of the Bichon dog group. There are very few written records with the help of which it would be possible to trace their pedigree. Therefore, there are many legends and rumors about their origin. Various hypotheses are put forward, which have partial evidence.
This ancient canine species is very beloved not only in its native land. Although the Coton de Tulear was first introduced to the United States of America and Europe in the 1970s, it quickly gained popularity and continues to do so with confidence. Currently, there is a serious rift in the United States between breeders and hobbyists of the Coton de Tulear over recognition by the American Kenel Club (AKC). Moreover, one group of amateurs is working for full recognition, while the other is strongly opposed to this. The Coton de Tulear is also known by other names, namely the Royal Dog of Madagascar, the Malagasy Royal Dog, and the Coton.
Description of the appearance of Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is very similar in appearance to a number of other Bichon breeds, and many casual hobbyists probably mistake it for one of these dogs. There are several lines of Coton de Tulear and each of them is slightly different in size and length of the "coat", but the overall appearance is the same. This means that anyone looking to purchase a Coton de Tulear must carefully select a breeder to ensure that their dog has the desired appearance.
They are very small dogs, although they don't have to be tiny. Most members of the breed stand between 22, 86 and 30, 48 centimeters in height at the withers. Males usually weigh from 3, 63 to 6, 35 kilograms, and females are slightly lighter - between 3, 18 and 5, 45 kilograms.
- Head Cotona de Tuleara is rather short, occupying about 20% of the body length. When viewed from above, it forms a triangular shape, which is thickest at the back. The skull is rather rounded on top and wide, which makes the dog look more like a puppy.
- Muzzle - short, equal to about half the length of the cranium, but this feature should not be exaggerated, as in the Shih Tzu or the pug. The junction of the muzzle and skull is well developed, but still relatively smooth. The lips are tight-fitting, matching the color of the nose. Coton de Tulear has a scissor or pincer bite. The dentition closes easily, but there is no distance between the front teeth. It is also acceptable when they are slightly visible.
- Nose - wide, black or dark brown.
- Eyes Coton de Toulera well placed, round, dark brown, lively. The general expression in the eyes of most members of the breed is cheerful, kind and gentle.
- Ears - with thin cartilages, triangular, dropping very close to the cheeks.
- Neck - medium, moderately muscular, smoothly curved.
- Frame The Coton de Tulear is considerably longer from the ribcage to the croup. The ideal dog is 50% longer than the height at the withers. Most of the animal's body cannot be clearly seen from under its coat, but these dogs tend to be somewhat sturdier than most breeds and are never heavy or stocky.
- Tail - has a low rise and is relatively long. When the dog is at rest, the tail is usually held in an upward curve. If the pet is in motion, the tail is vertical, and the end is directed towards the head.
- Front limbs - of moderate length. The hindquarters are strong and straight.
- Paws - in a ball, with dark pads.
- Coat Cotona is its most important feature and what sets it apart most from closely related breeds. The "coat" has a very soft, supple and kind of cottony texture, but never rough or stiff. The coat is dense and abundant throughout the body, and can be either straight or slightly wavy. The hair of this variety can grow quite long and fluffy, although most owners of pet Cotons de Tulear prefer to cut their dogs short under a puppy to make it easier to maintain the coat in good condition. If left unshorn, the coat may interfere with the dog's normal vision and should be removed from the eyes with rubber bands or hairpins.
- Coloration The Coton de Tulear is predominantly white, but often color coded. According to the official UKC breed standard, “Primary color: white. On the ears, not extensive areas of several light gray (a mixture of white and black hair) or red-pink (a mixture of white and fawn hair) shades are allowed. On other parts of the body, such shades are allowed for 10% of the total cover, if they do not change the general appearance of the white "coat". However, they are not welcomed. " The AKC standard is similar, although it only allows gray markings on the ears and muzzle, not on the body. Sometimes Cotons de Tulear are born with alternating colors, that is, when there is an excessive amount of color, too dark a coloration or even a solid color. Such dogs are not allowed in the show ring and probably should not be bred, but they are as great companions as any other member of the breed.
Coton de Tulear dog breed temperament
Countless generations of the breed have been bred as companion dogs. Therefore, the Cotons de Tulear demonstrate the character that is inherent in just such animals. The variety is known for its playfulness and great sense of humor. At times, the behavior of Cotons resembles real circus clowns. Many dogs seem to be very passionate about entertaining their owners with non-standard tricks and funny behavior. This breed is commonly described as having a "big dog personality" and is most often compared in appearance to a Labrador Retriever. Pets often bark, but they have a much less vocal level than many similar breeds.
Coton de Tulear tends to be extremely loyal to his family, with whom he forms intense bonds. These dogs prefer to be in the constant company of relatives and can show serious separation problems in their absence. The Coton de Tulear is an incredibly affectionate dog, usually too affectionate.
This breed is a much better choice for families with teenage children than many other similar breeds because the Coton tends to be very gentle and affectionate with them. Many of these pets seem to be in an active and close company of children, following them anytime, anywhere. Adults are significantly less fragile than many other small dogs. However, their puppies are gentle, fragile and delicate creatures, and therefore should not be started by families with very young children.
When the Coton de Tulear is properly trained and socialized, it usually accepts strangers and most breed members are very friendly with them. These dogs tend to think that any new person is a potential friend and playmate. Therefore, the pet must be taught that it is impossible to greet a stranger by jumping and licking his face. The Coton de Tulear can be a very vigilant watchdog who will always notify his family when a stranger is approaching. Although their barking is more of an excited greeting than a threat warning - such a kind of call. The Coton de Tulear is a very poor watchdog, as he is too small, and most of these dogs are likely to follow a stranger rather than be aggressive.
Coton usually exhibits a low level of aggression towards dogs, and many representatives of the breed live quietly with their fellows and other species, sharing with them all areas of their lives. As with any dog, Cotons de Tulear that have not been properly trained to interact with other dogs can have problems. Other animals can be adopted by these dogs and become great friends for them. Adequate upbringing usually makes this species reliable partners. But, those "animals" that the dogs do not know, they will pursue.
Health features of Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is considered a healthy breed. Although the variety has shown a number of health problems, most are significantly lower than comparable breeds. Coton has benefited greatly from the fact that many breeders try very hard to maintain the physical condition of the species at the highest level. The CTCA, ACC and USACTC conduct regular health screenings and implement breeding procedures and protocols designed to maintain the good health of the breed. It is hoped that with constant vigilance, the Coton de Tulear will remain largely free of the flaws that are problematic for many purebred dogs.
Although diseases of the bone apparatus and visual defects do not affect the breed too much, they nevertheless appear in some individuals. Therefore, those breeders who are serious about breeding Cotons should regularly check their pets at specialized animal centers. Sick individuals must be excluded from selection and are kept purely as pets. The complete list of health problems that have been identified at Cotons de Tulear includes: dislocated patella, heart problems, liver bypass grafts, spinal disc disease, spinal cord injury, chronic back pain, arthritis, deafness, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy.
Care requirements for Coton de Tulear
- Wool Kotonov, as you would expect, requires considerable attention from its owners. This breed should be brushed several times a week, preferably every other day, of course. During the session, wearers should carefully sort out any tangles in the hair with a comb. Pets also need regular "baths". Some owners feel that Coton de Tulear does not always require professional care, although most of them visit groomers on a regular basis. Many owners prefer to have their Coton cut short for a puppy. These dogs shed very little, and while they are not hypoallergenic, allergy sufferers claim that this breed bothers them less than many others.
- Teeth the pet must be cleaned often so that there are no diseases. By using the flavoring paste and silicone brush, the animal will never have stones, gum inflammation and bad mouth odor.
- Ears Dogs, in addition to cleaning with lotion once a week, need to be trimmed or cut. Thick hair grows inside the ear of the Coton de Tulear, which limits their normal ventilation. Therefore, the hair is thinned with nail scissors or pulled out with your fingers.
- Eyes these dogs, once a week, are wiped with a grooming agent. In order for Coton to be able to see normally, his long bangs are tied or pinned.
- Claws the dog must be cut once every two weeks, with claws. Of course, inexperienced owners can recommend such a tool as a nail file.
- Feeding pet ready-made professional feed is convenient and useful, the main thing is not to exceed the norm. The owner does not prepare food or think about what to make up the diet. Not only is everything balanced in the concentrate, it also contains the vitamins necessary for the animal's body. If the breeder wants to feed the dog with natural food, it is better to seek advice from a veterinarian.
- Walking. It is one of the most active and energetic of all small companion dogs. Cotons de Tulear love to play outdoors, and can follow their owners for long periods of time over long distances. Although it is definitely one of the breeds that should live indoors, the Coton is hardy enough to withstand adverse weather conditions, and even loves snow very much. The dogs are not as graceful as one might think. Coton de Tulear loves to swim, run next to the owner's bike. Because of this, breed representatives actually require a lot of exercise, and to a much greater extent than many similar breeds - at least 30–45 minutes every day. Without this activity, this breed will have behavioral problems. They can destroy everything in the house, be too mobile, bark excessively and be overexcited.
The average family, spending a little time, will be able to satisfy the pet's needs. Although Coton de Tulear loves a backyard to play with, it adapts perfectly to apartment life. The breed has a capacity for substantial and rigorous exercise, but does not need it on a daily basis. Therefore, dogs are a great choice for families who like to go hiking on the weekends but may not have time to keep their dog active throughout the week.
Education of Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear is considered not only very smart, but also extremely eager to please the owner. Not only can these dogs exercise a lot and learn everything very quickly, they seem to be delighted that their owners are happy. Such dogs quickly complete a course in basic obedience and other manners, and are also capable students. Pets show excellent qualifications in dog competitions, for example, tests for obedience and agility.
There is probably no excuse for the owners for the poor teaching of the Coton de Tulear. Those breeders who spend the extra time and energy training them are likely to be rewarded with a fabulously trained dog. Harsh training methods should never be used on this sensitive breed. She responds much better to reward-based methods, especially when the reward is enjoyable.
Cotons de Tulear owners really need to be aware of Small Dog Syndrome. It occurs when the owners cannot correct the bad behavior of a small pet, just like a large one. There are many reasons for this, when a breeder thinks he will harm the dog's feelings, or thinks that a small dog is not as dangerous as a large one. But, the end result is always the same: the small animal becomes selfish and believes that it has the right to control the whole world. Canines with small dog syndrome tend to be dominant, aggressive, overly vocal, misbehaving, and sometimes not in control of what they do. Fortunately, this behavior is almost entirely preventable with proper training.
Cost of Coton de Tulear
Cotons de Tulear can create serious difficulties in keeping them in the house until they grow up. Their puppies are very small, which means that they simply cannot be kept with large breeds until adulthood. In addition, they can easily hide under a chair or behind a sofa when they are busy with their own business. This means that an accident could occur if they are not noticed. Upon reaching sexual maturity, the dog should be under the watchful eye of all household members.
The price of a puppy is $ 1000-1200. And here is more detailed information about the Coton de Tulear breed from the breeder in the following video:
