Coton de Tulear Picture Gallery

Coton de Tulear Breeders

Coton de Tulear Clubs/Associations

The Full Coton de Tulear Description

This dog's name comes from the french word for cotton. The Coton de Tuleara has a long topcoat and covers its thin but slightly muscular body.

The Coton De Tulear's coat is cottony and fluffy. The coat should not be cut, but should be brushed daily to remove dead hair. This breed only requires bathing once or twice a year to keep it clean. Coton de Tulearas shed little and make a good breed for allergy sufferers.

The Coton De Tulear is a gentle and affectionate dog that loves pleasing its master. Coton de Tulear's get along well with children and other pets and become very attached to their homes. This breed has been known to jump or walk on its hind legs as a trick.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Small, white dog. Slightly longer than high. Long coat of distinctive texture.

Characteristics

Lively, boisterous and intelligent.

Temperament

Loyal and friendly.

Head and Skull

Medium short foreface. Ratio of muzzle length to skull length 5:9. Skull slightly convex. Slight stop. Nose black. 

Eyes

Round, dark and expressive. Well spaced. Black eye rims.

Ears

High set on skull, pendulous, slender, well covered with fine long hair.

Mouth

Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips black.

Neck

Medium length, slightly arched. Tight skin. 

Forequarters

Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight.

Body

Good depth of brisket, medium tuck-up, slight rise over loin.

Hindquarters

Well muscled legs, parallel when viewed from behind. Moderate angulation.

Feet

Small, round and tight. Black pads.

Tail

Well feathered. Low set, tapering, never coiled. When at rest, tip slightly raised. Carried above back when dog is moving.

Gait/Movement

Smart and free; parallel movement fore and aft. 

Coat

Single coated. Approximately 8-9 cms (3-3½ ins) long, fine, slightly wavy, texture of cotton, shown in natural state. Colour White. Slight lemon or grey colour on ears acceptable; dark pigmentation.

Size

25-32 cms (10-12½ ins).