Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear has a very romantic history; belonging to the small group of toydogs from the Mediterranean area it is believed that his immediate ancestor, the Bichon Tenerife, was taken to Reunion by French colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries. Some time in the 17th century some of these small dogs with cotton-textured coats arrived in Tulear, then a port famous for slavery and piracy on the coast of Madagascar where it was taken up by the ruling Merina tribe, who forbade ownership to all but the nobility. It is believed that crosses were made with the indigenous Morondava Hunting Dog which resulted in the forerunner of the present Coton de Tulear. He is still known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar and features on the island's stamps.
In 1974 the Coton de Tulear appeared in the USA and in 1977 the first dogs were imported into France; the breed has taken very different directions in Europe and North America. They are still a rare breed, sharing with the Bichon Frise an exceptionally outgoing and playful temperament which suits it well to family life. Happy with children, the Coton de Tulear makes a perfect companion dog too and shows great loyalty to his owner, though can be reserved with strangers.
He is the largest member of the Bichon family (Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese) at up to 12" tall and weighing as much as 7kg. His coat is unusual; it has a cotton-like texture with no undercoat and needs considerable care to keep him looking nice. The coton de Tulear should not be trimmed. Colours are white with a little grey or lemon allowed on the ears.
Click here to read the Coton de Tulear Breed Standard.
Coton de Tulear Breeders
 
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Cotonstar and Clanlee
Cotonstar, web home for Clanlee Coton De Tulear, exhibitors and breeders of Coton De Tulear, Bichon Frise and Lhasa Apso, open for anyone looking for advice or puppy bookings
Peter Summersgill can be contacted by email or phone 00353 5394 89923 after 7pm. Peter is located in the south east of Ireland.
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Cotontastick Licensed Breeder in Doncaster. Puppies available now. Visit the Cotontastick website or phone Julia Smith on 01427 754748 or 07949088695.
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Coton de Tulear Breed Clubs
COTON DE TULEAR CLUB OF THE UK
Coton de Tulear Rescue and Rehoming
Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Coton, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.
If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.
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