Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Coton de Tuléar breed
The Coton de Tuléar is a small dog breed known for its fluffy white coat and charming personality. Its name comes from the French word “coton,” meaning cotton, referring to the breed’s cotton-like fur. The breed is believed to have originated in Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa, where it was kept as a royal dog in the city of Tuléar.
Origins: Madagascar’s royal dog
The exact origins of the Coton de Tuléar are unknown, but it is believed to be a descendant of the dogs brought to Madagascar by 16th-century sailors. The breed was kept exclusively by the Merina tribe, the ruling tribe of the city of Tuléar. The dogs were highly valued by the Merina as they were considered royal dogs and were only allowed to be owned by noblemen and wealthy aristocrats. The Coton de Tuléar was used as a companion dog, a status symbol, and as a guard dog in the Merina tribes.
A French connection: The breed’s development
In the 17th century, French colonists discovered the Coton de Tuléar and were impressed by its unique appearance and charming personality. The French began to breed Cotons, crossing them with other breeds like the Bichon Frise and the Maltese, which resulted in the development of the modern-day Coton de Tuléar. In the 1970s, breeders from France and other countries started importing Cotons to Europe and North America, where the breed gained popularity due to its friendly nature and hypoallergenic coat.
Exportation: The Coton de Tuléar outside Madagascar
Exporting the Coton de Tuléar out of Madagascar was initially challenging, as the Merina tribe wanted to keep the breed exclusive to their city. However, in the 1960s, Madagascar experienced political upheaval, and the breed began to be exported to other countries. Today, the Coton de Tuléar is found all over the world, with the United States being one of the breed’s largest markets.
Recognition: The breed’s acceptance by kennel clubs
The Coton de Tuléar was first recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1970. Since then, the breed has been recognized by other kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Popularity: The rise of the Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to its friendly personality, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. The breed is an excellent family dog and is suitable for apartment living. It is also a popular therapy dog due to its calm nature and ability to bond with people.
Characteristics: Traits of the breed
The Coton de Tuléar is a small dog breed, with adults weighing between 8-13 pounds. It has a fluffy white coat that is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies. The breed is known for its friendly and affectionate personality and is easy to train due to its intelligence and eagerness to please.
Health concerns: Common issues among Cotons
The Coton de Tuléar is generally a healthy breed, but, like all breeds, is prone to some health issues. A few common health concerns among Cotons include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to maintain the health of the breed.
Care and maintenance: Grooming and exercise
The Coton de Tuléar’s fluffy white coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and bathing. The breed is energetic and requires daily exercise, such as a walk or playtime in a fenced yard. As with all breeds, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining the breed’s health and wellbeing.
Conclusion: The future of the Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar is a charming and lovable breed that is gaining popularity worldwide. Despite its royal past, the breed has adapted well to modern life as a family pet and therapy dog. With its hypoallergenic coat and friendly personality, the Coton de Tuléar is sure to remain a popular choice for years to come.