Coton de Tulear

Also called Coton de Tuléar, Coton, Royal Dog of Madagascar

A cheerful, stable and sociable little dog that loves to clown around and follow its favourite person from room to room.

Size	Small
Weight	3.5 to 6 kg (8 to 13 lb)males 4 to 6 kg, females 3.5 to 5 kg1 2
Height	22 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in)males 25 to 30 cm, females 22 to 27 cm1 2
Lifespan	14.2 years2
Coat	Long, soft, cotton-like
Origin	Madagascar (patronage France).1 2
Group	Companion and Toy Dogs (FCI group 9)

Recognised breedShort profile

happy, clownish and bright

very sociable with people and dogs

adapts to all kinds of homes

1 2 3

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, stable and sociable little dog that loves to clown around and follow its favourite person from room to room. It is lively and bright, with a relaxed, friendly attitude to other dogs.1 2 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, soft, cotton-like

A small, sturdy, lively dog with a profuse, very soft, cotton-textured coat that can be straight or slightly wavy.1 2

Colourswhitewhite with light grey or red-roan shading on the earsblack and whitetricolour1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Coton de Tulear. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: a couple of daily walks and indoor play are enough, though it happily joins in longer outings.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The coat needs daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles, with regular baths and trims. Eyes, ears and nails should be checked regularly.2

Home where they are happiest

Fits well into flats or houses in town or country.1

Company who they like around

Thrives on company and does best when it can spend most of the day with its family.1 3

The story where it all began

The Coton comes from Madagascar, where it was a companion of the ruling Merina nobility, and it may descend from small dogs that arrived with sailors in the 16th and 17th centuries. It reached France well before the FCI standard was published and has since become a popular companion worldwide.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is nicknamed the 'Royal Dog of Madagascar'.3
2
Madagascar featured the breed on a postage stamp in 1974.2
3
It is named after Tuléar (Toliara), a port city in south-west Madagascar.2
4
Some puppies are born with darker patches that fade as the adult coat grows in.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name comes from the city of Tuléar in Madagascar and its cotton-like coat, as 'coton' is French for cotton.2

Name ideas for your new friend

TulearKintanaSambatraFalyMamyDinaSoaHeryLalaoNainaTiaRavinala

A day in the life told by a Coton de Tulear

I follow my human from room to room, my fluffy tail bouncing like a little flag. In the kitchen, I do a happy dance, not for food, just for the joy of being alive. We play fetch with a soft toy, and I prance when I bring it back. Later, we stroll to the park, and I greet every dog with a wag and a sniff, my clownish antics making everyone smile. Back home, I nestle on the sofa beside my person, my coat soft as cotton. I'm the royal dog of Madagascar, but really, I'm just their silly little shadow.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 283, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 1.2; standard dated 04.02.2000; FCI standard first published 1972.1
AKC: Fully recognised 1 July 2014 after joining the Foundation Stock Service in 1996.2
UKC: Companion Dog Group.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Toy Group.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Coton de Tulear, and at what times?

Feed your adult Coton de Tulear at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to your routine, but try to keep them consistent. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.4

What should a Coton de Tulear eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw meat or bones. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.5

How often should I bathe a Coton de Tulear?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to bathe your Coton every 28 days, but you can bathe more often if needed. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Coton de Tulear need brushing?

Your Coton's long, cotton-like coat needs daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, but daily is even better. Use a suitable brush and comb.2 6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Coton de Tulear's nails, and how often?

Trim your Coton's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Coton de Tulear need?

Your Coton de Tulear needs moderate exercise, like a couple of daily walks and some indoor play. It will happily join longer outings if you want. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.1 3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Coton de Tulear's teeth and ears?

Brush your Coton's teeth daily with a dog toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently wipe around the eyes daily. Never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Coton de Tulear live?

A Coton de Tulear typically lives around 14 years, with good care and regular vet checkups. Enjoy many happy years with your cheerful companion.2

Is a Coton de Tulear good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Coton de Tulear is a cheerful, stable, and sociable dog that gets along well with children and other pets. It loves to be part of the family and is friendly with other dogs. Always supervise interactions with young children.1 2 3

Can a Coton de Tulear be left alone?

The Coton de Tulear thrives on company and does best when with its family most of the day. It can be left alone for short periods, but prolonged solitude may cause anxiety. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter if you are away long.1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.