How much exercise and activity does a Coton de Tulear need?

Are there any particular amounts or types of exercise a Coton de Tulear needs? Do they require long walks? Running in the yard? Can they do fine with fun rounds of play indoors? I love the Coton breed and hear they're very adaptable dogs, I'd love any info! Thanks!

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May 15, 2021
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Mark NEW
by: Anonymous

@Mark - Every dog is different, but they can show us how much exercise they want. If your dog is physically in pain after a walk, maybe take more frequent short walks instead of longer walks. Or try walking on grass instead of concrete, or keeping a slower walking pace.

May 15, 2021
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My cotton
by: Mark

He loves a walk and runs happily but when he gets home his back legs are a bit stiff n he drags them should I be concerned or stick to little walks as he is happy with them too ? We don't know his age as is rescue vet thinks about 6-7

Jun 26, 2020
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Senior Coton walking 3.44
by: Anonymous

I walk approximately 3 and a half miles. I have a standard poodle who loves to walk, but my Coton loves to walk with us. She is such a trooper on our walks doesn't seem to slow down at all. But I am concerned I'm going to cause her to have a heart attack at her age, and that length of walk. Does anyone know how long a senior Coton should walk?

Apr 01, 2019
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Running and walking/exercise needs
by: Julie White

My Coton Sasha will walk as far as I let him. I think we’ve gone 7 miles as our farthest walk. Usually, though, we do a two or four miler. I am a runner, and it is impossible to run any distance with him, because the least little thing will attract his attention and he grinds to a halt. He can run like the wind, though, and if he hears my footsteps quicken on a walk, he’ll take the cue, and off he goes, in tremendous bounds. I can barely keep up with him. When we visit off leash parks, he runs way ahead of us, and likes to chase the big dogs, because he can out maneuver them.

I have heard that you should not run any distance with a puppy, as you can risk damaging bones and joints that are still growing.

Apr 13, 2010
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Coton de Tulear Exercise
by: Gale

One of the best characteristics of the Coton de Tulear breed is their adaptability. Their exercise requirements can be adjusted to accommodate their lifestyles. They can do well living in a small apartment or a large sprawling farm. They're not like some breeds that need a great deal of exercise every day.

But all dog breeds, including the Coton, need some amount of regular exercise for health reasons (just like us humans) and because you don't want them to get bored. When they're not stimulated they can develop behavior problems like separation anxiety.

Exercise for the Coton can be going for a brisk walk together, playing fetch, or letting them run free to play in a fenced yard. And if you're looking for more advanced exercise, Cotons do well in agility type exercise.

My dog Luc's favorite exercise is chasing ducks. Thank goodness the ducks are faster and can fly away.

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Running with Coton de Tulear

(England)

Does anyone run/jog with their Coton de Tulear? If so, at what age did you start? We just got a puppy not long ago and I want to include him in my daily jog (15-30 minutes). Does anyone else have experience in this? I dont want to start too early and exhaust the poor little guy!

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Jan 10, 2019
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Running with Coton NEW
by: Anonymous

I am too wondering about jogging with our Coton. I will wait until he is over a year to be sure his bones and joints won’t get damaged. I’m concerned to read the comment of a Coton who gets tired after 4-5 minutes of play. Please take her to the vet-could be a heart issue. Also, those taking your Coton on 3 mile runs at less than 6 months old-not good! Wait until they are older and done growing. Let them run free at a park or in the yard, but running along side you for 3 miles is way too much!

May 09, 2012
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Running with your Coton
by: Anonymous

From what I've read is that Cotons are known to go for miles alongside horses.

I agree, wait until the pup is at least 1 year old before starting to run or any type of agility with your Coton. Everything is still growing and you want to pass on any future damage.

Build up endurance through longer walks, carry water if need be. Weather is a factor too. Please keep that in mind. It's possible to jog with her 1/2 a block as well. After all dogs do run around on their own even as a pup.

Common sense is the key.

Mar 09, 2012
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Please don't take your puppy jogging
by: Anonymous

A Coton puppy is not fully grown until they are a year old. No puppy should be "forced exercised" Jogging is considered a forced exercise. Running, especially on pavement, can do great harm to the pups kneecaps and growing bones. Also, since the growth plates are still "spongy" it can cause premature growth plate closure, which means that one of the long bones in the forearm will continue to grow while the other stops growing. That means the arms will grow crooked and and the elbows will bow out. This causes the pup great pain and suffering and your pocketpook will also suffer great pain. Surgery is in the thousands, and who would want to put a puppy through that anyway? If you must take your puppy jogging, buy a jogging stroller and keep your puppy safe. Puppies should not be doing stairs or jumping off of furniture either. Treat your puppy as you would treat a baby or young child.

Mar 02, 2012
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RUNNING COTON
by: SHERRY/COTTON

I AM SURPRISED BY READING THAT THEY CAN GO THAT FAR. COTTON DOES NOT EVEN LAST A MILE, I ALWAYS HAVE TO CARRY HER PART OF THE WAY. WE DO HOWEVER, HAVE THE FL. HEAT AND HUMIDITY TO CONTEND WITH, AND FOR MOST OF THE YEAR SHE HAS HER FULL LONG HAIR. I DID NOT THINK THEY COULD HANDLE THAT MUCH ACTIVITY AT ONCE--WE DO NOT EVEN JOG, WE ONLY WALK. PERHAPS I SHOULD PUSH HER A LITTLE HARDER??

SHE CAN ONLY RUN AND PLAY IN THE HOUSE NO MORE THAN 4-5 MINUTES AND SHE IS TIRED. IS THIS SOMETHING UNUSUAL?? SHE WILL BE TWO IN AUGUST. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? I JUST KNEW THE BREED WAS NOT HIGH ENERGY SO NEVER THOUGHT ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Mar 01, 2012
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Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the responses! Our boy is 4 months old, but full of energy! Will try to take him for a light jog this weekend and see how he does! Thanks again!

Feb 29, 2012
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Running with your Coton
by: Patricia

We run with our Coton. He loves to run with us but he needs a lot of practice at keeping a constant pace. We started running with him when he was only a couple of months old, when he was really little I would just keep the pace slow and not go very far. Now he is getting better and he is mastering his running skills with our Golden Retriever. They love to run together!

Feb 29, 2012
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We do!
by: Laura

We run with our coton. Lily is a year and a half and we have been running for about 9 months. We usually go about 3 miles and she loves it! If you run longer, take some water along with you for the pup.

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Coton de Tulear Exercise

by Sally
(South Egremont)

I'd like to know how much exercise a coton de tulear can endure? Someone told me they are sedentary dogs but I"m not so sure.

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Sep 15, 2017
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I have artificial hips so.... NEW
by: Crouton

In the past 5 months I have had three surgeries. Two of them hip replacement. So I can't walk long distance. I decided to get a wheelchair. Me and my coton, Crouton and a little chorkie wheel everyday for 20 to 30 mins. We seem content with this. They also have a backyard if they want to run around. I hope this is enough

Sep 14, 2011
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coton exercise & weight
by: vh

I live in Glendale Az in the winter(7 mo) we walk about 3000 steps & half that in the summer(3 mo) we go 2 the dog park 3 times a wk. but he is always up 2 play frizbee, ball or tricks. At the dog park he gets along w/all dogs but doesn't play much. He's pretty laid back but we will hang w/ a group for 2 hrs a day since he knows I like 2 go. lol. In my Simon & Schuster's Guide To Dogs copyright 1980, USES: It is a companion dog that loves wide-open spaces, enjoys swimming, & can follow its master on horseback for many miles & DESC: its weight Is 8# & 9# approx. On dogs 101 they say happy w/a little walk a day or swim. So they seem happy either way as long as they are w/u. Jonah does love the water & walks. American Cotons weight lists for 12# & 15#'s. Jonah is 15#.

Sep 11, 2011
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gotta run!
by: Spanky

Spanky is full of spunk and energy (now 8 months, 9 months next week). We walk him daily 4 times a day as we are in an apartment and exercise is essential for any breed. Even with the many walks, when he comes home he is ready for play. He is constantly running and playing with other dogs and people and can't get enough. If i don't give him the proper exercise he will be more difficult with the training and barking and nipping... so we exercise him a lot. He is a better dog for it! Exercise, discipline, and affection? in that order ? are the three ingredients for creating a happy, balanced dog!

Sep 10, 2011
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COTON EXERCISE
by: SHERRY-COTTON

COTTON IS THE ONLY COTON I HAVE EVER HAD - BUT SHE IS VERY CONTENT WITH JUST A FEW MINUTES OF HARD PLAY, RUNNING CIRCLES AROUND THE COUCH AND CHASING AFTER HER TOYS.

WHEN WE DO TAKE HER FOR A WALK SHE SEEMS TO RUN LIKE CRAZY FOR A FEW MINUTES - THEN TIRES AND WANTS CARRIED THE REST OF THE WAY. SHE GETS SO DIRTY AND GETS HOT EASILY, SO WE DO NOT WALK EVERY DAY IN FL. JUST TOO HOT.

SHE DOES ENJOY RIDING IN THE CAR AND THAT IS GOOD CHANGE OF SCENERY FOR HER. WE TAKE HER ALMOST EVERYWHERE.

HER ENDURANCE IS NOT HIGH, I THINK MOSTLY THEY JUST LIKE TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILY. THROWING TOYS FOR A FEW MINUTES IS ENOUGH FOR HER. GOOD LUCK, IT WILL NOT BE HARD TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOUR LITTLE GUY WILL NEED. COTON JUST QUITS WHEN SHE TIRES!!

Sep 10, 2011
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Excercise your Cotons
by: Gale

I agree with Deborah. While the Coton de Tulear doesn't necessarily require as much exercise as some other breeds, daily exercise is essential for any happy and healthy dog. Just like with humans, exercise has all kinds of health benefits and it also keeps your dog from getting bored and developing behavior problems. You don't have to run a mile with a Coton - a long walk, a swim, or throwing a Frisbee in the yard is all it really takes. It's also a great way to spend time together.

Sep 10, 2011
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Sedentary??
by: Deborah (Florida)

I would never buy-into "sedentary" for any breed....All breeds need exercise first and foremost for health (mentally & physically). Each dog will be a bit different as to endurance; just like his human companions....but; exercise for health and happiness. We have two males and they have tremendous enegy and also calm when resting inside.....find your coton's level of endurance, if you can, and he/she will be w/you for a very long time. Also, as a suggestion, you may wish to read The Dog Whisperer's insight on this topic. Good luck..

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What is the Coton breed's activity level?

What is the breed's activity level?
For example, how much time must be spent exercising it. (walks, playing, etc)

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May 24, 2021
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cotton exercise NEW
by: Cathy

I have a female cotton. She is very active when I take her for her 3 10 minutes walks a day. I cut her coat down to a puppy cut as we live in an area that gets hot in the summer the shorter coat keeps her cooler. I make sure we go out in early and latter part of day when its cooler. If you have a coton with the long coat in hotter or even humidity they need to have access to water and be able to rest in a shady area for walks. My coworker had a Pomeranian and her husband took the dog out in mid day in summer for a long walk and dog had a seizure. I don't understand why someone would walk their dog in such heat at mid day it is too hot for dog and the hot cement or asphalt is not good for paws. I would not be running or encourage my dog to stand on her back feetor jump on anything high until after her first one year of age. This is due to growth plates. Anyone letting their dog run for long steady length of time may be dea!ling with orthopedic problems in the future. My vet said 5 minutes exercise by month of age split into 3 times per day so she is six months old so 30 minutes total so 10 minutes of walks 3 times a day. Also feed your puppy good quality food and don't let them get overweight as this will cause orthopedic problems along with other health issues. I don't feed my puppy human food she gets good quality poppy food and 1 or 2 dog treats a day these are small size treats made for puppies. I don't let her chew hard bones or rawhide it can break teeth. She has rope type toys to chew safe for puppies I also brush her teeth every other day.

Aug 11, 2012
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activity level
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Jonah luvs his walks & will play ball, frizbee etc. Yet he is very laid back & happy to just veg out. He is 4 1/2. After puppyhood antics approx. 1 yr. he has been well trusted in house. Coton's adjust well to any life style. That is why I feel they are such a wonderful breed.

Aug 08, 2012
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
by: KATHY FROM PA

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHER PUPS, BUT MY COTON, TRISCUIT CAN SIT WITH ME FOR AN HOUR AND BE HAPPY, OR SHE CAN SELF EXCERCISE BY RUNNING AROUND THE HOUSE IN EVERY ROOM REALLY FAST....ALSO OUTDOORS SHE HAS THE RUN OF THE BACK YARD WHICH IS ABOUT AN ACRE....SHE WILL RUN AND RUN, BUT IF SHE CATCHES A SCENT, SHE WILL SIT AND LOOK AT THE SPOT WHERE SHE SNIFFED, AND SHE WILL SIT THERE FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES OR SO.....THEN SHE "GIVES UP". THEN SHE MAY SAUNTER INTO MY ROCK GARDEN AND POSES ON ONE OF THE LARGE ROCKS AS IF TO BECOME AN ORNAMENT. I WILL TRY TO CAPTURE A PIC OF THAT , BUT EVERYTIME I GO FOR THE CAMERA, SHE IS SOMEWHERE ELSE. OH WHAT A JOY SHE IS.
KATHY AND TRISCUIT FROM PA

Aug 07, 2012
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Coton activity Level
by: Gaston

I'm on my second Coton de Tulear. After Gaston passed, I wanted another one. One of the main preseasons for feeling secure about the decision, is that I am physically disabled and know that I can manage the activity level of this breed. They do require daily mental stimulation, but not hours/miles of walking.

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