Conflicting Info on the Coton de Tulear

by Emma
(Canada)

I am not currently able to get a dog right now, but am searching for the right breed. Out of all the breeds I've seen, the Coton De Tulear is the cutest and one that would fit our lifestyle the most.


The only thing is, I'm hearing a lot of conflicting information. I've been told that Coton De Tulears are both good at being house broken (for a small dog with a small bladder) and bad at being house broken. I've heard that the grooming is relatively easy and that the grooming is a daily struggle (though I am unsure if this is only for Coton's without a short haircut like your Luc). What have you heard about this?

Also, I keep on hearing that a black Coton De Tulear is "unacceptable". I'm not sure if that's just for shows or in general. Does that mean that they're rarer then the white/whitetan/whiteblack ones? That they're not wanted/desirable? (and would it be cheaper to get a black one if possible?) Or does it mean something else?

One last question: from your experience, is it true that there isn't as much of a wet dog smell on Cotons?

Thank you for the useful information, and your dog Luc is ADORABLE :)

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Feb 03, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Personality
by: Anonymous

Every Coton de Tulear has their own personality obviously. No matter if it’s from the same litter or not, same parents or not. To read up on this breed or any breed will tell you about what to expect in a certain breed in general overall. But in the end you really don’t know what you’re going to get until you get it. But you work with them and love them anyway. I have two Coton de Tulear. Personality with both of my males are like night and day. One is a barker. The other one not. One is hipper active, the other one easy going. But without fail they both love attention and all people around. Most definitely an indoor dog. And the smell, what smell! These dogs do not stink at all. No dog smell at all. Amazing!!! The only dog I cannot smell. Their coat is like a cotton blanket nice and cozy to cuddle up to. The breed is not always born with white hair. Yes hair! Not fur like other dogs. This double coat is great for the winter cold for this breed. They carry a faded gene so any color they were born with fades as they get in their adulthood. Mine did at 12 months old. I have seen pure white born and tri colors. Such a wonderful breed. Let’s keep this breed alive!!!
Oct 18, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black Coton
by: Beth

I have a 14 week Coton. My puppy is black with a white tuxedo chest and four white paws. My puppy was genetically tested for a breeder. She is a pure bred Coton de Tulear from Madagascar. She has been easy to train, incredibly smart, responds well to positive reinforcement, and is potty trained at 14 weeks. We have been socializing her well since we got her and she is the star at puppy class. My dog has silky hair, easy to brush so far, and doesn't have a doggie smell. She is shedding a little but could be losing her puppy coat. I love this little black dog. She is so sweet.
Sep 30, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Love this breed
by: Anonymous

I have 2 cotons. One male and one female. The male was the easiest dog I ever house trained, and the female one of the hardest. I use a crate and bells on the door. Once my female was trained, we have no accidents. Their coats are high maintenance, no doubt about it. I learned to groom so I could trim them. I keep them in a puppy cut, but let them grow out once a year. They are picky eaters, I mix wet and dry food and that works well. I have not found them to be stubborn at all. For me they are very obedient and eager to please. I did take time to work on training them. My female never barks, my male would bark a lot if I allowed it. Again, training helped this. I have had other breeds and have not found cotons to be any more difficult or easier than an aussie, cavalier king charles, havanese, golden doodle, st. bernard, pug or cockapoo. All very different breeds I worked with over the years. I think any dog you put the proper work into you will get a good outcome. I always establish myself as the "pack" leader and go from there. I love the coton de tulear breed, personally. We RV and they are perfect travel companions.
Sep 03, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cotton what they are like
by: Anonymous

I have cotton so I can give honest opinion from my experience. They are really stubborn. You need to work with them a lot some are smarter than others like humans its luck if the draw even if you get one of champion lines there is no guarantee of personality like any dog. Mine was fairly easy to potty train it took about 12 weeks to train outside but still my dog will pee inside occasionally. She never got the hang of letting me know she has to potty. I tried bells both on door and floor bell even with consistency she never caught on. Doggy door is not working but still trying. They will bark a lot like any other dog you have to correct them. They are playful and active and prefer constant human companionship. They don't like being alone maybe another dog as companion might help that. They don't have a mean snappy personality usually but if they are teased by a child they could get snappy out of fear. The coat is constant grooming. My coton her lineage is Madagascar her hair is soft but if you can imagine trying to comb a ball of cotton that is what its like. It is soft fur but is easily matted they are not outside dogs like a lab or other dog as their fur will get too tangled and h the fine hairs can matt to skin quickly. If you keep them in a puppy cut it makes grooming easier but like another poster said it takes away the trait of their coat. They do get doggy smell. I wash my cotton every two weeks otherwise her fur gets dirty and too tangly. It takes me 30 to 45 minutes each night to groom her. When others say it takes two minutes I can't believe that to get all tangles out unless their dogs are cut short. I also have to use a spray deranged on her coat. My dog is white her eyes get tear stains she does not have long legs she weighs about 10 lbs. They can also be picky eaters. If you get them on human food you will have impossible time getting them back to dry food. My dog again is champion lines from Madagascar lineage. She is reliable on leash but won't mind too well off leash and terrible stubborn. She looks like white teddy bear and beautiful cute but they are not magical wonderful they are dogs that need lots of work and hope if you do get one you have much patience and time and can have dog with you all the time or have another dog to keep company. Remember each dog like each human is different and learning capacity varies it is a roll of the dice this breed very very expensive for well bred authentic dog but personality not a guarantee neither is intelligence. They aren't much more than companion dog not really service dog capable as say a lab or Golden. Not protection dog like shepherd or Rottweiler or Doberman just cute companion dog.
Apr 26, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fear Aggression.
by: Anonymous

Hi, I have a coton male who is almost 11 months now. We have given him a lot of socialisation in his puppy age and he was quite good until recently. My family members have just come to my house where he is either getting fear or just aggression that i am confused. He is okay around kids but have fear and gets very angry around some people. Is it something that can be done to prevent this? As it is creating a lot of problem and i feel like crying not able to do much. Please Reply ASAP. Aa we are in lockdown don’t have a lot of options for trainers and all right now.
Jul 31, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Solid Coat Colors Of The Coton de Tulear
by: Anonymous

All the research I have done on the breed since 1997 to present both in Europe and other countries clearly states and along with the first Coton de Tulear breeding station/kennel in Madagascar reflects that the base coat of the true Coton de Tulear should be a coat of white -- the base coat. I did two years of intense research shortly after retirement from a career in investigations and skip tracing - business forensics. So I am a pro at research. I did the research because what I saw in person visiting American breeders, compared to that I heard by telephone calls and emails, photos from breeders in Europe, Brazil, Argentina and other countries the story was the same "base coat of white always". Then in the USA often times and even up until now you will find the so called "rare colors" quoted by AKC breeders and those of the mCTCA that solid colors are possible and are rare. But why only in the USA, the Europeans have been invested in the breed since the 1950's, why do they [the Europeans] say a firm "NO". I have seen the solid coat colors in person, the hair is totally different in texture, it is silky and the Coton should have a coat that feels like "COTTON". Needless to say I turned away from American breeders as I think they purposely took short cuts and introduced other breeds into the Coton de Tulear lines early on and the lingers to this day linger to this day. Same applying to the Coton de Tulear with long legs. Ask any breeder outside of the USA and you will supply them with the source for a hearty good old fashioned laugh. Due to all this I became so engulfed in the history and wanting to save the Coton de Tulear I became a hobby breeder and don't regret a day of my investment and love for the breed. Just like anything that you invest money, time and energy into do your homework, know what the facts are and the history of the breed. Watch out for fakes there are many of them.
Apr 09, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Conflicting Information
by: Anonymous

I have owned 2 Cotons. My first was a darling white female. I loved her like crazy and she was empathetic and endearing even with strangers. She hasted bing left alone but behaved b beautifully in a puppy carrier. I finally discovered a beeper I could leave with her that beeped every time she barked and it helped her settle down when alone immensely. She believed that everyone would naturally adore her and she was mostly right. Her hair was so fine that brushing her was a major ordeal. I kept her in a puppy cut and even then she got tangles and matts almost every day. She was very soft and fine, which was lovely but harder to maintain. She was doing well with potty training until we invited several other small dogs to a party and every one of them peed in our house, males marking territory for the most part. She decided that this was acceptable behavior and I never convinced her otherwise. This dear little one was killed by a pit bull that was supposed to be locked away but escaped and attacked her viciously. It was a terrible thing to see.

After many months, I fell in love with a little male Coton puppy from the same breeder. Jack is mostly black with some white areas. His hair is still very soft but courser than the white and so easy to brush. He is going to be bigger, but still in the normal Coton range. He is more mellow and stays home easily if I bribe him with good reads and games. He does not like the puppy carrier and is less civilized in stores so stays home more. Very easy guy. He is delightful and funny but definitely has a different personality. He is almost completely potty trained at 4 months. He learned to ring a bell on our door to tell us when he needs to go out. Works like a charm!

I just want dear pets so acceptability at show is irrelevant to me. The black coat is easier to maintain and he does not get stains around the mouth and eyes. Love them both.
Nov 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black and white Coton
by: Trish

I have a gorgeous black and white Cotton. I chose him from a litter of 6 pups - 4 tricolor and two black and white.
His markings are striking and he receives a lot of attention when out walking. He is truly stunning. Because of the black patches, the white actually looks whiter than snow. I wanted him from the first time I saw him. An all-white dog wasn't an option given the Scottish climate!
His toilet training was relatively easy, his coat is more than manageable given how soft it is. His super bright and smart. So loving and craves company, following me everywhere. He's curious and always wants to be part of everything. He's great with children. Very playful and energetic. Lives exercise. He never smells or sheds. I would bath him only once a month. I just wipe his paws after going out with an old towel. He always looks clean and fluffy. I give him coconut oil every day - keeps coat healthy and shiny and believe good also ffor brain. A very intelligent little dog. Great company. Strongly recommend!
Jul 26, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstar 		my observation of my Coton and smell!
by: April

I have a Coton that is AKC registered and came from a very reputable Coton and Havanese breeder. He is now 5 months old, he STINKS ALL THE TIME haha! even after he's gone to the groomer, they arent smell free dogs, ill tell you that. BUT in my opinion, He wasn't that hard to housebreak - broke pretty fast at 3 months old. They are super needy though, have a pretty significant amount of separation anxiety naturally and are velcro, meaning: you take 3 steps and so do they, they can't even stand being in rooms alone much. Other than that they are super smart, very intuitive, super good with kids, adult, dogs whatever - they love everyone, but also very good watchdogs and will alarm you if anyone if coming. they don't bark a lot (only if they're telling you someone is coming). They're overall amazing dogs, super sweet and super lovable. Not to mention adorable.
May 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black Coton grandparents from Madagascar
by: Anonymous

Hello - the black with white grandparents of my
Black Coton dog were from Madagascar probably came from there over 20 + Year’s ago. The owner of the grandparents lived there for 6 years.
May 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Your cotons
by: Anonymous

I would advise doing a DNA tests on your dogs. In fact, I highly recommend it. Cotons are no longer allowed out of their original country for quite some time.
Dec 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black Coton’s
by: Anonymous

I have an 11 year old black ,grey white Coton. She was one of two black females in a litter of 5. Her grandparents on the father’s side came directly from Madagascar and look exactly like my black Coton ! Are there dogs available directly from Madagascar ?
Feb 20, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Grooming Coton Issues
by: Anonymous

I thought after reading a lot about Cotons that they were easy to groom. My puppy, however was/is not. He hated being brushed, although working with him over the last 4 months he has gotten to like it a bit better. I let him chew a bully stick while I brush and comb him. I even purchased and use the wood pin brush (he likes the tiny tot size) and the butter comb. Only brushes he will permit me to use.

I'm not sure about others, but I have to brush him every day to keep him matt free (at least as a puppy). I plan to always keep him in a long coat. Cutting their hair sort of defeats the beauty and look of the Coton.

We absolutely adore him (7 months), but it was quite challenging in the beginning.

Apr 12, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		the truth about black cotons
by: Anonymous

Genetics will, from time to time produce an all black Coton. It's in the gene pattern of the breed. It has happened in the breeding programs of some of the most reputable breeders of the breed. They are still bonafide Coton de Tulear! Just as there are dapple dachshunds, White mottled Yorkies, etc., a standard for any pure breed zeros in on preserving the form and function of the breed's historical origins. It's no doubt that down the line, a black Coton, even predominantly black with white patches, and combinations thereof are going to continue to emerge. It is not common, however not unheard of, either. It all goes with pairings, recessive and dominant genes, loci and anomalies. Their gene for color dilution is one of the breed's hallmark and therefore protected, high in priority among the breed's avid preservationists, since it is from color in pups that would have served as camouflage from predators in the wild, and into adulthood, to dilute out to predominantly white coat to not only protect from the hot sun's rays, but the texture would remain as cotton for insects to fail in their attempt to get down to the skin. A black coat would not serve those purposes and its texture would change as well. It would get a heavier,and probably feel a tad on the silky side, which defeats the purpose of a Coton having an absence of oils, again to detract from burning in the hot, sun-beaten climates of the malagasy beaches and highlands. Black Coton are just manifestations of whatever breeding combinations went before, as it takes awareness of color patterns, knowledge of dominance in genetics and a desire to preserve the qualities that served the form and function of the Coton in their native land over human fashion. Even with the best of breeding practices, one does come through just so nature can remind us who is really in control! Your Coton is a coton, bar none. His genetic propensity to dilute that color has been lost somewhere along the lines. It doesn't make him any less of a Coton, just not one to add to the gene pool for preservation purposes. love him and enjoy him! he doesn't care about his color combinations as he is licking you to pieces!!
Feb 26, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Training & acceptability of the black coated Coto
by: Anonymous

Wow.....I have to say this: It is EXTREMELY difficult to get ANY Coton de Tulear breeder in ANY country who will tell you that a solid black coated Coton with white markings is in any way, shape, or form..... Ever Be ACCEPTED or recognized AS A VIABLE COTON DE TULEAR breed. They will tell you it is impossible to have any coat color but white...some creme....maybe a patch of black or brown on the coats etc....but because early on the Aristocracy bred the color out so white would be the dominant color....it is impossible to have a coat of black. Yet......we have a black coated Coton with white hairs on chin & chest. He has the flat shaped head....the adorable small face/snout....the tail that curls over the back....the beautiful cottony coat that does not separate but is full and fluffy. And he looks just like all the posted beautiful white coated Cotons on the internet by recognized breeders. Who cares? We love him and in the end....after all the arguing back and forth...we will still tell anyone who asks...He's a rare Coton De Tulear!!! Potty training....easy! Small crate with adjustable sizing devider. Potty mats in front....small bed in back. When they pee on the mat....take pee mat outside on grass...same place...then remove mat from grass after several potty sessions. Put puppy in same place...they pee...the smell is there...take out often!!!! Potty training over! Coton r smart! Riding in car....take in car EVERY day...even if around block...gradually take on longer drives....Car trained! Takes patience and a steady schedule of doing training every day. Hope this helped! Shrank
Jan 03, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black cotons
by: Anonymous

I rescued my black white gray coton at 8 months old... We love him to death but he has been a real challenge ... he is almost 4 and is finally totally trained...When we first got him from the "BREEDER "..he did not know what grass was or even how to get up our one step stair into the house.... He has been a real challenge as he doesn't like anyone but me... His mom...he tolerates my husband and cuddles up to him at night but I know it is only to protect me .... He loves water...does "pretty dance" on his hind legs and seems to have the traits of a coton but we really don't know.. His legs are a lot longer than most of the cotons I have seen... I would recommend to get this breed only as a puppy so he can be socialized....this is very important...our Paco is the love of my life
Jun 14, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coton de Tulear Potty Training
by: Anonymous

I have a 7 year old Coton. He was potty trained at 12 weeks. They are a very clean breed and if the owner starts early, they are very easy to potty train. We have a doggie door and Polo used it the minute we brought him home from the breeder. We travel all the time and he will go potty on command even in in-climate weather!
The do not have a doggie smell, but we take Polo to the beach and sailing and if he's wet, he will have a "slight" wet smell.
This is truly the best breed in the world. I could sell a trunk load every time I take our Coton somewhere.
May 17, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coat Colors of the Coton de Tulear
by: Anonymous

Well this is a age old problem with the Coton de Tulear. If you do the research/history of the breed you will find that the Europeans began importing this rare breed in the early 1950's. Europeans began asking the FCI [ largest dog kennel registry in the world, but not offered in the USA] in the 1960's to accept the Coton de Tulear into their club. The breed was accepted fully by the FCI in 1970. Long before Americans had many of the breed. In all of Europe, Finland, Iceland, Argentina, Canada and Brazil the solid coat colors of black, tan and brown are unheard of in the past or current date. The American version of the breed has changed the look and colors of the coat of the Coton de Tulear. There is a large number of breeders now in the USA that have the solid coat colors and there is no way possible the breed has coat colors other than a base coat of white. Tri colors are pure bred, but their coat fades as they mature. Most of the color coats found today are a mix breed. This is my experience after numerous years of resarching the breed before I adopted my fist Coton in 1999. It is common place for Americans to change breeds, other countries do not get inovlved in the designer/mixed breeds.
Aug 05, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Info
by: Ashley

I've read a lot of conflicting information as well, but I've learned quite a bit by being a new owner of my pure black coton, Lola.

House breaking isn't so awful, you just have to kennel train, and take them outside AS SOON as you get back, or wake up. Then lots of praise when she potties outside. Also wait for her to go poop, it may take a while, but in the long run, you and your coton will be much happier. And always take her to the same spot!

And grooming seems to be no problem, I just run a comb through her coat once a day. Takes a whole two minutes at most. So no big deal.

And yes black cotons are rare, and many qualified breeders will sell them at a cheaper rate because of their inability to be shown. But watch out, unqualified phony breeders will make you ooooh and awwww at the beautiful rare black coat and attempt to squander money out of you. I've seen black cotons for ad much as 2500. A complete rip off! But my black coton was a reasonable 700.

To be honest, I love white cotons best, but black is SO much easier to clean. (can't tell when theyre dirty!) haha oh and no cotons don't smell bad! I bathe mine every two weeks however. But they DO have a slight wet puppy smell after a bath.

Hope this helps!! -Ashley
Nov 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Conflicting info
by: Anonymous

We have a 2 year old supposedly purebred Coton we rescued as a puppy. I think a lot of conflicting information comes about because when you rescue a dog you have no idea about ancestry.

Cooper is a great dog, and we love him to death. However, much that I have read about Cotons does not apply to him. He is not a good apartment dog. He is a barker and when he feels like barking he does. We live in a condo and people have complained about his shrill barking more than once. We have tried everything short of a shock collar to discourage this. I'm sure he thinks his name is "quiet!" rather than Cooper.

He needs lots and lots of exercise. A fast paced one hour walk will leave him panting for about ten minutes and then he is ready to go again. He does not like children (who,naturally,love him) and will bark ferociously at them. He seems frightened of all black dogs for some reason we cannot understand. He has to be where ever I am and if I go out for even an hour or two, he will lay in front of the door until I return.

He is quite prone to skin allergies and we must feed him a very expensive dog food and giver him Omega 3 caps to keep him from constant scratching. His coat was a nightmare for the first two years but has seemed to thin some as he gets older and is much easier to take care of.

Even though he was well socialized as a puppy, he does not take to new people. He torments our cats constantly and sometimes fiercely. He licks non-stop, everything from my arms, neck and legs to his own body.

With all this said, one look in those big brown eyes and your heart melts. When he is good he is funny, smart (sometimes too smart) loving and a delight to be around. He loves to do tricks and show off. I can't imagine my life without him.
Oct 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my coton
by: Anonymous

Just from having my coton, My coton is 14 weeks old and I have no problem brushing his hair. his hair is getting longer now, but I find if I brush it everyday at least once, I have no problems. he does not get matted, he loves to have his hair brushed.

Potty training is now a different story. He knows to take a poo outside and will sit and bark at the door when he needs one. But a wee he will go and sit by the door and if you do not see him he will wee in the house, but I do keep paper on the kitchen floor in case of mistakes.

I don't know too much about the color of a Coton but I would think the color of the dog would not make his personality. Just because it is black does not mean it will be cheaper. They are a rare breed therefore are expencive dogs. But My coton is the best thing I could do for our home he is loving and kind. the perfect addition to our home. Hope this helps a little

Oct 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Conflicting Coton Info
by: Gale

Emma, I agree with you about all the conflicting information available about this breed. Some of it is pure misinformation. For instance, there are several websites that report that the Coton only needs to be bathed once a year. Well, anyone with a Coton will tell you that's ridiculous.

But some of the conflicting info is just due to the fact that even within the same breed, there are different dog traits, personalities, and experiences. Having said that, let's see if I can answer some of your questions - , and I hope other Coton owners will chime in as well .

Housetraining - In my experience, my Coton was extremely easy to train, especially compared to other small dogs I've had. Like any dog, you have to put in the time in the beginning to make sure you've got a well-trained dog. Cotons are smart, and with proper training, this shouldn't be an issue.

Grooming - Because Luc has allergies and has periods where he scratches a lot, I have to keep in a puppy cut so he doesn't get matted. This is extremely low maintenance. Keeping the hair in the standard long hair doesn't have to be a struggle, but it does require regular brushing. My dog actually loves to be brushed, and it's a great way to bond with your dog. The grooming costs can be a factor if you go to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.

Black Cotons - The unacceptable status you hear about comes from the show ring. Even that is not all across the board. The CTCA welcomes all three color varieties of the breeds, but apparently, the French do not accept any black markings. Of course, if you don't show your dog, it's not an issue.

Wet dog smell - I've read that the Coton is not a "smelly" dog, and I can definitely attest to that.

Good luck with your Coton search. Because there's a lot of conflicting info, make sure to ask your breeder lots of questions. Here are some sample breeder questions that may help.

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