DO YOU GET THE ODD LOOK WHEN SOMEONE ASKS WHAT KIND OF DOG YOU HAVE?

by Sharon and Jasmine
(MIchigan)

When I am walking Jasmine someone will ask me what breed she is. When I rattle off "Coton De Tulear" they look at me like I just made that up. Anyone get the same reaction? I tell them the story of the breed and then they think that is so interesting and cool. I like having my special little sweetheart of a doggie. They are such sweet natured dogs I think everyone should have one.

Comments for DO YOU GET THE ODD LOOK WHEN SOMEONE ASKS WHAT KIND OF DOG YOU HAVE?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 05, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What kind of dog is that
by: Anonymous

I tell them he's a Q-tip. They laugh and then I tell them that Bert is a Coton. It's fuuny because even as I write this I have to fight spell check because it wants to add the extra t in there.

I always get the incredulas, "Why haven't I ever heard of this breed.

Makes me laugh every time.
Jan 05, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A What?
by: Laura Sweeting

There is literally NEVER a time when we take Koda out that we are not asked what kind of dog he is. People even ask to take pictures of him. We joke that he's our little rock star. Sometimes for fun I say he's a hybrid - a cross between a dachshund and a pygmy polar bear :) before telling his real breed.
Jan 05, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same quiz to a Coton in our lives!
by: Anonymous

That's just how we got our Coton! He has black on the ends of his ears, a bit of black on his tail and some very light beige on his body. Anyone else have color? We wanted color and named him Charlie (Brown) ! as a result!
Aug 23, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yes I do!
by: Akimnonymous

I took an online quiz as to which type of dog would be suited to me....Coton de Tulear with this adorable little picture.....I read everything I possibly could to get to know the breed and I was sold! It took me 2 months to find one and it was very far from where I lived. I decided to get two (they are litter mates and I too am thrilled!! I definitely was warned about the whole name thing....I say the whole name ...then say little white dog if they seem interested I give the history...My husband and I both love our pups....I am so glad I took that quiz😊
Sep 19, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Odd Looks? - YES!!
by: Crystal Garland

I'm glad I'm not the only one! Yes, I get that question all the time, especially at the groomers. They ask "is he a poodle?". I say "no, he's a coton de tulear" and they always say the same thing; "I've never heard of that type of dog, he must be one of those designer dogs." I get kinda of upset because Logan is not a designer dog. I just shrug it off now. Logan is the best dog in the world and I love him so much! He's totally bonded to me and whines when he can't be near me.
Sep 18, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Odd Look
by: Sharon and Jasmine

Well, sounds like we are all on the same page. I do love telling the pirate story. My vet didn't know what a coton was either. I've used designer dog also as Jasmine is half poodle but does not look like a poodle at all. My baby is getting spayed tomorrow morning and mama is quite nervous. She is 14 months old and went into heat. Then some of her hair fell out. So it is time. I am so happy all of you are so proud, happy and love your little dogs. She is the best dog I have ever had. And I am not a dog lover. But when i look into those big brown eyes it is like I know what she is thinking. I am so happy I got this little dog. She is so bloody cute I can't stand it.
Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
If you don't have a Coton
I feel sorry for you!
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mom to Smokey & Bandit
by: Suz

This is a great topic.

This line peaks my interest: " I tell them the story of the breed "
I'd love to hear everyone's spin on this.

My litter mate babies (age 3 😉) love the smell of my Ceylon Cinnamon from that region.

I say they are a Cotton first also and depending on the audience will go into the full French pronunciation.
If they are young I get into the exotic stories about the ancient breed and how they would be on the pirate ships in the 1400's
out of Madagascar.
If they are really interested I tell them to look up Barbara Streisand or Deborah Messings dog breed, Cotons.

Mine definitely want Xtra attention. It would have been very difficult to have this breed earlier in my life when I worked Full time.
I love giving them all that love and attention now while I have that time. It also makes me think my other dogs missed out a little bit
while we were in those busy years raising small children.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I say Coo tawn
by: Leslie

I get this all of the time too and I exaggerate and say he is Jaspaare Cootawn. Then I say that Coton is cotton in French I tell them to Goggle cotton dog. Then I call him either Jasper or Jaspaar When he is giving me kisses it is Jaspaar Coo tawn as Coton is his middle name. The shelter said he was a Maltipoo but when I took him to the Vet , she said he looked like a Coton De Tulear with no poodle in him. I asked her to write it down for me. I live in a large apartment building and we have another Coton in the building.
Jasper loves being everywhere with me. Nothing is sacred. When I go to the bathroom he has even licked my belly button
!! He sleeps right next to me in bed.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coton
by: Deborah

I agree with all previous comments but must add that I get really ticked off when people ask me, "are you SURE it's not a Maltese ?"
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What Breed of dog do you have
by: Chewie's Mom

We also are asked this question quite often. We say he is a "Coton" and then explain his full origin as well.
Our Chewie is a four year old delight. He also is very intelligent
Learning new words very quickly.
We agree that Cotons are a wonderful choice for a family pet.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A mouth full
by: Milo's Mom

I usually say Milo is a COTTON...pronouncing it the English away. Once I am told "I've never heard of that " I then give the whole name with correct pronunciation. Saying the English COTTON first seems to prime people to actually process the whole "Coton de Tulear" mouthful (always said very slowly). I have even printed out my breeder's information for people who are genuinely interested in this amazing little dog.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What kind of Dog do you have?
by: Anonymous

Ditto to all of the comments. I get that question all the time and the reaction is also "I've never heard of that breed." Where did you get her? So, I too explain the breeds origin and go on to tell them where I got her. I also take the opportunity to brag about how wonderful these little dogs are. They are so smart. Sometimes we think of our baby (4 years old now as a human because she is so smart and just gets it. I saw the breed at an obedience training class where my sister was training her dog. I was along as an observer. An owner from Canada was there with her young Coton, Bella, and I couldn't believe how that young dog responded to everything that was asked of her. Not to mention how entertaining she was and so adorable. We love our Chloe and we too can't imagine our live's without her.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		odd looks
by: sherry cotton candie

Oh yeah I always get the look and they ask again what is she??

Even our vet had not heard of them but went home and looked them up on her computer.....I said the same thing the first time I saw one.......I think they are the perfect dog but do not believe they are for everyone, they seem to need alot of x attention and when I was young and running to ball fields, working and constantly on the go I could not have dealt with them.

Now though I cannot imagine not having my babies.
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Odd looks
by: Cathy & Jasmine

OMG Yes!!!!!!! Even after I show them pictures of my little girl I still get that "deer in the headlights" look! Their next question is why did I get that breed??? I tell them I was looking for something unique and different. Let me tell you she is very different then other breeds of dogs, I have never seen a dog that is always happy and loves to kiss, snuggle and protect her mama. Enjoy your Jasmine!!!!!!
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Whats in a Name
by: Vicky & Jonah

When ppl ask & I tell them Coton de Tulear, I add they get the name since their coat is like Coton & they originate from Port of Tulear in Madagascar. Usually that settles confusion & if they ask anymore of course I gladly brag about the greatest dog ever.

When Bichons were new I'm sure the same happened. Most don't realize that in French it stands for Curly White Dog.

Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Odd look
by: Anonymous

I say google the name because when I do tell them Coton either I get a blank stare or a head shake like they know what I am talking about bit you can tell by their expression they have no clue. It's fun. My adorable boy is Ninw months but he's very micheveous. I spend ny time constantly telling him know and most times it's like he is deaf. I'm finding puppyhood very difficult. I read prior to my bringing a coton home that this breed is quiet. He is anything but quiet. His bark is deep and loud and he makes very weird noise as he plays. He's a tough boy but hoping thst will all chsnge
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yes!
by: Karen

Same here. I, too, usually just shorten to Coton. And I totally, agree, they are the best dogs ever!
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		French
by: Candilea

I get that reaction too, and it does get annoying after a while. I have learned that if I have my phone with me, I will pull up a photo of an all-white, long-haired Coton prancing around at a dog show. People then are usually like, "oh, I've seen them."

And then sometimes I just say, "The name is French." At first I thought it made me sound snooty, but now I say it with pride. Sometimes I even exaggerate my tone... and kind of poke fun, like, "My dog is totally chic and its a high-society thing, you wouldn't understand."

They are the cutest, sofest, sweetest dogs ever! And I like having a unique breed. :)
Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		lovely rescue
by: lynne

I get the same, I just say a Cotton now, if they are interested they ask more! When I have given the full breed name people have said wow whats one of them I and I say shes one of them!!! Shes very gorgeous, my Tula is a rescue and been with us since June shes about 2 and in season at the moment. She is also the first cotton our vet has on his books of over 3 thousand dogs.

Sep 16, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yes
by: Rose

Yes I get the same, all they say is they've never heard of it. You get quite fed up of repeating yourself lol yes I agree everyone should have one! They are the most amazing little dogs ever!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Coton FAQs.

Share your Coton de Tulear photos and Stories Here


Home | About Me | Contact Me | Privacy Policy |Disclosure

Copyright© 2008- All Rights Reserved