Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulears are known for their friendly, stable natures and ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances. These little dogs can handle apartment living, wide-open spaces, desert heat, or winter snow—as long as their families are near.

In addition to being excellent lap dogs, Coton de Tulears are natural entertainers. They love learning new tricks (their signature move is walking on their hind legs) and delighting their humans. Their outgoing nature and love of attention make them excellent therapy dogs.

Though generally quiet, Coton de Tulears can become very vocal when having fun. They get along with most people and other pets. Because they'd rather be with people than alone, this breed is prone to separation anxiety.

When choosing the right diet for a Coton de Tulear, look for high-quality dog foods appropriate for their age and breed size. Like all dogs, Coton de Tulears are at risk for obesity if they overeat—and calories can add up quickly for such a little dog. Avoid overfeeding by measuring their meals and keeping treats to less than 10% of their daily calories.

The natural hair of a Coton de Tulear requires regular brushing to remove dirt and prevent it from becoming tangled and matted. Be sure to brush the hair starting at the skin. Failing to run the brush through the entire length of their hair could create painful mats close to the skin. A spray-on conditioner designed for dogs can prevent the hair from breaking and allow a comb to glide through more easily. Some Coton de Tulears get a "puppy clip" to keep their hair short and minimize their grooming requirements. Regular nail trims are also necessary.

Coton de Tulears will benefit from regular dental care. Start brushing their teeth at home when they're young and talk to a veterinarian about professional dental cleanings to ensure good oral hygiene throughout their lives.

Coton de Tulears are active dogs that require regular exercise. Due to their small size, short walks are better than long hikes. They have a playful nature, so add in games like fetch and provide plenty of toys to keep them engaged. These are dogs that want to interact with their people, so participating in playtime (instead of leaving them to entertain themselves) is preferred.

A high level of intelligence and desire to entertain make the Coton de Tulear a natural for learning new tricks. Keep training sessions upbeat and use positive reinforcement and rewards-based training to help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. Consider training activities that allow for bonding, such as competitive obedience or agility classes.