Coton de Tulear: Breed Highlights

• The Coton de Tulear originated on the island of Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.
• The Coton loves being with people and dislikes being separated from them.
• The Coton is smart and takes well to training. He's an enthusiastic participant in agility and obedience competitions.
• The Coton is a hardy dog, but he's a companion breed who should live indoors. He's particularly well-suited to apartment living.
• Cotons enjoy playing and going for walks, but they adjust their activity to their people's level.
• Cotons require brushing several times a week to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Bathe them as needed, weekly or monthly.
• Coton puppies need extra grooming while their adult coats are coming in, usually between seven and 15 months of age.
• Never buy a Coton from a puppy mill, a pet store, or a breeder who doesn't provide health clearances or guarantees. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, who breeds for sound temperaments, and who has signed the breed club's code of ethics.

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