How to Identify a Coton de Tulear

Cotons de Tuléar are known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar" and are members of the non-sporting group. [1] They have some characteristics that are similar to other breeds, along with several distinguishing ones. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is a Coton de Tuléar.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking a Look at the Body Structure

  1. Cotons de Tuléar are small dogs overall, with males typically being anywhere between 10–11 inches (25–28 cm) tall and weighing somewhere between 9–15 pounds (4.1–6.8 kg). Females are a little smaller and anywhere from 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm) tall and weighing somewhere between 8–13 pounds (3.6–5.9 kg). [2]
  2. When looked at from above, Cotons de Tuléar should have a triangular-shaped, short head. [3]
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  3. Cotons de Tuléar have triangular-shaped ears that are pendulous, set high on the dog's skull, and attached above the eye lines. The ears have tips that are fine, reach the lip corners, and be carried close to the dog's cheek. [4]
  4. Cotons de Tuléar have quite rounded eyes that are set wide apart from each other, with the inside and outside corners both on the same level. The eyes are either dark brown or black-colored. [5]
  5. Cotons de Tuléar have a tail that is set low in the spinal column axis, carried below the dog's hock with a raised tip when the dog is at rest, and happily carried when the dog is moving. The tail should curve over the dog's back, and the hair should rest on the dog's back with the point being towards their withers, nape, loin, or back. The tip may also be in the dog's dorsal-lumbar region if they have a lot of hair. [6]
  6. Overall, Cotons de Tuléar should have a sturdy, hardy appearance, with average easy and free movement when they are trotting. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. Cotons de Tuléar are white in color, and you may notice small amounts of light gray or light tan shadings on the dog's ears. Also, an adult Coton de Tuléar may have light tan-colored shadings on as much as 5% of their body, but they should not change the white coloring on the coat. [8]
  2. Cotons de Tuléar have soft coats that are of a cotton texture, with puppy coats feeling even softer. [9]
  3. Overall, Cotons de Tuléar should have a supple, profuse, dense coat that may have a very slight wave to it. [10]
  4. Unless they are being kept in a "puppy cut", a basic trim that results in the dog's coat being an even length, [11] Cotons de Tuléar require daily brushing, and their ears need to be checked a few times a week. Be sure to get the brush gently all the way to the skin to prevent matting from the hair next to the dog's skin. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. Cotons de Tuléar typically have a lot of love for their family, and like being around them. [13]
  2. Cotons de Tuléar are intelligent dogs who are quick to learn. [14]
  3. Although Cotons de Tuléar are intelligent and love being around their family, they may at times be stubborn, so this is something to keep in mind when training them. [15]
  4. Cotons de Tuléar are known to love clowning around to gain attention, and they have been known for sometimes even jumping up on their back legs and walking. [16]
  5. While they may bark a little when a doorbell first rings, other than that, they are not known to bark excessively. [17]
  6. Cotons de Tuléar are known to be sociable dogs who generally get along with other dogs, cats, and children with proper socialization (though older children are generally better for this breed due to their size, as younger children may accidentally play too rough with the dog). [18]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering what breed your dog is. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Coton de Tuléar.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
      2. ↑ https://portlandanimalclinic.com/what-is-a-puppy-cut/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/coton-de-tulear-temperament/

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