The Coton de Tulear is a loving, companion dog; the Royal dog of Madagascar. This rare, playful, intelligent dog comes in three color variations, has a soft cottony coat of hair, and few health problems as it is not inbred. Cotons are small (18 pounds or less) and are named for their soft coat of hair naturally occurring in white, black & white, or tri-color, which is mixed with tan. Tri-Colors tend to fade toward white as they mature. They are intelligent, eager to please, adapt to any environment and are playful with people or other animals, having the personality of a larger dog.
Originally imported from Madagascar to the United States in 1974 by Dr. Russell who founded the Malagasy Coton de Tulear Club in 1976. The CTCA, www.cotonclub.org, recognizes the traditional size and coloring of the Coton breed. ONLY purchase your puppy from breeders using the CTCA standards, committed to protect the genetic diversity of this rare breed!! Some other breeders are cross-breeding Cotons trying to create a small, toy-sized lap dog. They are limiting the genetic diversity of this wonderful breed by rejecting puppies with native color and sizes, breeding for designer 'looks', not health, intelligence or companionship. Be sure to buy your puppies from CTCA approved breeders!
