Cotons de Tuléar are a long haired, white breed: obviously regular and accurate grooming is a must -- not only to preserve the look of this lovely breed -- but also the comfort and health of your dog.

Unfortunately, Cotons’ hair tends to mat: a superficial brushing will get you nowhere and your dog will soon be impossible to comb, brush or groom at all.

Every day routine : if you get into the habit of brushing your Coton every day, this will become a short and pleasant session for both your dog and yourself. You must start this ritual as soon as your pup arrives home so that good habits are taken from the beginning.

Brushing will seem very easy and almost unnecessary until your Coton is about 6 months old… but as from that age, be extremely careful, baby’s hair will transform in a thick adult coat and mats can occur almost overnight!!

What you will need :

A metal pin brush: these brushes are constructed with extra cushion to ensure comfort and gentleness on the coat to minimize hair loss. It can easily be ordered in pet shops or via Internet. Ideally, you should try it on your own scalp: it should be gentle enough not to scratch your skin or excessively pull your own hair.

Try to avoid using slickers as these will cause damage to your dog’s hair.

Two combs: a flea comb and a coated steel teeth comb.

How to proceed: Most important, make yourself and your dog comfortable! Start a gentle brushing… when you find a mat, put your brush down and try to “open” the mat with your fingers and finish undoing the mat with your large comb… don’t pull on your dog’s hair! Work gently on the mat from the inside towards the outside, until the mat comes gradually apart. If you are looking for a splendid, luxurious coat, keep in mind that all the hair that is on the brush is not on your dog any longer… you should finish using the flea comb, so that you are sure to eliminate all the tiniest mats.

BATHING

Always start bathing your dog after a thorough brushing and when you are absolutely certain there are not mats left…

How often can you bathe your dog? As often as you wish really, so long as you are using a good quality shampoo that doesn’t excessively dry the coat. It is sometimes better to avoid “white dogs” shampoos (usually of blue colour) as these can be particularly harsh on the coat – they should only be used on special occasions (i.e. dog shows).

You shampoo should be diluted (read the instructions carefully). In any case, you should bathe your Coton at least once a month.

How to proceed :

Be organized, have sufficient towels ready, put a rubber mat in your bathtub and run the water at an appropriate temperature before you start. Wet your dog thoroughly, starting at the roots of the hair. Apply diluted shampoo. Do not rub in, this would only create new mats and destroy all your previous efforts !

Rinsing is very important ; no shampoo must be left on your dog’s hair as this could cause irritations and itching.

When finished rinsing, apply a balm to help detangle and nourish the hair. This can either be completely or only partially rinsed – depending on whether you are looking for volume or nourishing the coat.

When drying your Coton, be careful your dryer is not too hot or held too close to the skin. Once again, check for mats and tangles, especially behind the ears, on legs, between toes, etc.

Hair between toes should be carefully cut with rounded scissors; the feet must be in full contact with the ground. Check your dog’s nail length and clip if and when necessary, paying attention not to touch the vein inside nail. Check your dog’s ears – do not let hair inside the ears overgrow as this could cause infection: hair inside the ear canal can be easily pulled out with your fingers; it is not painful for the dog.

Check your dog’s teeth as well, these should be regularly brushed (you should get your dog used to this particular aspect of grooming very young… dogs rarely appreciate brushing of teeth unfortunately!).