What is the Coton de Tuléar like?

The Coton de Tuléar is an exceptionally lovable breed.  It is a small, delightful cotton ball with rund dark eyes, sparkling with intelligence and affection.  The Coton ist he perfect little companion, happy and dynamic, yet capable of being quiet and content at home.

Cotons quicky bond with all members of the family and adjust easily to many different life-styles.  They get along well with other animals, including cats and usually love children.  They do need lots of company and want to be involved in family life.

The Coton might appear exotic and fragile, but indeed it is not.  It is energetic, sporty, optimistic and does not tire easily.  Ideal for agility and hiking, this breed often loves water and swimming or sailing as well.

" Rare Breed "
in "RARE INSIGHT" – by Nancy Chumachenco

Those readers not familiar or just making acquaintance with the delightful Coton de Tuléar should be advised that this breed comes in several distinct varieties.

Take, for example, the "Cushion-Coton". This type of Coton is drawn irresistibly to cushions in general and to plush or velvet cushions in particular. In all its whiteness, the "CC" looks especially attractive draped around, below, above or among cushions of, say, forest green or sunset purple, presenting a scene well worth a photograph. The Cushion-Coton can be relied upon to rearrange all sofa cushions and pillows at regular intervals throughout the day, especially just before the guests arrive. Missing cushions can generally be located on the floor just out of reach under the sofa.

The "Black-Footed-Coton" is a strain of the breed well-known to many. This variety is to be found primarily in regions where rain, puddles and mud are regular occurrences. The "BFC" is oblivious to the ravages of dirt and grime upon its pristine coat as it charges happily through soggy fields and over muddy forest floors on daily outings, leaving a neatly "vacuumed" path in its wake and a tummy full of little twigs and mud. The black feet (hence the name) intensify in color as the outing progresses, yet can be returned to white again with the application of simple water, as in, for instance, a shower.

The "Alpine Coton", with which I, for one, am well-acquainted, is tireless. The "AC" will race up and down mountain trails with alacrity. Snow is no deterrence (unless it is the sticky kind, which can ball up). This is remarkable, considering that the Coton de Tuléar originated in Madagascar, and hence its coat is suited primarily to a hot climate. The "Alpine Coton" ("AC") will happily hike for hours at a time, horizontally or vertically, in any mountains of your choice.

We now come to the "Retriever Coton" ("RC"). The "RC" goes completely bananas if asked to chase something thrown from a human hand. Nothing, but nothing, can keep this particular type of Coton from zooming after the hurtling object with frenzied purpose (best is a rubber ball on a rope, which really travels far) and joyfully bringing it back to the thrower. In fact, the "thrower" soon enough begins to feel classified by the "RC" as just this and only this: a thrower of retrievable objects. "RC's" can be pretty demanding when it comes to games of "throw and fetch". In fact, they can drive you nuts!

Lastly I will mention briefly the "Cuddle Coton" ("Cu-Co", to distinguish it from the "CC", the "Cushion Coton"). The Cuddle Coton cuddles. Loves to cuddle! Needs to cuddle! Loves its tummy rubbed. Loves to be talked to. Loves its people. Loves and needs to be loved! Don't leave a "Cuddle Coton" alone too much. It will suffer.

So here, for the edification of new-comers to the Coton de Tuléar, are five distinct varieties of this breed. I hope that this will give you a little more insight and information and help you decide if this breed is for you. Regarding my own Cotons, however, I will have to say that I suspect an alarming degree of in-breeding somewhere in the lines. The fact is: each one of them displays ALL the characteristics of the five types described above!

Nancy Chumachenco
Coton de Tuléar von der ROSA ALBA
Salmsach, Switzerland

Cotons de Tuléar love people in general, love their family immensely and want to share their life… Your Coton will not be happy if left alone too long or if he cannot really share your activities – Cotons are demanding dogs who will want to live with you and near you.

You must be sure that you are ready to invest sufficient time, love and care if you want to share your life with a Coton de Tuléar and make your little companion happy.