Coton de Tulear
A cheerful, affectionate companion with a cotton-like coat and lively spirit. Loves bonding with families and thrives on human attention and playful interaction.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–28 cm (male)
22–25 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4–6 kg (male)
3.5–5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
14–16 years
Coton de Tulear: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Coton de Tulear isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Coton de Tulear's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Coton de Tulear is affectionate, sociable, and known for its cheerful disposition, often forming strong bonds with family members and adapting well to various living environments.
Key Personality Traits
Very affectionate and enjoys companionship with people
Learns commands quickly and easily understands routines
Moderate activity needs; enjoys short daily walks
Loves interactive games and playful activities
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Generally good with children
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Eager to please and trainable
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires regular coat grooming and maintenance
- Can be reserved with strangers
- May bark frequently if not trained
- Sensitive to harsh corrections
Protect your Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear can develop patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Coton de Tulears are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and attentive, making it responsive to positive reinforcement training and quick to learn new commands, though consistency and patience are beneficial for best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Coton de Tulear has moderate energy levels, enjoying daily walks and interactive play, and benefits from mental stimulation through games or training sessions to prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Coton de Tulears are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Coton de Tulear would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing temperament and trainability make them manageable for first-time owners.
Apartment Living
Small size and quiet nature suit apartment environments well.
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy play but may not match very high activity levels.
Kids
Gentle and tolerant with children when properly socialized.
Multiple Pets
Usually gets along with other pets if introduced appropriately.
Being Left Alone
Does not tolerate being left alone for extended periods.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Coton de Tulears compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coton de Tulear
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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