Coton de Tulear
Top-Winning Coton de Tulear
2006 * 2005&2004 * 2002 * 2000 * 1997 1998
Coton de Tulear
Top-Winning Coton de Tulear
2006 * 2005&2004 * 2002 * 2000 * 1997 1998
The Coton de Tulear is a relative newcomer among pure-bred dogs. It comes from the island of Madagascar. It evolved from the crosses between local dogs and the small Bichon type dogs of the Mediterranean which were brought to the island by sailors. It derives its name not only from its "cottony" coat but also the port town of Tulear in Madagascar. The first Cotons were brought to France before the second World War, but the breed was not recognized by the FCI until 1971. The first Coton de Tulear was registered by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1989. Since then, Finnish breeders have imported stock mainly from France and Belgium. The breed has quickly gained popularity and annual registrations are now close to 500 dogs a year.
The Finnish Coton de Tulear breeders have also been able to establish an international reputation with home-bred dogs who have gained FCI World and other Winner titles and won breed specialties in Finland and elsewhere, including France. Extensive health checks on dogs used for breeding in this country have revealed two problems: PRA and patella luxation. As a consequence, the breed has joined the Finnish Kennel Club's program to combat hereditary diseases. Under this program, all breeding stock has to be tested for patellas and PRA. While the patella results will not affect breeding and registrations, no offspring by or out of PRA-affected stock will be registered.
The Coton de Tulear is, by nature, a lively and boisterous dog -- a little bit of a clown -- who is devoted to its family and excellent with children. It is small in size, the height at withers varying between 25 to 32 centimeters for males and 22 to 28 centimeters for females, and the weight ranging from 3.5 kilos to 6 kilos. Its coat is fine, slightly wavy and of a cotton texture. Its color is white although a few yellow and gray patches, notably in the ears, are tolerated. Because of the coat texture and color, the Coton requires regular coat care and grooming.
For more information on the Coton de Tulear in Finland, please visit the Coton de Tulear Club of Finland's home page
