Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Cotons come from?

The Coton de Tulear, which means "Cotton dog of the Malagasy Port City of Tulear" is a rare, ancient pure-breed that originated on Madagascar more than 3 centuries ago. Pronounced, "coe-Tawn day tool-ee-are" they are a member of the Bichon family. The breed is descended from the now-extinct Coton de Reunion, a breed brought to Mauritius by sailors, including pirates during the 16th Century. On Madagascar, nobles within the ruling Merina tribe took charge of the breed which became known as "The Royal Dog of Madagascar". The Malagasy value the Coton as a companion and a symbol of strength. Coton's tend to mold to a family's lifestyle and hence can be very athletic dogs or couch potatoes.

How big do Cotons get?

Most Cotons range in size from 9 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder (withers) and weigh anywhere from 9 pounds up to 18 pounds.

Are they trainable?

As a breeder I try to start them out on the right paw in the housebreaking department. It is up to the new owner on how diligent they will be in the process. Most puppies at 10 to 12 weeks old can hold it up to 3 hours. I recommend that at first they should be taken out every 2 to 3 hours, after they eat and after their nap. I also recommend crate training.

Do they shed?

For the most part they are non-shedding and are hypoallergenic. They don't shed like a German Shepard but they do lose some hair.

What is their Life Expectancy?

Most Cotons average life is 15 years.

What colors are they and do the colors hold true from when they are puppies?

Cotons come is a variety of colors from all white-to-white with some champagne markings to black and white and tri-colors that have some black hairs on them. The tri-colors also can be tan or dark brown color with white and some black hairs on them. There is also a honey bear color. Most Cotons lose their coloring at about a year old. You may still see some of the brown or black markings on them. My two girls Asha and Shayleigh who were jet-black and white have lightened to a charcoal gray.

What kind of food do they eat?

When you bring your new puppy home I recommend they eat three meals a day for the first couple of months. I suggest Innova or Nutro puppy food. I always send some along so you can either keep feeding them the same kind or you can gradually switch them to any other premium puppy food. After they lose their puppy teeth I also suggest giving them some raw baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc. My girls love raw vegetables.