Brief Description the Coton de Tulear Dog

The coton de tulear is very little known in Britain but is related to the French Bichons and Italian Bolognese, possibly having arrived in the Mascarene Islands with French troops and been raised in Reunion. Until reintroduced to Europe and America some 20 years ago it seems hardly to have been known at all, although for centuries it was kept by wealthy families in Tulear, southern Madagascar.

Like the Bolognese, the breed has a single coat and is usually white, but a little lemon or grey color on the ears is acceptable. In texture the coat is like cotton, long, fine, slightly wavy and needing regular, careful attention. Lively, boisterous and intelligent the Coton is loyal and friendly, standing between 25—32 cm (10-12 in) and weighing 5.5-7 kg (12-15 lb).