Wagglebase
Sign inRequest early access

Toy · Madagascar

Coton de Tulear

A walker's guide to the Coton de Tulear: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 4 to 6 kgActiveCotton coatLow sheddingCompanionGrooming heavy
Exercise a day45 min
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleBouncy, sociable, close
With other dogsFriendly and playful

Overview

The Coton de Tulear takes its name from the port of Tulear and from its soft, cotton-textured coat. It was the pet of Madagascar's elite for centuries and has become a popular companion breed in Europe. It is a happy, bright little dog that likes to be involved and tends to bounce on its back legs when excited.

They are not fragile despite the size and most enjoy a decent walk. The real issue for a walker is the coat: it is long, fine and white, and a wet woodland path will undo a groom in minutes. Owners who show their dogs will care about this a great deal.

Exercise and walking needs

Forty-five minutes a day in two walks is plenty for most adults, mixed with some play. Cotons are agile and enjoy a game, and many do well at agility or trick training.

They cope reasonably with weather for a toy breed but the coat soaks up rain. On wet days a shorter walk and a towel is the kinder plan.

Daily minimum45 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeEnclosed or quiet areas

On the walk

  • Coat: Mud, burrs and wet grass stick to it. Choose drier paths when you can and ask the owner how fussy they are about the groom.
  • Other dogs: Playful and sociable, usually fine in a small group of similar-sized dogs. Protect it from heavy-footed greetings.
  • Recall: Fairly good, as the dog likes to stay near people, but a cheerful Coton can get distracted by a new friend. Use a lead near roads.
  • Barking: Alert and will announce arrivals and passers-by. Most settle once they are moving.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Carry a towel and a slicker brush; a quick going-over at the door earns goodwill.
  2. Use a soft harness rather than a collar to protect the neck and avoid matting the coat under the chin.
  3. Check between the toes and under the ears for grass seeds in summer; the long hair hides them.
  4. Keep the dog with gentle, well-mannered company on group walks.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How much does the coat matter this week, and are there paths or puddles to avoid?
  • Any knee problems, since small breeds often have them, and are there limits on jumping?
  • Does the dog cope with being left, and is there a routine for collection?
Bichon FriseA cheerfulMalteseAn ancient white companion dogHavaneseCuba's smallBologneseA small