✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Coton de Tulear
Non-Sporting breed from Madagascar
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small companion dog known for its soft, cotton-like white coat and cheerful temperament. Originating from Madagascar, this breed is described as happy, playful, affectionate, alert, friendly, intelligent, and adaptable. It belongs to the Non-Sporting group and its recognition status varies by registry. The Coton de Tulear is generally well-suited for apartment living and is considered compatible with children and other dogs, though individual behavior can vary. Its energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), and it is relatively trainable (4 out of 5). Grooming needs are high (4 out of 5), but shedding is low (1 out of 5). Adult weight and height are estimated to range from 4 to 7 kg and 25 to 28 cm for both sexes.
Quick facts
Coton de Tulear at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupNon-Sporting
OriginMadagascar
LifespanPending
Male weight4–7 kilogram
Female weight4–7 kilogram
Male height25–28 centimetre
Female height25–28 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Coton de Tulear originated in Madagascar, where it is said to have been a royal dog and companion to nobles. The breed's history, as recorded by The Dog API, notes that it developed from small white dogs brought by traders. The name 'Coton de Tulear' refers to the city of Tuléar in Madagascar. The breed is recognized by the FCI and AKC as a beloved adaptable companion, though specific dates and details of its early development are not provided in the available facts. The breed's exact timeline and the circumstances of its arrival in Madagascar remain uncertain, as the supplied information does not include precise historical events or dates.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
4–7 kilogramAdult weight25–28 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLongCoat colorsWhiteRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Happyplayfulaffectionatealertfriendlyintelligentadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Coton de Tulear-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Coton de Tulear puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight4–7 kilogramAdult female weight4–7 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Coton de Tulear?
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed. Estimated adult height ranges from 25 to 28 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight ranges from 4 to 7 kg for both sexes. Lifespan information is not provided in the available facts.
What is the temperament of a Coton de Tulear?
The breed is described as happy, playful, affectionate, alert, friendly, intelligent, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Coton de Tulear will exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Coton de Tulear need?
The breed has a moderate energy level, rated 3 out of 5. This suggests regular daily exercise is beneficial, but specific exercise requirements are not detailed in the facts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Coton de Tulear?
Grooming needs are high, rated 4 out of 5, due to its long, white coat. Shedding is low, rated 1 out of 5. Regular brushing and maintenance are likely necessary, but specific grooming routines are not provided.
Is a Coton de Tulear suitable for apartment living?
Yes, the breed is rated 4 out of 5 for apartment suitability, indicating it can adapt well to apartment life given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.
Is a Coton de Tulear good with children and other dogs?
The breed is rated 4 out of 5 for both child suitability and dog compatibility, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament and socialization play important roles.
Where does the Coton de Tulear originate from?
The breed originates from Madagascar. It is named after the city of Tuléar and was historically kept as a royal dog and companion to nobles, developed from small white dogs brought by traders.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.