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Coton De Tulear Dog Breed Facts
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Photo courtesy of Lynn Baron
Renaissance Coton de Tulear.
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Breed: Coton De Tulear
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Also Called:
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Height: The Coton De Tulear is about 10-12 inches tall.
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Weight: The Coton De Tulear weighs between 12-15 lbs.
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Colors: The Coton De Tulear can be white, but a slight lemon or gray color on the ears are acceptable.
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Physical Appearance: The Coton De Tulear is a small dog, with a long, cotton-like coat and round, dark, intelligent, expressive eyes.
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Temperament/Personality: The Coton De Tulear aims to please his master. He is very devoted and loyal.
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Care: The Coton De Tulear requires very little care, but needs occasional grooming.
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Health Concerns/Problems: It is rare for the Coton De Tulear to be affected by genetic diseases but it does occasionally have problems in these areas: heart problems, liver shunts, back (disc) problems, and eye problems.
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Training: The Coton De Tulear is intelligent and easily trained.
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Activity: The Coton De Tulear enjoys a daily walk.
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Life Span: The Coton De Tulear lives an average life of 16-18 years.
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Litter Size: The Coton De Tulear has an average litter of 5 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Coton De Tulear originated in Madagascar.
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Brief History: The Coton de Tulear originates from the island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The breed derives its name from the French word coton, meaning ""cotton,"" and from the Madagascan port of Tulear. Tulear was once a popular port of merchant ships sailing the Indian Ocean, and it is believed that around the 15th or 16th century, European merchants introduced various Bichon-type companion dogs to Madagascar. It is probable that the breed evolved from the interbreeding of those Bichon strains. It is presumed that because of their beauty and affectionate personality, these dogs were offered to the King and Malagasy nobles. In the 17th century, the Coton de Tulear was adopted by the ruling ""Merina"" tribal monarchy, and it was forbidden that anyone other than royalty own the breed. Thus became the breed's prevalent title of "Royal Dog of Madagascar".
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