The Royal Dog of Madagascar: The Coton de Tulear
What makes the Coton de Tulear utterly adorable are its fine and cottony coat, little body and constantly cheerful mode. This breed has been introduced to the dog-loving community only recently but its popularity has exceeded that of other breeds. This bichon-type of dog, which is also called the royal dog of Madagascar, is without a doubt a pet to watch out for.
The Coton de Tulear has only been discovered recently in Madagascar by a physician visiting the island. He was captivated by the charm of this breed and it didn’t take long before the breed traveled across oceans towards North America and Europe. For decades, this breed lived in seclusion among the upper-class residents of the island.
This fluffy breed, like its Bichon contemporaries, is every bit lovable and stately in disposition and form, and French in expressive facial emotions. Most Cotons are found in colors of white and black, pure white, and tri-color which is a combination of white, black and brown. True to its name, its body is wrapped with a fluffy and soft-as-a-cotton coat all over its body.
In order to maintain the beauty and radiance of this dog’s non-shedding hair, regular grooming and cleaning is needed. Constant brushing and combing should be done daily in order to remove unwanted dead hairs. Excess hair growth should also be clipped and trimmed on its inner ears and foot pads and once or twice a year, the Coton should be bathed.
Having a Coton for a pet is certainly a great joy because this breed loves to entertain and please its master and other people. Often, it performs tricks which are self learned including standing, walking and jumping with its two feet. It is also a very amiable dog as it gets along quickly with other dogs and animals especially children.
This breed is gentle, loving and always on a chirpy mode and rarely grumps and whines. It is much attached and devoted to its master therefore it tends to experience separation anxiety when the master constantly needs to be away. Albeit its small size, the Coton is quick-witted, highly trainable and independent.
It is also alert and in fact is good as a watchdog. This dog has an innate stubbornness thus sometimes it won’t listen to commands much. Moreover, this breed is also very vocal as it tends to give out a grunting sound whenever it is displeased or a cheerful noise whenever it is having fun.
The Coton’s ancestors reached Madagascar because of pirates who stole them from ships. Madagascar has a great history of pirates, treasures and the Coton de Tulear as well. For how many decades, this breed was the favorite companion of the Merina tribe and in fact, it is hailed as Madagascar’s National Dog.