Coton de Tuléar – The white cuddly dog with history and character.
When it comes to dog breeds that impress not only with their looks but also with their charming personality, the Coton de Tuléar is right at the top of the list. With its fluffy, silky white coat, reminiscent of the seed hairs of burst cotton bolls, this little dog not only has an eye-catching appearance, but also a fascinating history.
The roots of the Coton de Tuléar go back to the 17th century, when it served as a rat hunter on seagoing vessels in the waters around Madagascar. Later, these sea dogs mixed with the island’s native quadrupeds and laid the foundations for the breed we know today. According to some sources, it was the French who brought these dogs to Madagascar, particularly to the town of Tulear in the southwest of the island.
The love for the Coton de Tuléarextended to the French aristocracy, who valued the small cuddly dog as a status symbol. However, the common people were denied access to this breed. It was not until 1970 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially recognized the breed and awarded it the standard number 283. Since then, the Coton de Tuléar has not only been the exclusive companion of the aristocracy, but has also found its place as a social and companion dog.
In terms of temperament, the Coton de Tuléar is not a pure lap dog, even if it loves to be close to its owner. His presence is more important to him than his lap, and he shows a feline affection. Loneliness is not his strong point and he thrives when he is with his family.
The Coton de Tuléaris not only suitable for experienced dog owners, but also for beginners, as he is very open to new things. Its inquisitiveness, curiosity and lively nature make it an ideal companion for different lifestyles, whether in the countryside or in the city.
Grooming this dog requires regular brushing to keep the white coat, which tangles easily, in optimum condition. A bath with a mild dog shampoo keeps the coat soft and fluffy. Despite its long coat, the Coton de Tuléar is equipped for all seasons except extreme heat.
Overall, the Coton de Tuléar is the perfect mix of show and action, cuddles and leadership. Its compatibility with conspecifics and other animals makes it a valued companion in various life situations. Anyone who chooses this breed is not just getting a dog, but a loyal companion who will bring love and joy to any home.
Coton de Tuléar Price
The price of a Coton de Tuléarcan vary greatly and depends on various factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s pedigree, its ancestry, health checks and geographical location. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for a Coton de Tuléar from a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders often invest time and resources to ensure the health and well-being of their breeding dogs and puppies. They may perform health checks for common breed-specific problems, offer vaccinations and provide a health guarantee. In addition, responsible breeders place great emphasis on good socialization and early training of puppies.
Caution should be exercised with extremely low prices, as they may indicate unethical breeding practices or neglect of necessary health measures. With puppy mills and backyard breeders, profit can be more important than the welfare of the animals, which can lead to long-term health and behavioral problems.
The Coton de Tuléar is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, it is prone to certain health problems. Below are some common health problems of the Coton de Tuléar:
Luxation of the kneecap:
This is a dislocation of the kneecap that causes difficulty walking and inflammation and is common in smaller breeds like the Coton de Tuléar.
Hip joint dysplasia:
A condition in which the femur does not fit properly into the hip joint, resulting in pain and lameness of the hind legs.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA):
Genetic eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Allergies and ear problems:
Coton de Tuléar are prone to allergies, which lead to itching and ear problems due to the heavy hairiness of the ear canal.
Degenerative myelopathy:
This is a disease of the spinal cord that can lead to weakness of the hind legs and, in severe cases, paralysis.
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