Cotons 101

Toy group

The Coton de Tulear is related to similar small breeds also developed as companions, notably the Bichon Frise and Maltese. The Coton was refined in Madagascar, which was once a colony of France, hence its French name.

What we love about Cotons

If you have a lap, you've got a friend

While this playful breed is ideal for city living and older singles or couples, the diminutive Coton de Tulear may be a little too fragile for families with small children or large dogs.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

9 to 11 inches tall
Small breed size

Size: 9 to 11 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.

Lifespan

15 to 19 years

Lifespan: 15 to 19 years average

Weight

8 to 15 lbs

Weight: 8 to 15 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
9 to 11 inches
Lifespan
15 to 19 years
Weight
8 to 15 lbs

The Coton De Tulear stands 9 to 11 inches tall and weighs 8 to 15 lbs. Coton De Tulears have a lifespan of 15 to 19 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Coton De Tulears get?
Coton De Tulears stand 9 to 11 inches tall and typically weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.
How long do Coton De Tulears live?
The average lifespan of a Coton De Tulear is 15 to 19 years.
Are Coton De Tulears good for first-time dog owners?
Coton De Tulears are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Coton De Tulears bark a lot?
Coton De Tulears typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Coton De Tulear health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Coton

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Mid-life Coton De Tulears should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease and Intervertebral disc disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk

Senior Coton

10+ years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Senior Coton De Tulears face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk. Pancreatitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Pancreatitis
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Coton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Coton De Tulear puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk. Dental disease and Ear infection are at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Dental disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk

Young adult Coton

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

As Coton De Tulears grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Coton

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Mid-life Coton De Tulears should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease and Intervertebral disc disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk

Senior Coton

10+ years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Senior Coton De Tulears face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk. Pancreatitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Pancreatitis
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Coton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Coton conditions

Coton De Tulear puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk. Dental disease and Ear infection are at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Dental disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk

Young adult Coton

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Coton conditions

As Coton De Tulears grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk
Coton de Tulear standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Coton De Tulear's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Dental disease: High Risk, Ear infection: High Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: Moderate Risk, Luxated patella: Above Average Risk, Toxicity: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Inflammatory bowel disease: Moderate Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Moderate Risk, Luxated patella: Above Average Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Pancreatitis: High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Very High Risk
Coton de Tulear image

The original story of how these fluffy white dogs made it to Madagascar is a mystery, but one story goes that several dogs swam the Malagasy channel after their owners went down in a shipwreck.

Coton De Tulear coat care and colors

The Coton de Tulear has a coat that tangles easily without daily combing and brushing. For that reason, most of these small charmers are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two for warmth when needed.

Coton exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Smart and eager to please, Cotons love indoor play and games. They’re easily swooped into a carrier for outings, but let them use their legs – it’s better for them.

Trainability

Trainability

The big reason for bad manners in little dogs: We let them get away with everything. Don’t neglect training a Coton de Tulear and you’ll have a delightful companion.

Coton fun facts

Top girl names for Cotons

100%

of Cotons are female

0%

of Cotons are male

Top boy names for Cotons

Nationwide loves Coton De Tulears of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Coton De Tulear gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Coton De Tulears insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Coton De Tulear statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Cotons

Best. Coton De Tulear insurance. Ever.SM

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