About Us

CotonDeTulearPups.com

Meet the Saunders Family & Coton Pickin' Cotons

About Us

We are a family. Our household is action packed. We have three children, lots of visitors, parties, and get-togethers. mix. We strickly adhere to the high standards of the Code of Ethics for Breeders. We are part of the American Coton Club. The dogs sleep on our bed. They have the puppies in a special box right there in our bedroom. When the puppies get to be more active, they are moved to the kitchen and are given the run of the house. By then they should be “puppy pad” trained. Our dogs have been a happy additions to our home from the start. They are friendly and adorable. They always want to please, and they have cheerful dispositions. It’s no wonder they call the Coton De Tulear the “anti-depression” dog. They look like a stuffed animals with whispy cotton-like hair (thus the name “Coton” --in French) Cotons a playful gait, animated dark eyes and nose, and when They're not looking up at you for love, They're laying down by you. These dogs are the kids' favorite playmates, and they even get along with the neighbor's cat. They are constant friends, always ready for a cuddle.

My Coton Story
By Juliette Saunders

   It all started when I had a miscarriage and our whole family was devistated. In my emotion, I started searching online for the perfect puppy to love. As a catharsis, I spent days and days researching! I wanted a dog that would have the attributes that would best suit our home. This was no easy task!

   I wanted a cute, friendly (but not hyper) dog that would be my companion, the right size to play with my girls, ages 5 and 7. I wanted one that was small enough for them to pick up, but big enough to be handled without fragility. I also wanted a dog that would never bite, turn in anger on my children, or any visiting children. This, in addition to not shedding, or having dander (so that visitors who may be allergic would not be hindered.) I was also interested in a dog was not bred to dig, or capture small animals, nor require extra effort to exercise. I wanted an indoor dog that would become part of our family, would bark when strangers approached, but not too much. I also researched canine health, and found that there are many breeds that have regular health problems, I wanted to avoid costly vet care, and have a dog that would enjoy a long, healthy life. I also wanted a dog that didn't have that yucky "teary eye" or smashed in look, and didn't slobber, or require excessive grooming.   What a list! Could there possibly be a breed that met all these standards?

   Then I found the Coton De Tulear. When I saw the photos of the breed, I was captivated, especially when I found out they are called the "anti-depression" dog, because of their cheerful personalities.   Then, I found out they were rare! I couldn't just go down to the local pet store and get one of these puppies. There were no puppies available anywhere locally, and they were expensive!   Just when I thought I was going to give up, my husband surprised me by having the puppy I wanted flown down from northern California!   He said it was a small cost considering my list of demands, and as an "anti-depression" dog, she would be a constant loving companion that will be part of our family for the next sixteen years.

Coton Breed's Attributes
Breed: Coton De Tulear
Description: Height: 9.5-13 in Weight: Adults weigh between 8-13 lbs
Temperament: lively, loyal and attached to home and master; hardy, calm, smart, friendly. It is a cheerful, agreeable dog that gets along with others, and is friendly with children and strangers. It is playful and sometimes clownish.
Origin: Madagascar during the 1600's. This rare breed was developed to be a companion animal.
Coat: The coat of the Coton de Tulear is long and cottony. This coat has been described as "wind-tossed". Their coat actually feels like cotton in texture. This long coat needs to be brushed frequently, preferably twice a week. The coat does not shed, and does not contain dander.
Colors: white, tricolor, black/white. The Coton has long, drop ears that are covered in long hair. Training: minimal obedience, socialization.
They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. This little dog only requires minimal daily exercise which makes this breed ideal for the elderly and families that can't take walks daily. They are a great dog for singles, those who live in the city, and those in an apartment or home without a yard. Adapts to either city or country living. They should always live and sleep indoors. Good with children. This breed can live to be 16+ years with no known health problems. The Coton de Tulear is good with pets and other dogs.

A Brief History of the Breed
The Coton De Tulear, from the French speaking region of the country of the island off the coast of Africa, Madagascar, and is called the "Royal Dog of Madagascar." It is a member of the bichon family and has always been a companion. It's ancestors are believed to have been from the port of Tulear, and embraced by the Malagasy upper class. Although it is the official dog of Madagascar, the healthiest population is now in the US. and was brought to the US in the mid 1960's. The breed has very strict standards so as to keep the bloodlines healthy. The puppies are so popular that many times they are sold before they're even born! The dogs are extremely happy and healthy, and live to about 16 years old. There are no common ailments with the breed.