Coton de tulear: description, advantages and disadvantages, nuances of care

Coton de Tulear is a small breed. These dogs are not very common in our country, it is rather difficult to find breeders.

The breed was bred in Madagascar, and it is still the real pride of local breeders.

The dog is incredibly pretty, evokes aesthetically pleasing feelings, miniature, with a cheerful, perky disposition. She is loved not only for her external beauty, but also for her sociable character, ingenuity and loyalty.

The Coton de Tulear breed is also called the Madagascar Bichon, which is associated with the snow-white cotton of those regions. The breed is quite ancient, but there is no exact information about the origin, the first mentions date back to the end of the 16th century.

Once upon a time, keeping such a dog was tantamount to a demonstration of success, security, and keeping a Bichon for ordinary people was officially prohibited. At the end of the 19th century, the selection process began with maltese, bolognese, as a result of which a very cute animal was obtained. The official registration of the breed was recorded in 1971, but the appearance standard was once again changed.

This miniature breed has several varieties. As for the standard parameters, they are represented by the following numbers:

• the growth of males varies from 25 to 30 cm, females - from 20 to 26 cm;
• body weight of males - from 4.5 to 6 kg, of females - from 3.5 to 5 kg.

Characteristics of the appearance of the Coton de Tulear breed:

• strong constitution;
• the muscles are well developed;
• the physique is harmonious, proportional, the type is slightly elongated;
• the head is of medium size, has a triangular shape;
• the muzzle is slightly shortened, the transition from nose to forehead is not pronounced;
• the eyes are large, round, set wide apart, dark;
• ears are small, set high, hanging;
• the body is squat, similar to dachshunds;
• the neck is not too wide, the muscles are strong, the back is elongated;
• the stomach does not hang;
• limbs are shortened, powerful, parallel spaced, straight type;
• paws are small, round;
• the tail resembles a saber in shape, at the base it is thicker than at the end, the length is up to 17 cm.

The main feature of the Madagascar Bichon is wool. By type, it is very thick, fluffy, very smooth to the touch, soft. It can be compared to cotton, thanks to its airiness, light medium-sized waviness.

This spectacular snow-white coat is similar to fur and makes a stunning impression. As for the suit, only one variation is permissible by the standard: a boiled white color.

Any shades, tints in the main color are not allowed, except for small blotches in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe ears, they can be smoky or blue. Short hair is discarded.

Like any other breed, the Madagascar Bichon has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages noted by dog ​​handlers are as follows:

• kindness and friendly attitude towards people and animals;
• good immunity, health is stronger than most small breeds;
• perfectly trainable, easy to train;
• are active and energetic, love outdoor games, but at the same time they do not need a long walk;
• moderate shedding;
• lack of unpleasant odors.

There are also some disadvantages, they should be considered before purchasing. Typically, it is difficult to care for a showy coton coat.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

• snow-white dogs get dirty and dusty very easily;
• since the wool is elongated, it turns into tangles, gets tangled;
• everything instantly sticks to the wool;
• constant and rather careful care is required to make the pet look beautiful, if it is not provided, an untidy appearance is guaranteed;
• unkempt coat leads to a number of serious infectious diseases;
• the barking of cottons is too shrill;
• if the dog is not brought up, it is completely uncontrollable, socialization not carried out in time will lead to aggressiveness.

Tulears are human companions by nature, they make excellent friends.

Cotons love to bark, this is how they talk to the world, you will have to come to terms with this, especially if you are starting an active game. Due to its qualities, such a dog will perfectly fit into a family where there are children, they are excellent animators, happy to play with the child.

If he feels tired, does not get angry, does not start growling, he will simply run away and hide.

Since the breed is quite fragile, do not allow the child to play uncontrollably with the puppy. Tulear gets along well with other animals, cats.

He is quite smart and quick-witted, very hard-working. Therefore, he can train tirelessly, he will be happy to learn new places.

As for outsiders, the cat will not show aggression, but he will be on his guard, he is not too trusting.

This breed is very polite, not annoying. Requires socialization and education from an early age.

Dog food should be balanced, this is the key to good health and well-being.

It is very important to organize feeding properly, which will be nutritious and beneficial.

They already have all the necessary substances, as well as a complex of vitamins and minerals. Cotons are usually not obese, but portion control is still necessary.

If you decide to feed your dog natural foods, you should make a diet with the following foods:

• lean meats (beef, veal, rabbit, turkey, chicken), pitted, veined;
• cereals: buckwheat, oats and others;
• sea ​​fish, peeled;
• eggs weekly;
• vegetable fat;
• low-fat sour milk, cottage cheese, cheese;
• vegetables and fruits according to the seasons;
• greens;
• offal;
• vitamin and mineral complex, bone meal.

Under a categorical ban:

• food from your table;
• salty and peppery, seasoned with spices;
• sweet, flour, baked goods;
• bones of the tubular type and all chicken;
• plum, grapes, legumes, potatoes;
• pasta;
• pearl barley;
• river type fish.

It is easier and more convenient to organize meals with ready-made feed, so you will be sure that the proportions of nutrients are kept in the right amount.

Moreover, they do not require cooking.

The daily portion is divided into equal portions.

It has already been mentioned that caring for the wool of a coton is a painstaking, thorough business, and requires regularity. A snow-white fur coat is a dog's pride, and it should be in perfect order.

Hygiene procedures are mandatory.

• Dogs of this breed need to be combed daily, and twice a year (during the molting period) use a slicker for this purpose. The combing process must be carried out as carefully as possible.
• Preventive treatment for parasites, both external and internal, is regularly carried out.
• The dog can be trimmed if you do not plan to participate in the exhibition forums. In this case, the length remains natural without model type haircuts.
• It is enough to collect the strands in the forehead in the tail, cut them off so that they do not get into the eyes and do not get too dirty.
• You should buy clothes for your dog for the winter and off-season. She will save her from the cold and dirt when walking.
• Water procedures are carried out as needed, only special bathing products are used. The water should be warm.
• Dogs of this breed love water, willingly bathe and swim, after swimming, rinse the dog under the tap.
• After water procedures, you must apply special balms.
• When mats are formed, they should be treated with balsam and disassembled by hand.
• Clean your ears periodically using sticks and discs, this should be done very carefully. Ears are examined daily for inflammation and redness.
• The eyes are wiped twice a week, for this a cotton pad is moistened with a special agent from the veterinary pharmacy.
• The teeth are cleaned with a brush and a special paste; you also need to buy bones with fluoride for the dog.
• Claws are trimmed as needed with a nail clipper; in no case can you use ordinary scissors. In addition, puppies are taught to this procedure from the first days of life.
• According to the schedule, it is necessary to vaccinate in a timely manner, twice a year you need to show the animal to a veterinarian.
• You need to walk with the dog twice a day, you don't need to walk too long, but she needs to play and run freely.

Caring for a dog is not only about maintaining a beautiful appearance, but also about its health.

Coton's wool is considered minimally annoying in this regard, especially if properly cared for.

The dog's health is quite good, but the following problems may occur:

• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergy;
• problems with the liver, eyes, musculoskeletal system;
• urolithiasis disease.

To prevent diseases or catch them at an early stage, it is imperative to monitor the condition of the pet and see the doctor on time, take good care of him.

Life expectancy of dogs is up to 16 years.

As soon as the puppy reaches two months of age, they begin to educate him.

You need to teach your kid:

• respond to the name;
• know your home;
• wear a collar and walk on a leash;
• not to be afraid of loud sounds, strangers, animals, places where there are a lot of people, noisy, highways.

After the puppy adapts to all of the above points, you can start training, the simplest commands.

Gradually, as you learn, you should move on to more complex tricks.

By one year, the dog is quite capable of learning the commands: "Place", "lie", "sit", "fu".

Learning requires consistency, patience, strict but calm attitude.

Cotons are very smart they are able to perceive well the reward system, affection.

Dogs perfectly feel the mood of the owner, so it is better not to start training with a bad mood.

Expressing dissatisfaction, humiliation is bad for the dog. If she doesn't understand something, you just need to explain it again. Already at 4 months, the baby can be sent to a general training course. Dogs willingly participate in various competitions, although the number of such events is limited due to the small size of the dog.

Be careful with the purchase of squeakers - the dog will constantly bark at them.

More details about this dog breed can be found in the video.