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.

It was a visiting doctor who discovered the existence of this cuddly little dog in the island of Madagascar. Before long, the breed was traveling towards United States and Europe. During the many decades of seclusion in the island, the Coton lived among the rich people of the society.

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.

The Coton is one breed that commands regular grooming and cleaning in order to maintain the health and beauty of its low-shedding hair. The hair should be constantly brushed and combed in order to remove the dead ones and the excess growth on the inner ears and foot pads should be trimmed. 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 little breed is also good-hearted, affectionate and cheerful. It is devoted and attached to the master and thus it quickly catches separation anxiety whenever the master has to be away. Despite the size, however, the Coton is intelligent, very easy to train and has a mind of its own.

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 ancestors of the Coton de Tulear have been brought by pirates to Madagascar, an island which long ago was a favorite haven of these people. Pirates and sea bandits usually come to this island to hide or stock their stolen goods from the ships they hijacked. For centuries, the Coton lived in the island with the Merina tribe and the islanders consider it as a national dog.