If I were considering in buying a Coton de Tulear... My major concerns would be:
- Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, the Coton de Tulear needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They become anxious, which they express by chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
- Providing enough socialization. Recently breeders have been reporting uncharacteristic aggression and/or fearfulness in some Cotons. Standoffish by nature, the Coton de Tulear needs extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with and could even lead to defensive biting.
Note: Coton de Tulear puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Coton de Tulear puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Coton de Tulear adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. - Grooming. Without frequent brushing and combing, the Coton de Tulear becomes a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy.
- Housebreaking problems. The Coton de Tulear belongs to the same "family" of dogs as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese -- all of which are difficult to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary.
- Barking. The Coton de Tulear is often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.
Note: To teach your Coton de Tulear to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Coton de Tulear Training Page discusses the program you need. - Sorting through multiple clubs. There are several Coton de Tulear clubs, each claiming to be "the only true organization" for the Coton de Tulear in the United States. Each group supports its own standard for appearance, size, and temperament. Unfortunately, political backbiting abounds and you'll have to do a lot of research to pick your way through a minefield of claims, counterclaims, and accusations, some valid, some petty.
- High price. The Coton de Tulear dog is readily available in the United States, but Coton de Tulear breeders are still charging extremely high prices of $1500 or more.
Who should or should not own a Coton de Tuelar?
The Coton de Tulear requires the love and devotion of its owners. Anyone who is away from home often or who might be tempted to board their pets for long periods of time should not consider a Coton as a pet. In general, Cotons are long-lived (15.7 years average), therefore a Coton purchased for a junior high schooler will easily live long past the youngster's graduate degrees, first marriage, and early career. Make certain you are willing to commit to a Coton's care for almost as long as you'd commit to care for a child. Cotons tend to do very well with both children and other pets. In general, we do not recommend any dog for a family with children who are too young to realize that a pet requires understanding and a certain gentle, slow approach. All dogs require training; consider enrolling you and your puppy in a basic dog training course. Some Cotons are very quiet dogs, while others bark at the approach of strangers.