Coton de Tulear Diet
In Madagascar, the diet of a Coton de tulear was fed as a vegetarian and rice diet for nearly 300 years. Consequently, we recommend a vegetarian, low protein diet such as Natures' Recipe Vegetarian Diet.
Coton de Tulear Health
Cotons have about an average number of breed health defects, but they have a much lower incidence of them. That means that overall, this is a healthy, sturdy breed. A buyer should check with a breeder to determine things to look for in his/her lineage and details about the breeder's health guarantee. The breed is known to have a low incidence of heart defects (pulmonic stenosis), orthopedic problems associated with small breeds (luxated patellae, spinal disk disease), and the like. Recently, some few Cotons have been diagnosed with aggression problems, probably genetic. Most often, Cotons are not only non-aggressive, but deeply devoted to their human companions. Therefore, separation anxiety can become a problem unless careful training is followed.
Coton de Tulear Grooming Requirements
The long, light-textured hair requires regular brushing, careful grooming. The dead hair should be brushed and combed out. Excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears should be removed. They do not need a bath more than once or twice a year which will be adequate to keep them clean. The coat should not be scissored. Cotons sheds little to no hair. This breed is good for allergy sufferers. Requires rare bathing, only once or twice a year. Little-to-no shedding. Good for allergy sufferers. Coton de Tulear is okay for apartment life.
Coton de Tulear Train Ability
The Coton de Tulear can be difficult to house break. He benefits from early obedience training. A Coton is intelligent and learns quickly but can be a bit stubborn.
Coton de Tulear Exercise Needs and Activities
- While the Coton de Tulear is an ideal apartment dog, he needs room to run to maintain his happy disposition and to stay healthy. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
- Coton de Tulears require an average amount of room to run and play. They desire to be a part of a family. Weekly to bi-weekly brushing and occasional trimming and bathing will keep the coat in good shape.
- A Coton de Tulear dog likes to play and swim. They enjoy wide open spaces and can follow their masters on horseback for many miles. They do well in various areas of dog sports such as agility skills trials and catch. As active as they are, they will adapt well to the family's situation.