Vancouver Island Cotons

The Coton de Tulear is a member of the Bichon family of dogs. The Coton de Tulear accompanied pirates and sailors to the port of Tulear, Madagascar and has been established there since the 1600s.  He was adopted by the ruling tribal monarchy and became known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar". Only the nobility were permitted to own a Coton and this dog is still relatively rare in North America.  The Coton was bred to be a companion.

The Coton stands up to 12 1/2 inches high at the shoulder. He has a cotton-like, long-haired coat that is relatively low maintenance. The coat does not shed and dries quickly. It comes in white, black and white, and tri-colour.  As befits a dog bred for companionship, the Coton is long-lived, lively, happy, and loving. He has an amusing and affectionate nature. He will cock his head attentively and even walk on his hind legs to get a laugh! The Coton revels in his status as a lap dog and enjoys nothing more than being curled up with his family. This dog is extremely willing to please and devoted to his family.  An intelligent, alert, easily-trained animal, the Coton benefits from early obedience training and socialization. Cotons will coexist peacefully with other pets. They also generally tolerate some childish rough-housing. Some will act as watch dogs, but generally, Cotons bark infrequently. The Coton can adapt to almost any living style and climate but is an indoor dog. He will retain his happy-go-lucky attitude his whole life long.