Coton De Tulear: Breeder selection and lines
When choosing a Coton De Tulear, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
What to verify before choosing
Coton De Tulear's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.
Read the record, not the promise
- Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
- Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
Walk away or pause if
Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.
References
Height: 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 15-19 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: Grooming the Coton puppy is a breeze. During that time you should groom him regularly and ensure that he learns to see grooming sessions as positive times of bonding with his person. Unless you are going to keep your Coton in a short 'puppy clip,' your dog will require a great deal of brushing. You must be careful to get your comb and brush all the way to…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Coton is a fairly active dog who requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks with his human at a slow speed will keep him in good weight and condition. Chasing a tennis ball around his backyard can keep his mind active as well as his body. A bored and unhappy Coton can become destructive. He does best when provided with enough exercise, lots of…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Coton is an alert dog and naturally territorial. Cotons should be well socialized from an early age so that they will enjoy going with you wherever you go. Obedience training is a good idea, for socialization as well as reinforcing lessons and manners. A bored Coton will be unable to learn anything. Keep your training sessions lively and entertaining…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Coton de Tulear, 'Royal Dog of Madagascar,' is a bright, happy-go-lucky companion dog whose favorite activities include clowning, cavorting, and following their special human around the house. The Coton is small but robustly sturdy.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CotondeTulear.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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