Coton De Tulear: Exercise and activity
Plan Coton De Tulear's activity around both the work the dog enjoys and the recovery it needs afterwards. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period. Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
How to read the activity reference
Coton De Tulear's exercise is recorded as The Coton is a fairly active dog who requires a moderate amount of exercise. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Balance movement and recovery
- Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period.
- Use this exercise note (The Coton is a fairly active dog who requires a moderate amount of exercise) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
Stop the activity if
Reduce intensity and seek veterinary advice if exercise causes pain, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty.
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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