Coton De Tulear: Food, growth, and weight
For Coton De Tulear, use the dog's body condition and growth trend—not a breed number alone—to guide food and weight decisions. Use the individual dog's age, comfort, and recovery to set the pace. Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in. Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
What the body reference does not tell you
Coton De Tulear's weight is recorded as 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female). Here, that matters because it gives context for the individual dog's body condition, but not a target by itself.
Track the individual dog
- Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in.
- Use the weight (9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female)) as context, then measure the individual dog's trend rather than changing the plan from the reference alone.
- Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
Speak to a vet if
Do not make a therapeutic diet change without a veterinarian.
If this may be a health problem
This page is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not change food, medication, exercise, or care for an individual dog based on this page alone; contact a veterinarian for symptoms, pain, weight change, skin changes, persistent behaviour change, or any urgent concern.
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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